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COVID-19 Weekly Update: February 18, 2021 DAYS SINCE 1st CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19 IN FLORIDA: 353 DAYS SINCE 1st VACCINE IN FLORIDA: 67 This Week's Message from Chamber President & CEO Mark Wilson: Many states have been hit hard by the winter storms that have swept across the Midwest, and there is more to come today and tomorrow in many northeastern states. These storms have caused massive power outages and many have lost their lives, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who are still enduring these powerful storms and have lost loved ones. Texas has seen a near blackout and many states are fighting this pandemic as well as trying to get the heat turned back on. While vaccine rollout has been going well so far with more than one million Floridians receiving BOTH doses of their vaccine and counting, Governor DeSantis announced yesterday in a press conference that additional shipments of COVID vaccine are likely to be delayed due to this week's storms. About 200,000 Moderna vaccines that were expected to arrive Tuesday were delayed and are expected to arrive today. This may cause many appointment cancelations, but is not likely to disrupt vaccine distribution throughout Florida for long. This is a reminder that - like the pandemic - things sometimes just happen that are beyond our control. If we maintain safe practices and adhere to the recommended guidelines, we can keep Florida's economy going in the right direction. Florida is set to receive 76,000 more vaccine doses next week than it received this week. According to data from the Department of Health and Human Services, Florida is getting 209,430 doses of Pfizer and 208,000 doses of Moderna vaccines, totaling 417,430 vaccines. This will aid the already incredible effort led by Florida's leadership and retailers like Publix and Walmart to get this vaccine out to Floridians. You can view the Florida Department of Health's latest vaccine report by county here. I continue to commend Florida's leadership for allowing free enterprise to thrive by allowing Floridians to go back to work safe and smart. Whether many want to acknowledge it or not, Florida, under Governor DeSantis’ leadership and partnership with business leaders, has remained a national and international model for protecting our most vulnerable and we are seeing a sizable decrease in the daily number of new COVID-19 cases. We are beginning to reach the low infection rate we were seeing just before Labor Day. We have seen what happens when we do things right, and we have seen what happens when we do things wrong. Now is not the time to let our guard down. 2021 WORKFORCE SURVEY -- YOUR PARTICIPATION IS REQUESTED Prior to COVID-19 Florida employers told us a skilled workforce was the top priority for 2020. A high-quality workforce is Florida’s best long-term economic development strategy and is crucial to becoming the 10th largest economy by 2030. We need your help to understand your company’s evolving workforce needs and the impact the pandemic is having on your recruiting and training goals. For the first year ever, we will be presenting the results not only for Florida as a whole, but we will also be providing results by industry. If you wouldn't mind, please take 5 minutes and complete the 2021 Workforce Survey for your industry. The results of the survey will be incorporated into the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2021 Florida Workforce Needs Study. Take the Survey Please find the latest cumulative COVID-19 numbers below: Florida Chamber Foundation Chief Economist Dr. Jerry Parrish and our research team continue to analyze COVID-19 data and report on it daily at TheFloridaScorecard.org. As cases vary regionally, we also offer a breakdown of data by county so you can know how COVID-19 is trending in your area. --Legislative Update-- Last Interim Committee Week Summary The last interim committee week was a busy one with 13 Florida Chamber-backed bills being heard in committee. Monday, the Commerce and Tourism Committee passed SB 778, by Senator Ed Hooper, which allows VISIT FLORIDA to continue after October 1, 2023 and SB 704, by Senator Joe Gruters, which creates a tax rebate program for family friendly television, movies and digital media productions that are located in Florida. Also in Commerce, Senator Joe Gruters filed an amendment to permanently exempt federal emergency loans from the documentary stamp tax onto SB 734, related to tax exemptions. This is something a Florida Chamber board member identified just as the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans were going to be rolled out at the beginning of April 2020 under the CARES Act. The Florida Chamber quickly worked with the Governor’s office to suspend the doc stamp tax collection on these emergency small business loans. This was the first committee hearing for all three bills and each bill has two committee stops remaining before the bills will be ready for the Floor. Also, on Monday, the Senate heard SB 88, by Senator Jason Brodeur, in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. This bill expands the Right to Farm Act and creates liability protections for farming operations. The House Ways and Means held an important workshop on remote commerce, and Florida Chamber Board of Directors member and past Small Business Council Chair Debbie Harvey from Ron Jon Surf Shop represented the Florida Chamber's position in the committee to discuss the importance of leveling the playing field between brick and mortar retailers and out-of-state online retailers. COVID-19 liability protections continued to be a focus this week. On Monday, SB 72 was on the agenda calendar in Senate Commerce and Tourism but was not heard because Senator Jeff Brandes was presenting a different bill in another committee. The House Judiciary Committee took up HB 7, the House general business liability bill for COVID-19, on Tuesday. This bill, by Representative Lawrence McClure, is now ready to be heard on the House Floor as early as the first week of session, which begins March 2. The House Health & Human Services Committee held it’s first hearing on HHS1, Health Care Civil Liability for COVID-19 Related Claims, by Representative Colleen Burton yesterday. This bill offers liability protections for health care facilities, hospitals, doctors, nurses and nursing homes that have substantially complied with government regulations and guidelines in response to the pandemic. Yesterday, SB 48 passed favorably out of its second committee assignment. Sponsored by Senator Manny Diaz, SB 48 will seek to consolidate student scholarship programs and provide parents with more flexibility to meet the educational needs of their child. This legislation will merge the John M. McKay and the Gardiner Scholarship Programs to create a new scholarship program, the McKay-Gardiner Scholarship Program. The bill also incorporates the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Hope Scholarship Programs into the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program. Additionally, the two new combined scholarship programs will establish education savings account for Florida students. Today, the Senate Finance and Tax Committee is hearing SB 50, related to E-Fairness, by Senator Joe Gruters. This bill will require sales tax collections from both online retailers that have a substantial economic nexus to the state or is a marketplace facilitators (such as Amazon or E-Bay). The committee will also hear SB 58, by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, which eliminates duplicate reporting requirements on non-profit hospitals to receive their property tax exemption, and SB 510, by Senator Ed Hooper which protects important attainable housing funding. Business Feedback Needed for the Future of Education As you know from the Future of Florida Forum, the University of Florida has launched their AI Initiative which will help make Florida a leader in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence solutions. The University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is working on bringing AI to our K-12 education system and is seeking industry feedback. Please consider providing your insights on this important topic by completing this eight minute survey. Take the AI Workforce Needs Survey Safety News and Trainings The Hierarchy of Control during COVID-19 By Diego Sanchez, CSP, ASP, CHST, OHST As COVID-19 cases continue to decline and it seems like things are getting better, it is an excellent opportunity to remind everyone that we are not out of the wood just yet. We still have to keep fighting and keeping our guard up; one way we can continue doing that is by revisiting the Hierarchy of Controls as described by OSHA to combat the virus's spread. While we can't apply all of the steps, some steps are vital in our fight against COVID-19. The Hierarchy of Control calls for the Elimination and Substitution of a hazard, which in this case is nearly impossible. As the vaccine continues to roll-out, we will be able to eliminate it soon, but we need to use other methods for now. We can use Engineering Controls; these controls are physical changes to the workplace that can help reduce exposure to a hazard. For example, barriers, shields, or anything that we can install between people to prevent the spread of the virus. We can continue using this method since it is the most effective against the spread. Administrative Controls are designed to change the way people work, for example, changes in shifts or work procedures that can help reduce exposure. If you are using these methods, and have been effective, continue using them. Ensure that you are conducting hazard analysis effectively to verify that these control still works in your organization. Social distancing is included in the Administrative Controls. Lastly, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is our last line of defense, but it can still be effective against COVID-19 if we are using it properly. Remember to use face covering or masks, gloves, and whatever PPE is required to comply with your job. Remember to use the Hierarchy of Control in order, begin with Engineering Control as they are the most effective, and move down the line. PPE is the last line of defense. Improve your workplace every day, always look for ways to enhance your business, and protect yourself. ***Public Training*** OSHA 30-HOUR GENERAL INDUSTRY PUBLIC TRAINING This 30-hour OSHA outreach course assists employers in training and introducing employees to the basic practices of identifying, reducing, eliminating, and reporting hazards associated with their work in General Industry. When: March 16 – 19 from 8:00am – 5:00pm EST Where: Tampa, Florida – Hampton Inn Tampa-Veterans Expressway Registration Pricing: $550 Click to Register If your business is in need of safety training - including COVID-19 training - we're here to help. For more information on keeping your workers safe, visit flchambersafety.com or contact Diego Sanchez, Senior Safety Manager at dsanchez@flchamber.com Click here to visit the Florida Chamber Safety Council website for COVID resources, safety trainings and more! The Florida Chamber Jobs & Competitiveness Agenda Where We Stand 2021 The Florida Chamber of Commerce has released its 2021 jobs and competitiveness agenda outlining key issues to keep Florida moving forward. View and Download Florida residents favor COVID-19 liability shield for businesses, Florida Chamber poll finds A recent poll by the Florida Chamber of Commerce found that 74% of respondents support a COVID-19 liability shield for small businesses similar to one that is proposed in Florida legislation currently pending. The number increases to 78% when you include health care providers. READ MORE> Florida Chamber Safety Council promoting safety programs amid anniversary of Parkland massacre The Florida Chamber Safety Council is working to create safer schools and workplaces as the third anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting approached. The Florida Chamber of Commerce created the Institute for a Safer Florida in 2019 under the Florida Chamber Safety Council in order to provide resources and trainings to ensure tragedies like the shooting in Parkland, which claimed the lives of 17 students and faculty, never happen again. The institute offers free active shooter training to schools, businesses and community members with the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course. READ MORE> Chamber wants local businesses to weigh in on workforce needs The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, among other local Chambers, is partnering with the Florida Chamber on a survey to understand local companies' workforce needs and the impact that the pandemic is having on their recruiting and training. The results of the survey will go into the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2021 Florida Workforce Needs Study. READ MORE> Florida Chamber, local Chambers join coalition supporting COVID liability protections More than 100 local Chambers of Commerce have joined the Florida Chamber's coalition in support of the COVID-19 liability protection bills. The Florida Chamber and other pro-business groups say the protections are necessary for Florida’s economy to continue recovering amid the pandemic. READ MORE> Thank you for your continued support as we work to unite Florida's businesses for good. If there is anything you need from your dedicated Chamber Staff, or have questions at any time, I invite you to email me directly at mwilson@flchamber.com. My best, Mark Wilson President & CEO Florida Chamber of Commerce www.FloridaChamber.com/Coronavirus
COVID-19 Weekly Update: February 18, 2021
DAYS SINCE 1st CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19 IN FLORIDA:
353
DAYS SINCE 1st VACCINE IN FLORIDA:
67
This Week's Message from Chamber President & CEO Mark Wilson:
Many states have been hit hard by the winter storms that have swept across the Midwest, and there is more to come today and tomorrow in many northeastern states. These storms have caused massive power outages and many have lost their lives, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who are still enduring these powerful storms and have lost loved ones. Texas has seen a near blackout and many states are fighting this pandemic as well as trying to get the heat turned back on.
While vaccine rollout has been going well so far with more than one million Floridians receiving BOTH doses of their vaccine and counting, Governor DeSantis announced yesterday in a press conference that additional shipments of COVID vaccine are likely to be delayed due to this week's storms. About 200,000 Moderna vaccines that were expected to arrive Tuesday were delayed and are expected to arrive today. This may cause many appointment cancelations, but is not likely to disrupt vaccine distribution throughout Florida for long. This is a reminder that - like the pandemic - things sometimes just happen that are beyond our control. If we maintain safe practices and adhere to the recommended guidelines, we can keep Florida's economy going in the right direction. Florida is set to receive 76,000 more vaccine doses next week than it received this week. According to data from the Department of Health and Human Services, Florida is getting 209,430 doses of Pfizer and 208,000 doses of Moderna vaccines, totaling 417,430 vaccines. This will aid the already incredible effort led by Florida's leadership and retailers like Publix and Walmart to get this vaccine out to Floridians.
You can view the Florida Department of Health's latest vaccine report by county here.
I continue to commend Florida's leadership for allowing free enterprise to thrive by allowing Floridians to go back to work safe and smart. Whether many want to acknowledge it or not, Florida, under Governor DeSantis’ leadership and partnership with business leaders, has remained a national and international model for protecting our most vulnerable and we are seeing a sizable decrease in the daily number of new COVID-19 cases. We are beginning to reach the low infection rate we were seeing just before Labor Day. We have seen what happens when we do things right, and we have seen what happens when we do things wrong. Now is not the time to let our guard down.
