Coronavirus Resource Guide

Understanding NC Executive Orders

We're continuing to monitor COVID-19 and its impact on our region, and we want to provide you useful resources to help you prepare your organizations and teams as our economy begins to reopen.

Some key considerations from the CDC include:

Prepare for a possible increase in the number of employee absences due to personal or family member illness
Explore establishing policies that increase the physical distance between employees such as flexible worksites and work hours
Cross-train employees on essential functions in case of employee absences
Assess your essential functions and reliance on others – be prepared to change your business practices if needed to maintain critical operations

Please encourage your employees to implement best health practices, including:

Good handwashing (soap and water for at least 20 seconds)
Covering your cough and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Regular use of tissues and hand sanitizer
Stay home if you or a family member is sick
Sanitize commonly touched surfaces and objects regularly

Local & State Resources

NCDHHS

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), in coordination with federal, state and local partners, is responding to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Click here for updates and resources.

Forsyth County Public Health

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health is working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), other local health departments and health care providers as well as community partners including the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management Office to respond to COVID-19. Click here for updates and resources.

Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS)

Text to Access Food for Children

Parents in North Carolina who need food assistance for their children can text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

NC 2-1-1

NC 2-1-1 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina. Accessible via an easy-to-remember, three-digit number, families and individuals can call 211 to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services and resources within their community. Use the online search tool for community resources at nc211.org.

NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan

The North Carolina COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Lending program supports North Carolina small businesses and family farms as they recover from the economic impact of COVID-19. This rapid recovery loan helps small businesses bridge the gap between when crisis strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover. Click here for more information and to apply.

Clemmons Community Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund

Clemmons Community Foundation has established two response funds for nonprofits in the Lewisville-Clemmons area and Yadkin County. Click here for more information and to donate.

Winston-Salem Journal Local Marketing Grant Program

Winston-Salem Journal has created a local marketing grant program designed to help our local business community double the impact of their marketing through a matching grant. Grants will be issued up to $500,000 in total, ranging from $250 - $15,000 per month per client. Applications are being accepted for the months of April, May, and June. Grants apply to their full suite of print and digital marketing products. Click here for more information and to apply.

Consumer Protections Announced in Response to COVID-19

Click here to access information on over a dozen topics including:

- Federal foreclosure and eviction suspensions
- Mortgage loan forbearance
- Student loans and other debts owed to the government
- State actions regarding utility service and telecommunications
- Price gouging

Coronavirus Online Assessment Tools

Novant Health Online Assessment
Wake Health Coronavirus Resource Guide
COVID-19 Screening Tool
CDC Self-Checker

Coronavirus Hotlines

Novant Health Helpline: 877.9.NOVANT
Wake Health COVID-19 Hotline: 336.70-COVID
Mental Health / Disaster Distress Helpline: 800.985.5990

Winston-Salem Strong

An online resource of information and assistance in Winston-Salem from food and beverage lists and unemployment assistance to ways to donate in the community and free educational tools for kids of all ages.

Support Local

Restaurant & Grocery Resource Guide

We’ve created a local restaurant guide that lists Chamber member establishments who are offering takeout, curbside, delivery, and promotions. Go to bit.ly/lccc-eatlocal. To get on the list, go to tinyurl.com/lcc-shoplocal.

Winston-Salem Food & Beverage List

A comprehensive list created and maintained by Tim Beeman, aka The Man Who Ate The Town, and Lea Metz. Please email them if you have an addition or modification for this list.

Business Impact Survey

The Chamber is closely monitoring the impact COVID-19 is making on our local business community. Please share with us how it has affected your business and ways the Chamber can support. Click here to take the survey.

Volunteer Opportunities

Virtual Food Drive

Disaster Assistance & Response Programs

CARES Act SBA Loan Calculator

Click here to use the CARES Act SBA loan calculator powered by Nav.com to see how much money your business may qualify for.

SBA Disaster Assistance

The CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Click here for more information and to apply.

EIDL Loan Advance

This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. Learn more

SBA Express Bridge Loans

Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. Learn more

SBA Debt Relief

The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more

Paid Leave Programs Guide

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act created new temporary paid sick leave and paid FMLA programs, reimbursable by the federal government. Download the guide