*Number of cases indicates the cumulative total since the first case was diagnosed in Polk County. This number can only climb or remain steady and cannot decrease. For more information regarding statistics that affect our business community visit thefloridascorecard.org.
Routinely Updated Pages for latest information:
Form for Physicians to fill out for the COVID-19 Determination of Extreme Eligibility
Restaurant Revitalization Fund FAQ Updated 4-16-2021
Draft Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application - 4-16-2021
Restaurant Revitalization Fund FAQ Updated 4-16-2021
Draft Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application - 4-16-2021
Winter Haven Mask Ordinance
The City of Winter Haven on July 13 passed a mask ordinance requiring masks in indoor spaces within the City limits (with execeptions). This ordinance has been extended through October 15, 2020. To read the ordinance, click the link below.
The City of Winter Haven on July 13 passed a mask ordinance requiring masks in indoor spaces within the City limits (with execeptions). This ordinance has been extended through October 15, 2020. To read the ordinance, click the link below.
Business Mask Signage:
Masks are now required indoors in the City limits (with some exceptions). If you are a business and need some quick signage to print and put up, we've made some for you. The City is asking businesses to post signage. You can make it yourself as well. Check out a few easy options here -> (Updated September 15, 2020)
Polk CARES 2020 Program:
This program is currently closed.
This program is currently closed.
- Polk CARES 2020 Information
- Polk CARES 2020 Business Relief Grant Program: For Small Businesses, here are the FAQ’s in full
- Polk CARES 2020 Households/Individuals: For Individuals/Households, here are the FAQ’s in full
Winter Haven & Polk County Resources:
Applicants should utilize the following criteria when applying for PUA:
Individuals who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or after April 5, 2020, and were deemed ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits will receive additional application information from the Department. They can also visit www.FloridaJobs.org/cares-act for more information regarding these programs.
Pursuant to the requirements of the CARES Act, 20 C.F.R. 625.4, and section 443.036, F.S., those who are self-employed, contract employees, gig workers, or others who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or before April 4, 2020, should apply at www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim” to request PUA.
Helpful Resources and Links:
- City of Winter Haven
- Polk County Health Department
- Polk County Government
- Polk County Public Schools
- The Florida Scorecard - Polk County Metrics
- Tourism Related Job Opportunities
- Visit the community Facebook page, Supporting Small Business Winter Haven
- Flyer for your employees to help them during furlough or layoff
- Job Opportunities through the COVID-19 Crisis
- Polk County
- United Way of Central FL
- The Mission of Winter Haven
- City of Winter Haven
- Polk County Public Schools
- Florida's Reemployment Assistance Program
Applicants should utilize the following criteria when applying for PUA:
Individuals who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or after April 5, 2020, and were deemed ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits will receive additional application information from the Department. They can also visit www.FloridaJobs.org/cares-act for more information regarding these programs.
Pursuant to the requirements of the CARES Act, 20 C.F.R. 625.4, and section 443.036, F.S., those who are self-employed, contract employees, gig workers, or others who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or before April 4, 2020, should apply at www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim” to request PUA.
- Reemployment Application Portal
- Reemployment Assistance Application Mobile Site
- CertiPay Quick Reference Guide to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- Employee Rights under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Flyer
- Department of Labor Guidelines of the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (paid leave, unemployment etc)
- OSHA's Guide on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Helpful Resources and Links:
- City of Winter Haven phased re-opening of facilities
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Save Small Business Initiative
- Temporary Paid Leave and Family Medical Leave Guide
- Safer-At-Home Essential Business Information
- Florida Department of Health Toolkit
- Small Business Administration - Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan , Disaster Loan Programs
- Understanding Small Business Assistance Programs
News Releases/Communications By Date released:
7-14-2020: Local Update on Mask Requirement - A Message From Your Chamber President
7-8-2020: Today's Local, State & Mask Updates - A Message From Your Chamber President
