Coronavirus: How Oklahoma City Businesses Can Apply For Disaster Assistance Loans

Press release from the City of Oklahoma City:

3/21/2020

Oklahoma City businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are now eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) at sba.gov/disaster.

To qualify, businesses and non-profits must have a physical presence in Oklahoma, must have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as a result of the pandemic, must be independently owned and operated, must not have credit available elsewhere and must meet size standards required by SBA.

The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.

There are ongoing operational restrictions for businesses, events and gatherings in Oklahoma City due to a state of emergency proclaimed as the pandemic develops. Visit covid19.okc.gov for the latest local information.

The local restrictions, similar to those in cities nationwide, are to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Public health officials say it’s critically important to limit social interactions, which will slow the rate of infection and ensure people who are sick receive the best possible care.

Quick links

• OKC metro summary from OCCHD
• Help medical providers by knowing your risk
• COVID-19 testing in the OKC metro
• Home OKC Homeless Services resources
• Statewide summary from OSDH
• What to do if you're sick
• Household preparation guide from the CDC
• National Disaster Distress Helpline (24/7, year-round counseling and support)
• Heartline Oklahoma (2-1-1) (24/7, year-round resources and support)
• Oklahoma Small Business Disaster Economic Injury Assessment
• United Way COVID-19 response fund

Local guidance

Information and recommendations from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD):

• Practice social distancing. Stay home if you can. Work from home if you can.
• Avoid large gatherings. They are already banned in most City buildings and facilities.
• Older adults and people with chronic illness should avoid all non-essential air travel. They are at a higher risk for a more severe infection.
• COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, follow the latest guidance from OSDH at coronavirus.health.ok.gov.
• OKC metro situation summary
• Oklahoma situation summary
• Oklahoma resources

Preparation and prevention

Here's a guide from the CDC about preparing your household.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home and avoid contact with others when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Try singing "Happy Birthday" twice, because that's about how long it takes. It's especially important to wash your hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Healthy people don't need a face mask for protection from any respiratory disease, including COVID-19. Masks are for people showing COVID-19 symptoms to prevent spreading it to others, and for health workers or others taking care of a sick person in a close setting like a home or health care facility.
• COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, follow the latest guidance from OSDH at coronavirus.health.ok.gov.
• Prolonged school closures have been announced. Families and employers should plan to adapt.
• Get help if you're distressed. If you don't know where to start, contact the national Disaster Distress Helpline or Heartline Oklahoma (2-1-1).
• Be prepared, not scared. Find more information on how to make a plan and build an emergency kit for any emergency at home here. Find information specifically for COVID-19 on how to prepare your household here, or prepare your business here.

This press release was produced by the City of Oklahoma City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.