Coronavirus Updates by Michael Ehrenstein
COVID19 continues to threaten the public health. In an effort to reduce transmission of the virus, the Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez issued Emergency Order 07-20 on the morning or March 19, 2020. The order provides that “all non-essential retail and commercial establishments are ordered closed.” Essential businesses which may remain open include, healthcare providers, grocery stores, press, and financial institutions. Importantly, airlines as well as those businesses which provide airlines with support or supplies necessary to operate and which do not interact with the general public are also exempt. Although fact specific and somewhat ambiguous, a strong argument can be made that all aircraft parts and equipment manufacturers, suppliers, MRO’s and distributors in the airline supply chain remain exempt. We have attached a copy of the order for your convenience. The order, as well as the state of emergency declared by Governor DeSantis on March 9, 2020, and the National State of Emergency declared by President Trump on March 13, 2020, all have wide ranging effects on both essential and non-essential businesses.
The virus has infected more than our population. It has affected every aspect of all of our businesses, as well. For example, business owners may face challenges communicating to their employees, customers and vendors. Some businesses may have interruption insurance coverage triggered by the executive order. Others may be entitled to a panoply of benefits or subject to a host of obligations under new laws enacted in response to the pandemic, ranging from additional paid sick leave, to low cost business loans.
If your business or your clients’ businesses need help understanding their obligations to employees, communicating with customers or vendors, making a business interruption claim, or accessing benefits to which your business may be entitled, please contact us directly to see how we can help. Stay safe and be well.