Business – Latest Updates
On December 15, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board adopted Non-Emergency COVID-19 Prevention Regulations. These regulations will take place in January 2023 and will remain in effect for two years after the effective date. The COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards remain in effect until the new regulations become effective.
The Non-Emergency COVID-19 Prevention Regulations include some of the same requirements found in the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards, as well as new provisions aimed at making it easier for employers to provide consistent protections to workers and allow for flexibility if changes are made to guidance in the future from the California Department of Public Health. These regulations apply to most workers in California who are not covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard.
Business Outbreak Reporting
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) has worked seamlessly with our Business Community, in assisting them in determining if a COVID-19 outbreak exists at their facility, working together to plan and coordinate a response that meets the needs of the workplace. As of December 31, 2022, Cal/OSHA made changes to reporting requirements.
In light of such, our Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Levin, is requesting that all businesses continue to notify VCPH upon identifying 5 or more employees who result positive for COVID-19 within a 14-day period. VCPH will determine if an outbreak exists and then work together with the business to respond to the outbreak. The business team remains eager to provide consultations, support in mitigation measures, and vaccinations, if requested. If businesses have any questions or need guidance, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (805) 981-5201.
Guidance for Face Coverings
In alignment with the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels, CDPH updated its masking requirements in specified high-risk settings, consistent with current CDC recommendations. Click here to read the CDPH Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings.
Financial Assistance Programs
CALIFORNIA BUSINESS COMEBACK GUIDE
The California Business Comeback Guide is intended to help businesses and for-profit entities identify relevant new and existing state funding resources for recovery and success.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE (EDC)
If your business has been negatively impacted by COVID-19, visit the Economic Development Collaborative’s (EDC) COVID-19 Business Resources webpage. The EDC has compiled a list of resources now available for businesses, self-employed individuals and nonprofits who have been impacted by COVID-19.
Eviction Moratorium
Eviction moratoriums provide protections from eviction due to COVID hardships. Read the guidance below to see what these moratoriums mean for you and your business.
EDC – Advisor, Tenant and Landlord Guidance During COVID-19
Quick Access Links for Tools and Resources
- CDPH COVID-19 Outbreak Data – COVID outbreak data reporting updates
- CHHS COVID-19 Outbreak Data – COVID outbreak data
- California GO-Biz – California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
- U.S. Small Business Administration – Loan programs for small businesses
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Resources, news, tools for small businesses
- California Department of Public Health – Read the latest health orders that impact your business
- Industry Guidance from the State of California
- Resuming Business Toolkit from the CDC