7-2-2020: Masks, PPP and Independence Day - A Message from Your Chamber President
6-3-2020: Phases 1 & 2: "Safe, Smart, Step-by-Step" plan for Florida's Recovery
5-15-2020: "Full Phase 1" roll out from Governor DeSantis
5-6-2020: A Message from your Chamber Vice President
4-29-2020: A Message from your Chamber Vice President - Florida's Safe, Smart, Step-by-Step Recovery Plan
4-29-2020: AdventHealth Central Florida Community Coronavirus Briefing
4-28-2020: BayCare Shifting Hours for Drive-Thru COVID-19 Test Collection Sites
4-28-2020: AdventHealth Opens Polk County Testing Site
4-27-2020: City of Winter Haven phased re-opening of facilities
4-27-2020: A Message from your Chamber Vice President - Phased plan to Open up City facilities/parks/ramps
4-27-2020: First Thing Monday Morning
4-24-2020: A Message from Your Chamber Vice President
4-22-2020: A Message from your Chamber Vice President - news on additional funding for PPP & EIDL
4-21-2020: Restarting the Local Economy - A Message from Your Chamber President
4-20-2020: First Thing Monday Morning
4-15-2020: A Message from your Chamber Vice President
4-13-2020: First Thing Monday Morning
4-10-2020: A Message from Your Chamber Vice President
4-7-2020: A Message from Your Chamber Vice President
4-6-2020: A Message from Your Chamber Vice President
4-6-2020: First Thing Monday Morning
4-3-2020: Emergency Order – Reemployment Assistance Program
4-3-2020: Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief
4-2-2020: The Federal CARES Act Webinar
4-1-2020: FAQ's Safer-At-Home Order
4-1-2020: Governor DeSantis Safer-At-Home Order
3-30-2020: Update on Local, State and Federal Action March 30 - A Message From Your Chamber President
3-30-2020: First Thing Monday Morning - A Message From Your Chamber President
3-27-2020: Update on State and Federal Action March 27
3-27-2020: Polk County Public Schools to Distribute Internet-Accessible Devices Beginning April 1
3-26-2020: Update on Business Assistance and Pending Legislation March 26 - A Message From Your Chamber President
3-26-2020: Polk State College to continue all classes online through summer 2020
3-25-2020: Update on Local, State and Federal Action March 25 - A Message From Your Chamber President
3-25-2020: Tampa Electric Seeks to Significantly Lower Energy Bills
3-25-2020: If you have to furlough or layoff, share these resources with your employees
3-24-2020: Central Florida Health Care COVID-19 Response & Testing
3-24-2020: Florida SBDC Network Announces Changes to Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Application Process
3-23-2020: Update on Local, State and Federal Actions March 22-23 - A Message from Your Chamber President
3-23-2020: First Thing Monday Morning - A Message from Your Chamber President
3-21-2020: AdventHealth Issues FAQ on COVID-19 Testing
3-21-2020: Privately Owned RV Parks and Campgrounds Remain Open (not closed like state parks)
3-20- 2020: Polk County Public Schools Issues Instructional Continuity Plan
3-20-2020: Winter Haven Hospital President Issues Message to the Community
3-20-2020: GiveWell & United Way Launch United Community Relief Fund
3-20-2020: City Hall to Remain Open - City Hall Annex to Close
3-20-2020: Keeping Workers Paid and Employed Act Summary (Sen. Marco Rubios Bill)
3-20-2020: COVID 19 Bridge Loans for Small Businesses to Be Submitted Through SBDC at USF
3-20-2020: Out of Work - CareerSource Polk Can Help You Navigate Resources
3-20-2020: Update on Local, State and Federal Actions March 20 - A Message from Your Chamber President
3-19-2020: Updates on Local, State and Federal Actions March 19 - A Message From Your Chamber President
3-19-2020: Most Bank Branches have closed lobby operations. See the blog for details
3-18-2020: Rita Staffing holding virtual job fair for displaced workers to fill immediate positions. Apply here.
3-18-2020: BayCare to Launch Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Sites
3-18-2020: Update from Your Chamber re: COVID-19 Response and Pending Legislation
3-17-2020: Governor DeSantis' March 17 Declarations and Recommendations
3-16-2020: First Thing Monday Morning
3-14-2020: Numerous companies suspend deactivation due to non-payment to protect health and access to information. Check the blog for latest updates.
3-14-2020: Pending Federal COVID-19 Legislation and How It Will Impact Your Business
3-13-2020: School Lunches will be available to students during closure Tuesday, March 17 - Friday March 20 available at specific locations
3-13-2020: Polk State College, Polk County Public Schools, Florida Polytechnic University and many others suspend school, hoping to reopen Monday, March 30. Look at your specific school website for information on the scope of the closure. Update 3-20-2020 - No in-person instruction through the end of the Spring semester - all will be online instruction
3-13-2020: A Message from Your Chamber President Katie Worthington Decker
3-13-2020: Gov. DeSantis wants to know how this is affecting your business so they can target their resources. Please take this business damage assessment survey.
