Keep your business in the know during the COVID-19 outbreak.

With information concerning the Coronavirus (COVID-19) rapidly evolving, DRM is committed to providing you relevant and timely guidance on how to navigate this challenging time. 

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

• August 11, 2020: New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has announced the issuance of an order requiring masks to be worn at scheduled gatherings of 100 or more individuals. With the details of the order yet to be released, the Governor announced that the mandate won’t apply to large businesses or to schools, unless there is a “prescheduled” event or school assembly with a large crowd. In addition, enforcement measures (e.g. fines) will be focused on organizers or hosts of such events if they willfully disobey the order.

• August 10, 2020: While the SBA is still preparing for the anticipated August 10 launch of its loan forgiveness portal, earlier this week it released new guidance answering 23 FAQs regarding the forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program loans. Scott Jaunich provides the details.
• July 23, 2020: Vermont Governor Phil Scott has issued an order requiring people wear masks in public starting August 1. The order requires anyone over the age of 2 wear a mask (unless the person has a physical disability that precludes wearing a mask). At this time, no fines or penalties are in place for failure to wear a mask, however businesses will be permitted to decline serving customers not wearing masks. Both public and private businesses will be required to post signage regarding the mask requirement. Read the Governor's full press release. 
• July 20, 2020: A new bill is now pending in the Senate which enhances lender protections and facilitates forgiveness for those PPP borrowers receiving PPP loans of less than $150,000. Proponents of the legislation have explained that the bill would cover 85 percent of PPP borrowers but only 26 percent of the funds obligated. Read Scott Jaunich's full write-up. 
• July 14, 2020: Governor Sununu released the New Hampshire Back-to-School Guidance today for the planned physical reopening of New Hampshire’s K-12 schools. New Hampshire will not require schools to reopen, but provides recommendations on how to safely return to schools in September 2020. Masks are strongly encouraged, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but are not required for students in the state’s guidance. Each school district may develop their own guidelines, using the state’s protocols as their base.