COVID-19: Fence Industry
What You Need to Know
During this time of growing concern and uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic, the American Fence Association is stating the importance of fence, gate, automation and access systems as a necessity for the security of our nation’s buildings, homes and facilities. To keep you up-to-date during this time, the AFA has provided valuable resources and relevant information that pertains to our industry. Below, we have provided resources to help support you and your business during this time.
November 30, 2020
May 21, 2020
CISA Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers
Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application Overview
Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application
May 14, 2020
April 30, 2020
April 16, 2020
Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association essential business information
COVID-19 Trucking Impact through the US (sourced from American Trucking Association)
COVID-19: What it Means to Metal Manufacturing
***Updated Video 4/18/20***
April 9, 2020
Coronavirus Construction Limits: State-by-State Tracker
2020 AFA Company Workplace Guidelines & Preparedness Best Practices for COVID-19
Legacy News Flash – New COVID-19 Funding Options
April 6, 2020
April 2, 2020
Cares Act Update from Summit
Paycheck Protection Program Information
Paycheck Protection Program Application
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide & Checklist
Alliant Business Interruption & Insurance Policies
March 30, 2020
Paid Sick Leave Poster – US Dept. of Labor
March 26, 2020
Memo from National Association of Manufacturers
State and Local COVID-19 Response Information
While the final vote and passage is expected soon, it hasn’t actually happened yet. Here is a link to the New York Times, which has a good summary of 5 key things that are in the package at this moment:
- Direct payments to taxpayers in the amount of $1,200 to taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 per year and then tapering off and ending completely for taxpayers earning more than $99,000 per year. Families would receive an additional $500 per child, in an attempt to create a safety net for those whose jobs and businesses are affected by the crisis.
- Expansion in unemployment benefits to extend jobless insurance by 13 weeks and to include a 4 month enhancement of benefits. The program is expanded to include freelancers, furloughed employees and gig workers, such as Uber drivers.
- Small business that pledge not to lay off their workers can get emergency federally guaranteed loans from community banks. The loans would be available during an emergency period ending June 30, and would be forgiven if the employer continued to pay workers for the duration of the crisis.
- Distressed companies can receive federal bailouts with strings attached under certain circumstances.
- Money for hospitals and health care systems to furnish PPE, increase health care workers, testing supplies, new construction for patients. Additionally, increases in Medicare payment increases to all hospitals and providers.
The nation is a patchwork quilt of regulations with little uniformity. It’s essential that you check with your individual state and local directives in all planning and decision making.
March 23, 2020

Please read the Memo from AFA Executive Director, Tony Thornton, CFP, CAGOI, CAGSD, below, which refers to these resources:
Company/Employee Memorandum
Critical Manufacturing Sector Plan
Life Sustaining Business PDF
CISA Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers
Memo from AFA Executive Director, Tony Thornton
AFA COVID-19 Disclaimer Language
General Disclaimer
This COVID-19 information is being provided as a member service to all members of AFA. Each update is intended only to provide you with factual information. Additional information on COVID-19 issues and topics may be available from other sources, which the user may wish to consult for additional views and guidance. This information is not intended to be, and please do not construe it to be, legal advice. You are encouraged to share each update with your company’s legal counsel and then to rely on that counsel for advice.
Publication Disclaimer
The information in this publication is not meant to be all-encompassing, but rather is offered to draw your attention to the issues and subject matter covered. The suggestions and recommendations contained in this presentation [or named document] are based upon information that is believed to be accurate to the best of AFA’s knowledge at the time of publication. AFA shall not be liable for damages of any kind in connection with the information, opinions or procedures expressed, presented, or illustrated.