Resources for businesses responding to the spread of COVID-19

Editor's note: We are keeping a section on okcchamber.com continually updated with new links and info. Please check that page and especially the Business Resources page within that section to keep up with the latest.

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Updated on March 17 to reflect additional resources and Chamber event postponements. 

As the OKC  community responds to the spread of COVID-19, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber's top priority is the safety of its staff, investors, members and visitors and the long-term strength of the regional economy. To help businesses implement strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations, the Chamber has compiled a list of resources that can help employers navigate the challenges ahead. While many organizations have pandemic procedures already in place, the resources below can help organizational leaders better understand the implications of COVID-19.

If you suspect that you have contracted COVID-19, please call the Oklahoma State Department of Health call center at 1-877-215-8336.

If COVID-19 has impacted your ability to meet any of your basic needs, please use the resources of Heartline/2-1-1, a 24/7 helpline that provides assistance for Oklahomans in need.   

Oklahoma City is experiencing community spread of COVID-19, a novel coronavirus ruled as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. To combat the spread of the virus, follow these recommendations from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD):

• Practice social distancing. Stay home if you can. Work from home if you can.
• Avoid large gatherings. They are already banned in most City buildings and facilities.
• Older adults and people with chronic illnesses should avoid all non-essential air travel. They are at a higher risk for a more severe infection.
• COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, follow the latest guidance from OSDH at coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

COVID-19 Impact on the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber

The Chamber has postponed or canceled its events from March 16 until May 1. The events impacted by these changes are:

• March 18 Chamber Forum -- Postponed to May 20
• March 19 Ambassador Meeting -- Canceled
• March 24 Find Your OKC Reception -- Rescheduled for June 23
• March 25 OKConnect Meeting -- Rescheduled; Date TBD
• April 2 Tinker Dining Out -- Canceled
• April 2 Enlighten -- Postponed
• April 9 Rise & Shine -- Rescheduled to June 25
• April 14 Member Orientation -- Canceled 
• April 15 Chamber Forum -- Postponed
• April 29-30 D.C. Visit -- Postponed to July 29-30 

As of March 17, the Chamber offices remain open, but how we do our daily work will likely change. Please call our offices before you come and observe the guidelines for entry posted on the Chamber entrances. 

COVID-19 Impact on Oklahoma City

• COVID-19 updates from the Oklahoma City Public School District
• COVID-19 (coronavirus) information from The City of Oklahoma City
• Current OKC Travel Information from the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau

About COVID-19: General Information

• COVID-19 updates from the Oklahoma City-County Health Department
• Information about COVID-19 from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
• Coronavirus information and resources from OU Medicine
• COVID-19 Resource Center from INTEGRIS Health
• COVID-19 Situation Summary from The Oklahoma State Department of Health
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information from the CDC
• COVID-19 outbreak information from the World Health Organization
• Print Resources in English and Spanish from the CDC
• Travel Health Notices from the CDC

Helping Oklahomans Impacted

• The Oklahoma City Public School District and The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools has created a Google form that will allow you to share how you might be able to support the district and its students at this time. Fill out the form at www.okcps.org/closurehelp.
• United Way of Central Oklahoma has established the COVID-19 Response Fund dedicated to increasing resilience among our most vulnerable individuals and families. Donate here. 

As our community responds to the spread of COVID-19, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber wants businesses to be able to implement strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations.

While many organizations have pandemic procedures already in place, the resources below can help organizational leaders better understand the implications of COVID-19.

DISCLAIMER: Resources are provided as information only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), or are experiencing symptoms of the disease, call your doctor/medical professional. We suggest that you consult an attorney if you have legal questions related to COVID-19, as the links below should be treated as a resource only. 

COVID-19 Resources for Businesses/Employers/Employees

Planning Tools:

• COVID-19: Implications for Business from McKinsey & Company
• COVID-19 HR and Employee Operations from LifeLabs Learning
• Pandemic Planning from the Department of Homeland Security
• Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Preparedness Planning for Businesses from the Department of Homeland Security
• Preparedness Planning for Families from the Department of Homeland Security

Resources and Guidelines:

• The Families First Coronavirus Response Act Labor & Employment Alert from GableGotwals
• Handshake-Free Zone Downloadable Sign
• Prevention Flyers and Posters from OU Medicine
• COVID-19 Updates from Employers from The National Law Review
• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the CDC
• COVID-19 Guidelines for Businesses/Employers from the Oklahoma State Department of Health
• Protecting Workers during a Pandemic from OSHA
• Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 from OSHA
• Business Continuity Plan from the Department of Homeland Security
• Coronavirus – What Employers Need to Know – ESI
• Guidance for Employers to Plan and Respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the U.S. Chamber Foundation
• Coronavirus Response Toolkit from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Steps Employers Should Consider Taking in Response to the Coronavirus from GableGotwals
• Can Employers Take an Employee’s Temperature and Other COVID-19 Questions from Phillips Murrah

Resources for Specific Fields and Professionals:

Educators:

• COVID-19 Guidelines for Colleges and Universities from the Oklahoma State Department of Health
• COVID-19 Guidelines for K-12 Schools  from the Oklahoma State Department of Health
• US Department of Education Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
• Resources for Higher Education from the CDC
• Resources for K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs from the CDC

Event and Meeting Planners:

• Coronavirus Resources from Meetings Mean Business
• Resources for Events and Mass Gatherings – COVID 19 from the CDC

For Faith-Based Leaders:

• Interim Guidance for Community and Faith Leaders from the CDC

Food Industry Professionals:

• Coronavirus and Pandemic Preparedness for the Food Industry from the Food Industry Association

Healthcare Professionals:

• COVID-19 Guidelines for Healthcare Providers from the Oklahoma State Department of Health
• Information for Healthcare Professionals from the CDC

Human Resources Professionals:

• Health, Safety, Security Relative to COVID-19 from SHRM

Small Business Impacted by Exports or Trade Disruptions:

• Report economic injury to your small business due to COVID-19 to support a request for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan
• Working Capital Recommendations from the SBA