COVID-19
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce continues to support the Fairfield Community and encourage you to do the same. At this time, our office remains open, and we will be vigilant about maintaining a safe environment here at the Chamber — and should we need to work remotely, we are prepared for that. We are in contact with State and local government and departments to bring you the most accurate and timely information available.
Here are some resources to help you navigate through this unprecedented time.
CDC Resources
- Resources for Businesses and Employers
- CDC Frequently asked questions
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers: Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus Disease
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
Information for the Town of Fairfield
- COVID-19 Page: This page is dedicated to provide information and resources regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
- Call 2-1-1 for general COVID-19 questions
- Yale New Have Call Center – 1-833-ASK YNNH (275-9644) – Open 7 AM – 7 PM
- As of 3/16/2020, Governor Lamont ordered restaurants and bars to close for dine-in. Many local restaurants are still open and offering delivery, take out, or curb side. For a list of restaurants in Fairfield, please click here. Since information is changing so quickly, we suggest you call the restaurant directly.
- You can also buy gift cards to your favorite eating establishment or store to use at a future date.
- At this time, few retail stores are open. You can support the local retailers by shopping online.
Fairfield Friendly Caller Program: Do you know someone feeling lonely or isolated? Fairfield Public Health Nurses, Library Staff and CERT Volunteers will make calls to those who want a friendly, informal chat, to let them know someone is thinking of them, to make sure they have everything they need and to know what resources are available.
Call Fairfield Social Services at 203.256.3166 or email socialservices@fairfieldct.org.
State of Connecticut: Information
https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-for-Businesses/Coronavirus-for-Businesses
On March 19, 2020, Governor Ned Lamont and DECD Commissioner David Lehman held a conference call with small business owners from across Connecticut to discuss efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our state’s businesses. This is the full audio of that call.
Frequently Asked Questions on the State of Connecticut’s actions related to COVID-19: Click Here
DECD’s COVID-19 Business
Emergency Response Unit: The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development has created a COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit dedicated to assisting businesses navigate resources and develop new resources. A dedicated phone line is has been set up at 860-500-2333 to provide assistance to Connecticut’s small businesses for this purpose.
Small Business Express Program: This program provides loans and grants to Connecticut’s small businesses to spur job creation and growth. The CT general Assembly passed a bill allowing businesses to utilize small business express loans to assist with paying business office rent.
DECD is also deferring all Small Business Express payments for three months to allow employers to focus on their payrolls. For small business assistance, please call DECD’s business hotline at 860-500-2333.
Unemployment assistance: Workers directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic no longer must be actively searching for work to qualify for unemployment assistance. And employers who are furloughing workers can use the Department of Labor’s shared work program, which allows businesses to reduce working hours and have those wages supplemented with unemployment insurance. For more information on COVID-19 unemployment questions: Click Here
State of CT -Tax Filing extensions: The Department of Revenue Services has extended deadlines for filing and payments associated with certain state business tax returns. Details are on DRS’s website.
Business Interruption Insurance: A business interruption insurance policy should list or describe the types of events it covers. Events that are not described in the policy are typically not covered. It is important to review the policy exclusions, coverage limits, and applicable deductibles with your agent, broker or insurer. The Connecticut Insurance Department has an FAQ that provides more information.
Information for Small Businesses
SBA assistance: On March 16, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Governor Lamont’s request to begin offering disaster-relief loans to Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits. Companies in the state can now apply for loans of up to $2 million through a special page on the SBA website. SBA also has more valuable information for businesses.
SBA to Provide Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
CBIA – Connecticut Business & Industry Association
