COVID-19 Updates & Resources
Open Houses prohibited as of 11:59 pm, Monday (11/16)
See full list and details of most recent COVID-19 restrictions
Clark County in Phase 2
While the county is in Phase 2 is imperative that residential construction leads the way to demonstrate that construction jobsites are safe and sanitary in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
What Does Phase 2 Mean?
Thanks to the efforts of BIA, BIAW, local elected officials, and our members, the governor has agreed to Phase 2 Construction Guidelines.
Highlights:
- All construction is allowed
- Requires Jobsite Hazard Analysis to be performed
- A copy of the COVID-19 Exposure Control, Mitigation, and Recovery Plan must be available on each job site during any construction activities
- Individuals working alone not required to wear PPE
- Workers able to perform tasks with less than 6-foot interaction distance (require higher level of PPE*)
- Temperature and symptom screening can be done at home and reported to the employer
- Jobsite Safety Plan, Phase 1 Safety Requirements, Work to be Performed and Coronavirus Prevention documents no longer required to be posted
- Visitor’s log is no longer required
- Gloves and eye protection at all times is no longer required (eye protection required for tasks under 6’)
- Limit of one trade on-site is no longer required but is highly recommended
- Looking for Phase 2 real estate and mortgage guidance? ⇒ Access
- Open Houses are allowed once again; limits are determined by county gathering restrictions, which in Clark County is 5.
- Looking for Phase 2 office guidance? ⇒ Access
Additional Resources:
- Watch the Phase 2 Builder Update Webinar
- Watch BIAW’s webinar on complying with Phase 2 Safety Requirements
Need PPE? We have you covered.
Have employees with COVID-19?
You must notify Clark County Public Health within 24 hours if you suspect COVID-19 is spreading in your workplace or if you are aware of 2+ employees who have a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case within a 14-day period.
We’re always here to help you navigate these hoops. Should you need some advice, email Ryan Makinster, BIA Government Affairs Director, or call 360-694-0933.
Remember to stay vigilant.
We’re hearing reports of fraudulent PPP loans and identity theft of business owners. We recommend checking your accounts frequently and utilizing a credit monitoring service that can alert you when loans are applied for using your personal information.
Business Resources
- Small Business Requirements and Resources COVID-19 Impact Resources ⇒ access resources
- The Vancouver Clinic can provide consultation and testing for COVID-19 as the building industry reopens under Phase 1. TVC has 2 rapid testing sites now operational where they can provide a 24 hour or less turnaround (Columbia Tech Center and Ridgefield locations) ⇒ learn more
- Employee Retention Tax Credit: What You Need to Know ⇒ learn more
- Coronavirus Emergency Loans for Small Businesses ⇒ learn more
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
- FAQs for seeking small business loans
- Yes, self-employed and independent contractors are eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
- Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act ⇒ learn more
- What You Need to Know About the CARES Act ⇒ learn more
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- FAQ for Employees & Employers
- Employee Rights Poster ⇒ Download
- Learn how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act ⇒ watch webinar
- Internal Revenue Service
- Covid-19 IRS Payroll Tax Credits Available to Small & Midsized Employers ⇒ learn more
- Sick and Family Leave & Employee Retention Credits may help with pandemic-related workforce issues ⇒ learn more
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans
- Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (provides small businesses with funds to pay for payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities) ⇒ learn more & APPLY
- Please note: loans will only be “forgiven” (considered a grant) if the employer keeps all employees on payroll throughout the time of hardship.
- Pro Tip: Applying for a loan is easy to do online but it may be processed faster through your commercial lender/bank.
- Businesses with PPP Loans now eligible for Payroll Tax Deferral ⇒ learn more
- Find an SBA approved lender
- Washington State Agencies & Resources
- B&O Tax (request a one-time, 24-month penalty waiver if you have not owed a penalty in the last 24 months)
- Excise Tax Filing Assistance (qualifications for filing extensions or penalty waivers)
Small Business Loans FAQs ⇒ learn more - SharedWork Program (provides opportunity to retain employees at reduced hours)
- Do you have questions about layoffs, reduction in work hours, and how the government might be able to help you so your business can weather the COVID-19 storm? Our local WorkSource office wants to help by answering your questions! Contact Susan Milke (Construction Liason) at 360-735-4981 or email.
Employee Resources:
- Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety they may be experiencing because of COVID-19 ⇒ Call support line at 1-833-681-0211. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
- Unemployment fraud is running rampant ⇒ report an incident
- Scenarios & Benefits Available for Those Impacted by COVID-19
- Washington State Unemployment (emergency rules recently adopted that can relieve burden of temporary layoffs)
- Paid Family & Medical Leave (healthcare provider must certify you are unable to work in order to qualify)
- Employment Security Department (resources for employers and employees & common scenarios that may occur and benefits that may apply)
- Unemployment insurance: If you’re self-employed, you can access benefits beginning mid-April.
- Washington State Department of Health (state hotline available 6:00 am – 10:00 pm: 800-525-0127)
- Many utilities will not shut off service for lack of payment ⇒ learn more
- Crisis Connection (connects people with crisis services like applying for food, child care, cash, long-term care and health care)
- Washington Health Benefit Exchange (special enrollment period extended; if laid off, individuals may qualify for low or no cost health insurance from the state) ⇒ learn more or apply
- How to properly wash your hands ⇒ learn more
3-in-1 Membership at Work
BIA of Clark County, BIAW, and NAHB is working to protect and promote the industry in these uncertain times.
Building Industry Association of Clark County
- Virtual Builder Update
- City/County Protocol (& Closures)
- Utilities Protocols and Announcements
- Information for businesses also operating in Oregon ⇒ Thank you, partners at the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland
Building Industry Association of Washington
- BIAW petitions Gov. Inslee to repeal new L&I emergency rule ⇒ learn more
- BIAW has produced templates for all of the required documents you need to have at every jobsite in order to return to work under the Phase 2 guidelines ⇒ access
- Safe Jobsite Frequently Asked Questions ⇒ access
- WEBINARS:
- COVID-19 Employer and Workplace/Jobsite Supervisor Responsibilities ⇒ watch recording
- BIAW Town Hall – COVID-19 Resources for Employers and Employees ⇒ watch recording
- CARES Act Stimulus Package and Washington Unemployment Update for Businesses
- Senate Republican Caucus sends letter to Gov. Inslee urging a reclassification of residential construction as “essential” ⇒ view letter
- BIAW’s Resources for Employees and Employers ⇒ access here
- BIAW’s 10-Point Plan for Building a Safer Jobsite during COVID-19 POSTER ⇒ download now
National Association of Home Builders Updates
- NAHB Video Toolbox Talk Provides Guidance on Coronavirus Safety ⇒ watch now
- COVID-19 & Building Industry Webinars (will need NAHB login so call our office for your login permissions) ⇒ access here
- Includes following topics: COVID-19 Update for Your Workplace, Small Business Administration Loans and Tax Relief Provisions in CARES Act, and Cash Management
- Coronavirus outbreak: What businesses need to know ⇒ read