7-14-2020: Local Update on Mask Requirement - A Message From Your Chamber President
7-8-2020: Today's Local, State & Mask Updates - A Message From Your Chamber President
7-2-2020: Masks, PPP and Independence Day - A Message from Your Chamber President
6-3-2020: Phases 1 & 2: "Safe, Smart, Step-by-Step" plan for Florida's Recovery
5-15-2020: "Full Phase 1" roll out from Governor DeSantis
5-6-2020: A Message from your Chamber Vice President
4-29-2020: A Message from your Chamber Vice President - Florida's Safe, Smart, Step-by-Step Recovery Plan
4-29-2020: AdventHealth Central Florida Community Coronavirus Briefing
4-28-2020: BayCare Shifting Hours for Drive-Thru COVID-19 Test Collection Sites
4-28-2020: AdventHealth Opens Polk County Testing Site
4-27-2020: City of Winter Haven phased re-opening of facilities
4-27-2020: A Message from your Chamber Vice President - Phased plan to Open up City facilities/parks/ramps
4-27-2020: First Thing Monday Morning
4-24-2020: A Message from Your Chamber Vice President
4-22-2020: A Message from your Chamber Vice President - news on additional funding for PPP & EIDL
4-21-2020: Restarting the Local Economy - A Message from Your Chamber President
4-20-2020: First Thing Monday Morning
4-15-2020: A Message from your Chamber Vice President
4-13-2020: First Thing Monday Morning
4-10-2020: A Message from Your Chamber Vice President
4-7-2020: A Message from Your Chamber Vice President
4-6-2020: A Message from Your Chamber Vice President
4-6-2020: First Thing Monday Morning
4-3-2020: Emergency Order – Reemployment Assistance Program
4-3-2020: Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief
4-2-2020: The Federal CARES Act Webinar
4-1-2020: FAQ's Safer-At-Home Order
4-1-2020: Governor DeSantis Safer-At-Home Order
3-30-2020: Update on Local, State and Federal Action March 30 - A Message From Your Chamber President
3-30-2020: First Thing Monday Morning - A Message From Your Chamber President
3-27-2020: Update on State and Federal Action March 27
3-27-2020: Polk County Public Schools to Distribute Internet-Accessible Devices Beginning April 1
3-26-2020: Update on Business Assistance and Pending Legislation March 26 - A Message From Your Chamber President
3-26-2020: Polk State College to continue all classes online through summer 2020
3-25-2020: Update on Local, State and Federal Action March 25 - A Message From Your Chamber President
3-25-2020: Tampa Electric Seeks to Significantly Lower Energy Bills
3-25-2020: If you have to furlough or layoff, share these resources with your employees
3-24-2020: Central Florida Health Care COVID-19 Response & Testing
3-24-2020: Florida SBDC Network Announces Changes to Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Application Process
3-23-2020: Update on Local, State and Federal Actions March 22-23 - A Message from Your Chamber President
3-23-2020: First Thing Monday Morning - A Message from Your Chamber President
3-21-2020: AdventHealth Issues FAQ on COVID-19 Testing
3-21-2020: Privately Owned RV Parks and Campgrounds Remain Open (not closed like state parks)
3-20- 2020: Polk County Public Schools Issues Instructional Continuity Plan
3-20-2020: Winter Haven Hospital President Issues Message to the Community
3-20-2020: GiveWell & United Way Launch United Community Relief Fund
3-20-2020: City Hall to Remain Open - City Hall Annex to Close
3-20-2020: Keeping Workers Paid and Employed Act Summary (Sen. Marco Rubios Bill)
3-20-2020: COVID 19 Bridge Loans for Small Businesses to Be Submitted Through SBDC at USF
3-20-2020: Out of Work - CareerSource Polk Can Help You Navigate Resources
3-20-2020: Update on Local, State and Federal Actions March 20 - A Message from Your Chamber President
3-19-2020: Updates on Local, State and Federal Actions March 19 - A Message From Your Chamber President
3-19-2020: Most Bank Branches have closed lobby operations. See the blog for details
3-18-2020: Rita Staffing holding virtual job fair for displaced workers to fill immediate positions. Apply here.
3-18-2020: BayCare to Launch Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Sites
3-18-2020: Update from Your Chamber re: COVID-19 Response and Pending Legislation
3-17-2020: Governor DeSantis' March 17 Declarations and Recommendations
3-16-2020: First Thing Monday Morning
3-14-2020: Numerous companies suspend deactivation due to non-payment to protect health and access to information. Check the blog for latest updates.
