With the U.S. reporting an increased number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, it’s important that businesses of all sizes and sectors continue to monitor the situation and are as prepared as possible to protect the health of their workers. Please use this page to view the latest updates and resources.
Work Safe Program
As the region moves to reopen our economy, it is important that we do so safely, sustainably and successfully. This must be a gradual and deliberate process; one that balances the health of our community with the need to reopen industry as we move toward a new normal. The business community has a vested interest in getting this right. We know Houston has the can-do spirit, positive attitude, and hearty resilience to be an example to cities around the world of what a successful, smart, and sustainable recovery looks like.
Rethink Reopen Rebound
The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help support business efforts to safely reopen your business and help our area’s economy recover. We have crafted a series of questions to help you RETHINK how to REOPEN in order to safely & successfully REBOUND.
Reopen Houston Safely Report
Lake Houston Area Chamber collaborated with regional leaders as part of the Greater Houston Partnership’s initiative to produce the Reopen Houston Safely Report. This report uses the frameworks of federal and state guidance and considers the unique healthcare conditions and industry needs in the Houston region. These guidelines and resources are intended to support businesses as they reopen and remain focused on the steps needed to resume work safely, sustainably and successfully.
Industry Best Practices for Reopening
To ensure the safe, sustainable and successful reopening of our local economy, the Partnership has curated these industry best practices and trade association guidance to help businesses develop plans to protect the health of their employees and minimize the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Businesses have a vested interest in getting this reopening right. They want to keep their employees and customers safe — and feeling safe.
General Guidance
High Touch Sectors
Industrial Sector
Office/Knowledge Sectors
Healthcare Sector
Logistics/Transportation Sector
Small Business Sector
Education Sector
Social Service Sector
Governor’s Report To Open Texas
Governor Abbott released the Report to Open Texas, which lays out the plan for reopening a group of closed businesses across the state in a phased approach. The plan calls for allowing many customer-oriented businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, to reopen initially on May 1st, with restrictions on capacity in place. Governor Abbott plans to loosen the capacity restrictions and allow the opening of additional businesses in mid-May, provided Texas does not see a surge in cases. Governor Abbott announced further guidance for the reopening of other sectors on May 5.
On May 18, Governor Abbott announced that the state is ready to begin the next phase of reopening, issuing guidance for expanded capacities of select industries and the reopening of additional sectors including child care offerings, recreational activities and bars. Access the full report via the link below and find guidance for specific industries and allowable open dates.
The Governor issued the following Executive Orders to effectuate the plan:
- Executive Order No. GA-18 relating to the expanded reopening of services as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID- 19 disaster.
- Executive Order No. GA-19 relating to hospital capacity during the COVID-19 disaster.
- Executive Order No. GA-20 relating to expanding travel without restrictions as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster.
- Executive Order No. GA-21 relating to the expanded reopening of services as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster
- Executive Order No. GA-22 relating to confinement during the COVID- 19 disaster
- Executive Order No. GA-23 relating to the expanded opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster.
- Executive Order GA-23, as amended by the May 22, 2020 proclamation
- Executive Order No. GA-24 relating to the termination of air travel restrictions as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID-19
disaster - Executive Order No. GA-25 relating to the closing of county and municipal jails to in-person visitation in response to the COVID-19 disaster.
Small and Medium-Sized Business Resources
SBA: 3 Step Process for Disaster Loans
Follow this guide to apply for Disaster Assistance
Free Tools, Resources, and Financial Help for Business Owners Hit by Covid-19
Several companies are extending a hand to small-business owners navigating the coronavirus crisis.
Resources for Houston startups and small businesses during COVID-19 shutdown19
Organizations have leapt at the chance to help their fellow Houstonians, and a number of resources have appeared to provide aid to startups, from advice and resources to grants.
Houston Area SBA Lenders
List and link to all SBA lenders in the Houston Area
Main Street Lending Program
As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Federal Reserve has created the Main Street Lending Program to provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses. While the program’s start date has yet to be announced, here’s what you need to know to check eligibility and get ready to apply.
CARES Act: Paycheck Protection Program
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn.
Harris County COVID-19 Forgivable Loan Program
This is a first-come, first-serve program funded with $10 million in forgivable loans up to $25K; Businesses must be located in Harris County.
