For Employees
Assistance for workers and employers impacted by layoffs related to COVID-19, including unemployment insurance claims.
New “Safe at Work” Program Launched
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC), Northeast Iowa Community College through the COVID-19 Business Helpline, and the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) have created a new Safe at Work program. This service will provide businesses with assistance in creating their own safe plans for work and returning to work. GDDC serves a key partner in the creation of the Safe at Work plan and has produced a webinar for business leaders (Enter name and email address, no account required). The team will also be adding providers in northern areas of the region soon. Learn more about the plan by downloading the Safe at Work booklet. The current Business Helpline is also available for answering questions and providing additional guidance.
The Business Helpline can assist with questions businesses have about local, state and federal funding. Business owners may call (563) 588-3350 between 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email at [email protected]. The helpline has assisted hundreds of business owners since its opening.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Special Enrollment Periods and Other Health Coverage Options
Iowans who have experienced change in employment status due to COVID-19 may be eligible to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage through healthcare.gov. A special enrollment period (SEP) is a period outside of open enrollment when a person can enroll in or switch ACA coverage.
Iowans can find a licensed insurance agent at https://iid.iowa.gov/find-a-licensed-agent.
For Employers
The Iowa Department of Health has partnered with Iowa Economic Development (EDA) to host a vaccine webinar for business, industry, and agriculture.
Title: COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Business, Industry, and Agriculture
When: Friday, January 8th, 2:30 – 4pm
Details:
- This event can be attended through the link http://covidvax.idph.live in any web browser
- If as an attendee you already use Microsoft Teams, you can choose to open it there, otherwise choose “Watch on the web instead”
- An account is not required, click on the “Join anonymously” option on the splash page in the browser.
- Questions may be asked in the Q&A chat window, and as time allows, presenters will address questions.
See the Attachment for Webinar Registration and the PPT on 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic Vaccination for Industry Webinar.
Find general guidance for businesses including COVID-19 response, cleaning and disinfecting recommendations, and testing considerations at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/Business-and-Organizations.
Review Governor Reynolds’ most up to date Emergency Disaster Proclamations for details regarding the closing of specific establishments.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.[1] The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.
Center for Industrial Research and Service
Find information here regarding educational guides and direct support regarding business protection & response, manufacturing supply chain disruptions, and travel ban updates.
United States Department of Labor
Find information here regarding workplace safety, wages, hours, & leave, and unemployment insurance flexibilities.
For Producers
Resources from the ISU Farm, Food and Enterprise Development Program
Iowa State University Extension & Outreach has provided up-to-date resources to support Iowa’s small farms, food systems, and business enterprises during the novel corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic.
USDA’s COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue unveiled a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide (PDF, 349 KB) is a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic.