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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Distressed companies can receive federal bailouts with strings attached under certain circumstances.
5. 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.

Memo from AFA Executive Director, Tony Thornton