Special Notice to Industry about COVID-19 - March 20, 2020

Some good news. In response to a request from Governor Henry McMaster for a disaster declaration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for South Carolina small businesses suffering substantial economic injury resulting from the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of S.C. 
 
"These low-interest loans are of monumental importance to our business community," said Gov. Henry McMaster. "There's no doubt that our state's small businesses have suffered losses throughout this incredibly difficult time, but help is on the way."
 
Small businesses and non-profit organizations that have been financially impacted as a direct result of COVID-19 may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses. 

"These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can't be paid because of the disaster's impact," said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza. "Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing." 

The application and additional information is available at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. The deadline to return Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications is December 21, 2020.

The governor’s March 19 executive order directs all non-essential state government employees to not report to work beginning Friday, March 20, until further notice, and gives each agency head discretion in determining which staff are essential. 

State parks and welcome centers remain open at this time (the SC welcome center on I-77 southbound in Fort Mill, however, is closed.) Visitor gathering places at parks and welcome centers are off-limits to visitors to maintain healthy social distancing. Visitors can request service, however, by calling the phone number posted on doors.

The governor’s executive order also relaxes regulations on unemployment claims so applications can be approved more quickly and benefits begin sooner.

The order also relaxes hospital bed regulations so that medical facilities can expand their capacities.

Additionally, the SC Department of Agriculture will post a list of farms, wholesalers and community-supported agriculture organizations that will sell fresh food to consumers during social distancing. These locations will allow pick up on site and / or deliver purchases. The list will be posted at this link.

We will continue providing updated information as we receive it. Meanwhile, for real-time updates on COVID-19 in South Carolina, visit the public health website maintained by SCDHEC at this link.