3-14-2020: Pending Federal COVID-19 Legislation and How It Will Impact Your Business
3-13-2020: School Lunches will be available to students during closure Tuesday, March 17 - Friday March 20 available at specific locations
3-13-2020: Polk State College, Polk County Public Schools, Florida Polytechnic University and many others suspend school, hoping to reopen Monday, March 30. Look at your specific school website for information on the scope of the closure. Update 3-20-2020 - No in-person instruction through the end of the Spring semester - all will be online instruction
3-13-2020: A Message from Your Chamber President Katie Worthington Decker
3-13-2020: Gov. DeSantis wants to know how this is affecting your business so they can target their resources. Please take this business damage assessment survey.
CareerSource Polk Operation Recovery 2020 | |
File Size: | 490 kb |
File Type: |
COVID-19 Best Practices Guide for Businesses
Businesses should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from coronavirus while ensuring continuity of operations. Please visit the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for more on best practices and recommended strategies.
Implement Recommended Strategies for Employee Health and SafetyAny sick employees should stay home and away from the workplace, respiratory etiquette and hand washing should be encouraged, and routine cleaning of commonly touched surfaces should be performed regularly.
Establish a Cross-Functional Team to Manage Preparation and ResponseWhen faced with an event that has potential to significantly impact your business and its people, forming a team to manage your assessment, preparation, communication, and response is an important best practice. The earlier this team is in place, the better organized your response will be to limit impact on the business and your people.
Risk Assessment and Possible ScenariosUse your team to conduct a risk assessment and implement measures that balance the health and safety of employees with business continuity. Have your team brainstorm solutions to possible scenarios and considerations:
Assign Team Members to Implement Strategy Determine the strategies that best support your business and assign team members to implement them. Possible actions include:
Revisit or Create Planning and Response DocumentsUse the current coronavirus situation as an opportunity to develop or revisit existing plans and procedures, including your:
Stay Engaged, Up-To-Date, and Flexible
Implement Recommended Strategies for Employee Health and SafetyAny sick employees should stay home and away from the workplace, respiratory etiquette and hand washing should be encouraged, and routine cleaning of commonly touched surfaces should be performed regularly.
Establish a Cross-Functional Team to Manage Preparation and ResponseWhen faced with an event that has potential to significantly impact your business and its people, forming a team to manage your assessment, preparation, communication, and response is an important best practice. The earlier this team is in place, the better organized your response will be to limit impact on the business and your people.
Risk Assessment and Possible ScenariosUse your team to conduct a risk assessment and implement measures that balance the health and safety of employees with business continuity. Have your team brainstorm solutions to possible scenarios and considerations:
- What if schools are closed in your community? Will you provide childcare? Are all your employees equipped to do their job remotely?
- What is your business continuity plan and have you tested it? Can your business continue to operate efficiently if all your employees had to work remotely?
- What are guidelines for assessing the threat level to your business? What steps will you take as the threat increases? This team will prepare and have response plans in place should the threat level increase.
- How does this impact your supply chain? While your community may not be impacted, have you mapped your supply chain to determine sourcing of ingredients, parts or equipment to assess potential risk and how that will impact productivity of the business?
- Do you need to implement travel restrictions and who is monitoring the changing state of play there?
- What FAQs do your employees need to be equipped to answer? For example, if you make a product in China, are your employees able to confidently answer when a customer asks if it has been exposed and if they are in danger of getting sick upon receipt of the product?
- What is your response when employees ask if your major corporate meeting is still on for May? What if they ask about limiting domestic travel?
- Are you legally allowed to take an employee’s temperature?
Assign Team Members to Implement Strategy Determine the strategies that best support your business and assign team members to implement them. Possible actions include:
- Establish an ongoing process to communicate health and safety measures to all employees, through email and other digital media, staff meetings, hanging posters, water-cooler conversations, etc.
- Communicate and continue to communicate with customers, vendors, business partners, etc. know what measures you are taking to address coronavirus.
- Assess the risk of business travel and follow recommendations for safe business travel.
- Assess your essential functions and determine what is needed to maintain critical operations.
- Explore flexible and/or remote work if needed.
Revisit or Create Planning and Response DocumentsUse the current coronavirus situation as an opportunity to develop or revisit existing plans and procedures, including your:
- Business Continuity Plan
- Emergency Response Plan
- Outbreak Response / Pandemic Plan
- Event Cancellation Policy
- Sick Leave, Business Travel, and Remote Work Policies and Procedures
Stay Engaged, Up-To-Date, and Flexible
- Continue to monitor news provided by official channels, including the CDC, WHO, local and state governments and health departments.
- Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of these policies.
- Maintain regular communication with employees and business partners as the situation changes and develops.
- Continue to use your cross-functional team to adjust to the changing needs of your business to maintain successful operations.
- Share best practices with other businesses in the community (especially those within the supply chain), chambers of commerce, and associations to improve community response efforts.