2021 WORKFORCE SURVEY -- YOUR PARTICIPATION IS REQUESTED
Prior to COVID-19 Florida employers told us a skilled workforce was the top priority for 2020. A high-quality workforce is Florida’s best long-term economic development strategy and is crucial to becoming the 10th largest economy by 2030. We need your help to understand your company’s evolving workforce needs and the impact the pandemic is having on your recruiting and training goals. For the first year ever, we will be presenting the results not only for Florida as a whole, but we will also be providing results by industry. If you wouldn't mind, please take 5 minutes and complete the 2021 Workforce Survey for your industry. The results of the survey will be incorporated into the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2021 Florida Workforce Needs Study.
Take the Survey
Please find the latest cumulative COVID-19 numbers below:
Florida Chamber Foundation Chief Economist Dr. Jerry Parrish and our research team continue to analyze COVID-19 data and report on it daily at TheFloridaScorecard.org. As cases vary regionally, we also offer a breakdown of data by county so you can know how COVID-19 is trending in your area.
--Legislative Update--
Last Interim Committee Week Summary
The last interim committee week was a busy one with 13 Florida Chamber-backed bills being heard in committee. Monday, the Commerce and Tourism Committee passed SB 778, by Senator Ed Hooper, which allows VISIT FLORIDA to continue after October 1, 2023 and SB 704, by Senator Joe Gruters, which creates a tax rebate program for family friendly television, movies and digital media productions that are located in Florida. Also in Commerce, Senator Joe Gruters filed an amendment to permanently exempt federal emergency loans from the documentary stamp tax onto SB 734, related to tax exemptions. This is something a Florida Chamber board member identified just as the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans were going to be rolled out at the beginning of April 2020 under the CARES Act. The Florida Chamber quickly worked with the Governor’s office to suspend the doc stamp tax collection on these emergency small business loans. This was the first committee hearing for all three bills and each bill has two committee stops remaining before the bills will be ready for the Floor.
Also, on Monday, the Senate heard SB 88, by Senator Jason Brodeur, in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. This bill expands the Right to Farm Act and creates liability protections for farming operations. The House Ways and Means held an important workshop on remote commerce, and Florida Chamber Board of Directors member and past Small Business Council Chair Debbie Harvey from Ron Jon Surf Shop represented the Florida Chamber's position in the committee to discuss the importance of leveling the playing field between brick and mortar retailers and out-of-state online retailers.
COVID-19 liability protections continued to be a focus this week. On Monday, SB 72 was on the agenda calendar in Senate Commerce and Tourism but was not heard because Senator Jeff Brandes was presenting a different bill in another committee. The House Judiciary Committee took up HB 7, the House general business liability bill for COVID-19, on Tuesday. This bill, by Representative Lawrence McClure, is now ready to be heard on the House Floor as early as the first week of session, which begins March 2. The House Health & Human Services Committee held it’s first hearing on HHS1, Health Care Civil Liability for COVID-19 Related Claims, by Representative Colleen Burton yesterday. This bill offers liability protections for health care facilities, hospitals, doctors, nurses and nursing homes that have substantially complied with government regulations and guidelines in response to the pandemic.
Yesterday, SB 48 passed favorably out of its second committee assignment. Sponsored by Senator Manny Diaz, SB 48 will seek to consolidate student scholarship programs and provide parents with more flexibility to meet the educational needs of their child. This legislation will merge the John M. McKay and the Gardiner Scholarship Programs to create a new scholarship program, the McKay-Gardiner Scholarship Program. The bill also incorporates the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Hope Scholarship Programs into the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program. Additionally, the two new combined scholarship programs will establish education savings account for Florida students.
Today, the Senate Finance and Tax Committee is hearing SB 50, related to E-Fairness, by Senator Joe Gruters. This bill will require sales tax collections from both online retailers that have a substantial economic nexus to the state or is a marketplace facilitators (such as Amazon or E-Bay). The committee will also hear SB 58, by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, which eliminates duplicate reporting requirements on non-profit hospitals to receive their property tax exemption, and SB 510, by Senator Ed Hooper which protects important attainable housing funding.
Business Feedback Needed for the Future of Education
As you know from the Future of Florida Forum, the University of Florida has launched their AI Initiative which will help make Florida a leader in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence solutions. The University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is working on bringing AI to our K-12 education system and is seeking industry feedback. Please consider providing your insights on this important topic by completing this eight minute survey.