Coronavirus Small Business Survival Guide
Resources for small businesses compiled by the US Chamber including toolkits and financial relief options.
Interim Guidance for Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers
This interim guidance pertains to critical infrastructure workers, including personnel in 16 different sectors of work who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
SBA Disaster Assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
SBA Daily Webinars
The SBA Houston District Office provides the latest information from SBA to help small businesses with their economic recovery from the effects of the Coronavirus.
Office of Texas Governor Business Resource Site
COVID-19 updates, resources and information compiled by the Office of Texas Governor.
U.S. Dept of Labor Resource Site
The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus (also known as novel coronavirus).
Texas Workforce Commission Coronavirus Resources
State resources including information for employers impacted by COVID-19.
Public Health Resources
Harris County Resources
Our community plays a vital part in helping stem the spread of COVID-19. The county has compiled an overview that includes screening tool, public health resources, Stay at Home Order and other pertinent resources.
Harris County Disaster Recovery
Updates, housing and financial assistance, mental health and other general information to assist during Coronavirus.
COVID-19
Houston Resource Pack
List of resources compiled by UH/Community Resource Center that includes testing centers, general health, food assistance, and volunteer opportunities county wide.
The Texas Department of State Health Services
DSHS is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in responding to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness worldwide. Includes case counts, Texas Executive Orders & Public Health Disaster Declaration and other resources.
City of Houston Emergency Operations Center
Updates of local cases and resources around the City of Houston
COVID-19 Screening Locations
Things to consider when looking for a
drive-thru testing site and test results.
World Health Organization
Global case updates, travel advise and more from WHO
US Center for Disease Control & Prevention
Latest information from the CDC on the US response to the coronavirus.
John Hopkins: Case Dashboard
Live look at confirmed cases around the world by country and region.
Lake Houston Area Community
#LHAOpen4Biz
LHAC has created a website specifically for businesses operating during COVID-19. Take a quick survey to be listed on a webpage that is promoted via social media.
Humble ISD
Humble ISD schools closed through Friday, May 1. Online learning and meal distribution will continue while buildings are closed.
City of Humble
In an effort to be proactive in combating the prevalence and spread of COVID-19, effective Monday, March 23 city facilities will be closed to the public until further notice. Includes a list of closures and more information.
Interactive MAP to Restaurants Open during Coronavirus
Guide provided by Community Impact Newspapers to Lake Houston-area restaurants offering takeout, delivery, curbside and alcohol to-go
Lone Star College- Kingwood
Lone Star College-Kingwood facilities are closed through April 30. LSC Online classes resumed March 23 and all remaining online classes resume April 13. Learn more about how LSC is responding to this developing situation.
US Congressman Dan Crenshaw: Coronavirus Updates and Resources
Resource page updated on the latest coronavirus developments including National and Texas resources.
Recent News
May 21: 2020: Governor Abbott, CVS Health Announce 44 New COVID-19 Drive-Thru Test Sites In Texas
May 18,2020: Governor Abbott Announces Phase Two To Open Texas
May 5: 2020: Governor Abbott Expands Business Openings In Texas
April 30, 2020: Governor Abbott Announces New TWC Guidance For Unemployment Claimants
April 27, 2020: Governor Abbott Announces Phase One To Open Texas
April 23, 2020: SBA to Businesses: Act Quick on New Round of Federal Funding
April 22, 2020: Harris County residents required to wear face coverings for 30 days
April 21, 2020: Senate passes $484 billion coronavirus bill for small business and hospital relief
April 17, 2020: Gov. Greg Abbott announces plan to reopen Texas
April 14, 2020: Harris County Precinct 4 brings mobile testing sites to Tomball, Humble
April 9, 2020: Harris County releases Small Business Loans for Economic Assistance
April 7, 2020: Governor Abbott Announces Temporary Closure Of State Parks And Historic Sites
April 1, 2020: Paycheck Protection Program Launches Friday April 3
March 31: Judge Hidalgo Extends Stay At Home Order Through April 30
March 31: Humble ISD Extends Closure Through May 1
March 25, 2020: White House, Senate Reach $2 Trillion Stimulus Deal
