Department of Labor offers COVID-19 resources
The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for impacts related to the COVID-19 virus. A wealth of information can be found on this website https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus. Information is available on numerous topics including workplace safety, unemployment insurance, and support for dislocated workers. The website was developed in collaboration with the U.S. [...]
Small Business Administration responds to COVID-19
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is urging businesses do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy. The SBA will work directly with state governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits [...]
New York governor requesting PPE
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is requesting a critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, gowns & masks to aid in the COVID-19 battle. He writes via a Twitter post, “We need companies to be creative to supply the crucial gear our healthcare workers need. NY will pay a premium and offer funding.” His post [...]
Bank-information announced for COVID-19
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is working with federal and state banking agencies, as well as financial institutions to consider all reasonable and prudent steps to assist customers in communities affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition, FDIC is monitoring information issued by international and U.S. health organizations. Regulatory agencies have encouraged financial institutions [...]
Coalition of apparel brands and textile companies heeds call for medical face masks
A coalition of iconic American apparel brands and textile companies, responding to the urgent call of the White House for medical supplies, has come together to build a supply chain virtually overnight and fast-track the manufacturing of medical face masks to help hospitals, health care workers and citizens battling the spread of the COVID-19 disease. [...]
IFAI and U.S. textile/nonwoven associations urge government to deem manufacturing facilities “essential”
Industrial Fabrics International Association (IFAI) and two other U.S. textile and nonwoven associations issued a joint statement March 19 urging federal, state and local governments to deem textile and nonwoven manufacturing facilities as “essential” when drafting “Shelter in Place” orders in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The statement notes, “We associations recognize the serious challenges [...]
Defense Product Act invoked to expand medical supplies
On Wednesday, March 18, U.S. President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Product Act (DPA) to speed up and expand the supply of resources from the country's industrial base, particularly to increase the production of medical supplies and equipment. "We will be invoking the Defense Production Act," the president announced during Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing. [...]