Take the AI Workforce Needs Survey
Safety News and Trainings
The Hierarchy of Control during COVID-19
By Diego Sanchez, CSP, ASP, CHST, OHST
As COVID-19 cases continue to decline and it seems like things are getting better, it is an excellent opportunity to remind everyone that we are not out of the wood just yet. We still have to keep fighting and keeping our guard up; one way we can continue doing that is by revisiting the Hierarchy of Controls as described by OSHA to combat the virus's spread.
While we can't apply all of the steps, some steps are vital in our fight against COVID-19. The Hierarchy of Control calls for the Elimination and Substitution of a hazard, which in this case is nearly impossible. As the vaccine continues to roll-out, we will be able to eliminate it soon, but we need to use other methods for now.
We can use Engineering Controls; these controls are physical changes to the workplace that can help reduce exposure to a hazard. For example, barriers, shields, or anything that we can install between people to prevent the spread of the virus. We can continue using this method since it is the most effective against the spread.
Administrative Controls are designed to change the way people work, for example, changes in shifts or work procedures that can help reduce exposure. If you are using these methods, and have been effective, continue using them. Ensure that you are conducting hazard analysis effectively to verify that these control still works in your organization. Social distancing is included in the Administrative Controls.
Lastly, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is our last line of defense, but it can still be effective against COVID-19 if we are using it properly. Remember to use face covering or masks, gloves, and whatever PPE is required to comply with your job.
Remember to use the Hierarchy of Control in order, begin with Engineering Control as they are the most effective, and move down the line. PPE is the last line of defense. Improve your workplace every day, always look for ways to enhance your business, and protect yourself.
***Public Training***
OSHA 30-HOUR GENERAL INDUSTRY PUBLIC TRAINING
This 30-hour OSHA outreach course assists employers in training and introducing employees to the basic practices of identifying, reducing, eliminating, and reporting hazards associated with their work in General Industry.
When:
March 16 – 19
from 8:00am – 5:00pm EST
Where:
Tampa, Florida – Hampton Inn Tampa-Veterans Expressway
Registration Pricing: $550
Click to Register
If your business is in need of safety training - including COVID-19 training - we're here to help. For more information on keeping your workers safe, visit flchambersafety.com or contact Diego Sanchez, Senior Safety Manager at dsanchez@flchamber.com
Click here to visit the Florida Chamber Safety Council website for COVID resources, safety trainings and more!
The Florida Chamber Jobs & Competitiveness Agenda
Where We Stand 2021
The Florida Chamber of Commerce has released its 2021 jobs and competitiveness agenda outlining key issues to keep Florida moving forward.
View and Download
Florida residents favor COVID-19 liability shield for businesses, Florida Chamber poll finds
A recent poll by the Florida Chamber of Commerce found that 74% of respondents support a COVID-19 liability shield for small businesses similar to one that is proposed in Florida legislation currently pending. The number increases to 78% when you include health care providers.
READ MORE>
Florida Chamber Safety Council promoting safety programs amid anniversary of Parkland massacre
The Florida Chamber Safety Council is working to create safer schools and workplaces as the third anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting approached. The Florida Chamber of Commerce created the Institute for a Safer Florida in 2019 under the Florida Chamber Safety Council in order to provide resources and trainings to ensure tragedies like the shooting in Parkland, which claimed the lives of 17 students and faculty, never happen again. The institute offers free active shooter training to schools, businesses and community members with the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course.
Chamber wants local businesses to weigh in on workforce needs
The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, among other local Chambers, is partnering with the Florida Chamber on a survey to understand local companies' workforce needs and the impact that the pandemic is having on their recruiting and training. The results of the survey will go into the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2021 Florida Workforce Needs Study.
Florida Chamber, local Chambers join coalition supporting COVID liability protections
More than 100 local Chambers of Commerce have joined the Florida Chamber's coalition in support of the COVID-19 liability protection bills. The Florida Chamber and other pro-business groups say the protections are necessary for Florida’s economy to continue recovering amid the pandemic.
Thank you for your continued support as we work to unite Florida's businesses for good. If there is anything you need from your dedicated Chamber Staff, or have questions at any time, I invite you to email me directly at mwilson@flchamber.com.
My best,
Mark Wilson
President & CEO
Florida Chamber of Commerce www.FloridaChamber.com/Coronavirus