Federal US Government | Small Business | Essential Services | Disinfection Services
What loan programs are offered to businesses during the pandemic, and are they still open to applications?
OPEN through 5/31/21: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Program (forgivable). The PPP loans were available to small businesses; funds used on specific categories are considered forgivable (60% on payroll, 40% on other specified expenses.) To apply for a PPP loan speak with your lending institution. PPP information is available here.
OPEN until funding is exhausted: Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program (loan only). This program provides loans to small businesses that have lost revenue as a result of COVID. Information on the program is available here.
CLOSED: Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program advances (forgivable). EIDL Advance funds were originally calculated based on the number of employees on an applicant's COVID-19 EIDL application: $1,000/employee, up to a maximum of $10,000. This was forgivable, and information is available here.
CLOSED 1/8/21: Main Street Lending Program.(loan only) This was open to medium-sized businesses (10,000 or fewer employees OR up to $2.5 billion in revenue) For more details on the program, go here.
Where can I get more information about stimulus checks?
The IRS will always have the most up to date information. Their COVID-19 stimulus check page is here.
Where can I get information on tax credits passed in COVID Legislation?
The IRS has also provided information here on tax credits for businesses.
Where can I get information on PPP Loan forgiveness?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has prepared a packet of information for those seeking SBA loan forgiveness available here.
Where can I find an explanation of the SBA loans?
NPMA is a member of the US Chamber of Commerce, which has prepared a guide for small businesses who want to take a small business loan from the Small Business Administration. You can get answers to many of your questions here on loan forgiveness and eligibility.
Where can I find information from the Department of Labor about my legal obligations?
The Department of Labor has a robust webpage here with information for your legal obligations under COVID legislation.
Is there a letter that I can carry showing I’m an essential service?
If your state has listed pest control/management/exterminating as an essential service and you want to continue to operate, then you can use the attached form for your US employees with information on pest control being an essential service in states with a shelter in place order.
If pest control is considered an essential service, does my company have to operate?
No, the essential services designation means that businesses in that category can choose to continue to operate, not that they must.
Can pests like rodents or cockroaches spread coronavirus?
There is currently NO evidence that pests of any kind (cockroaches, mosquitoes, or rodents) are vectors for the virus.
What kind of license is required to apply antimicrobial products?
License requirements vary by state. In some places, no license is required, in others a specific antimicrobial license category has been established. NPMA is developing a tracking document to help member companies determine their requirements. Alternatively, you may contact your state lead agency to find out what is required for this type of service.
What kinds of changes to service operations are pest control companies considering in light of the current situation?
Pest control operations have been defined as “essential” at the federal, state and local levels. As such pest control activities can continue, but each business needs to determine what changes (if any) suit their clients and workforce. Some guidance that could be considered has been published by University Extension personnel and can be accessed here:
University of Kentucky
Northeastern IPM Center
University of Florida
Can I use fumigation or wide-area spraying to help control COVID-19?
From https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/can-i-use-fumigation-or-wide-area-spraying-help-control-covid-19
EPA does not recommend use of fumigation or wide-area spraying to control COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you clean contaminated surfaces with liquid products, such as those provided on List N, to prevent the spread of disease. Read CDC's recommendations. Fumigation and wide-area spraying are not appropriate tools for cleaning contaminated surfaces.
The master label on file at EPA is not the same as the label on the container. Which do I use?
When the master label is updated and approved by EPA, the container (market) label must be redrafted and then approved by each state. Some states take months to approve the new label. Only then can the revised product label be printed and applied to product containers when manufactured. After that, it can be months before the user obtains product with the new label. Always use the label which accompanies the product.