As we continue to share pertinent information and periodic updates on the Covid-19 outbreak, please feel free to reach out to me personally if you have any questions, comments or need direction concerning a specific issue. My cell is as follows: Julie (714) 889-9472.
Update as of March 23, 2020:
The Governor has not ordered a shelter in place directive as part of the COVID virus containment effort, but it is possible he could do so in the future. This order could apply state-wide, but would more likely would apply to a specific region. It is also possible individual governments, counties or cities, could issue that kind of directive. As we have seen from in other states, these kinds of directives vary in scope and methods of enforcement. A shelter in place order could include restrictions on travel into and out of a region.
Washington State’s Business Re-Entry Registration Program
SMACNA businesses may want to explore the option to be designated as a provider of critical need or function under the Washington State Business Re-Entry Registration (BRE) program. Such a designation could allow a business access to work sites in the event of travel or entry restriction that are invoked in a disaster. Registration for BRE can be done at any time and must be renewed yearly. Businesses that are approved will receive BRE cards they can give to their employees to carry into restricted areas. The BRE program can be used in any disaster situation.
This program is designed for businesses who conduct response and recovery operation, protect critical infrastructure, perform damage assessments, complete essential repairs and/or preserve critical business functions. Private sector organizations that fall within the following categories are encouraged to register for the program:
1. Association with an owner or operator of “critical infrastructure” qualified under one of the 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors as defined by the Department of Homeland Security;
2. An Insurance provider with policies impacted by the disaster/incident; or
3. Businesses with an immediate need to access infrastructure/facilities to preserve critical business functions or perform damage assessments. “Critical business functions” may include a wide range of business actions, activities, or processes. These functions are critical to business operations and their restoration or maintenance may be time sensitive.
The website for the Business Re-Entry Registration program is: https://mil.wa.gov/business-re-entry-registration
SMACNA businesses will also want to review Homeland Security’s description of 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors. This information can be found at: https://www.cisa.gov/critical-infrastructure-sectors
Last, the State of Washington will now put all of their information for all COVID topics onto one website: coronavirus.wa.gov
This website will have information on unemployment, tax payments and other types of assistance to businesses.
Let me know if you have questions.
Julie Muller, Esq.
Executive Vice President
SMACNA - Western Washington