Daily Business Bulletin – April 27, 2020

In order to keep you informed on the evolving impact of COVID-19 on our local community, the Plano Chamber will be publishing updates every weekday as the Daily Business Bulletin. We will share the top news items that you need to read to stay up-to-date on important health, community, and business issues as they develop.

April 27, 2020

FEDERAL:

• On the first day of the newly-replenished Paycheck Protection Program fund, the website administered by the Small Business Administration crashed.
• The Federal Reserve announced it will expand its municipal lending program to help states and cities as the pandemic increases its financial toll.

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STATE

• Governor Abbott unveiled a phased plan to begin to reopen the Texas economy.  Highlights include:
  • The statewide shelter in place will expire on Thursday, April 30th but social distancing guidelines will remain in place.
  • Phase I: Beginning Friday, May 1st, restaurants, retailers, malls, and movie theaters can open with up to 25% capacity.  Hospitals and doctors’ offices have loosened restrictions on procedures that can now take place, but they must reserve capacity for COVID-19 patients.
  • Phase II: Will begin after two weeks of data showing no ‘flare ups’ of positive tests throughout the state, perhaps as soon as May 18th.  This phase will increase Phase I occupancy and open new businesses such as barbershops, hair salons, and gyms.
  • A full listing of businesses and guidelines from this executive order can be found at gov.texas.gov/opentexas (however, please note that the website has been down since the announcement)

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REGIONAL/LOCAL

• • City of Plano has created a flyer to help explain current restrictions on activities and businesses.
  • Governor Abbott’s latest executive order conflicts with Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins’ most recent order.