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On Friday, state parks open and gathering sizes increase

Submitted by tim on

State Parks Opening Friday, June 26th

Agency of Commerce & Community Development All of Vermont’s state parks will be open for public use effective June 26th. Mandatory health and safety guidelines will be in effect. Day use activity will be managed to ensure sufficient physical space is available for social distancing, and amenities will be scaled back. State park campgrounds will be limited to tent, RV and lean-to camping; a new and improved web-based reservation system is also now available.

Capacity and Gathering Size Increases for Hospitality Sector and Events

ACCD has updated its Drive-in Operation guidance (Section 5.2) to make it clear firework displays and parades can move forward as drive-in viewing events. Sample plans from Vermont towns for safe fireworks displays are now available.

As a reminder – effective Friday, June 26th – arts, culture, and entertainment venues, as well as restaurants, can expand capacity for events and dining to 50% of approved occupancy size, with new maximum gathering sizes of 75 people for indoor events and 150 people for outdoor events.

PPP Deadline Nearing

The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds for payroll costs and is taking applications until June 30th. More than $100 billion in PPP funds are still available. Small businesses can use funds for up to 24 weeks and have the option of extending the life of the loan from two years to five. SBA will forgive loans if funds are used as intended.

EIDL Program Reopened for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

The US Small Businesses Administration has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19. The EIDL program offers long-term, low interest loans for small businesses and nonprofits that can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt, or fund other expenses. The EIDL Advance program will provide up to $10,000 of emergency economic relief grants to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.

Small Business Administration Webinars

The SBA Vermont District Office is hosting a free daily webinar at 9:00am Monday to Friday to discuss Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness and other changes. They are also hosting a free webinar at 9:00am Tuesdays and Thursdays to discuss the Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance, and pertinent updates.

Business Impact

ACCD wants to hear from all Vermont businesses impacted by the response to the COVID-19 virus. Please share these impacts via the ACCD Business Impact Form, which will help us assess the full impact as we work toward solutions.