COVID-19 Updates and Information

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The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is working closely with state and federal partners to confront the economic challenges Tennesseans are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

TNECD continues to work without disruption, and our team is committed to assisting our stakeholders and partners during this uncertain time. Important developments will be shared on TNECD.com and TNECD’s social media channels.

We have assembled a comprehensive list of resources to assist Tennessee employers and employees. This page will be updated regularly.

For the latest Tennessee information on COVID-19:

Tennessee Department of Health   Governor Bill Lee

Governor’s Daily Press Briefings

Governor Bill Lee is holding daily press conferences at 3 p.m. CDT.

View the Governor’s Daily Briefing Live Steam

Read the Governor’s Daily COVID-19 Bulletin | Catch up on the Governor’s past briefings

SBA DISASTER LOANS

Disaster loan assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration is available to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have suffered economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

Small businesses and nonprofit organizations can apply for loans up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses. Applicants may apply online here. 

Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information. 

Additional COVID-19 guidance from the SBA can be found here. 

As of Thursday, March 26, 2020, the U.S. Congress is finalizing a $2 trillion stimulus bill with major provisions for small business relief. We will provide updates on federal small business resources as they become available.

STATE UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

For workers who are out of a job, the fastest and most efficient way to file an unemployment claim is to go to www.Jobs4TN.gov. Due to the high volume of claims because of the COVID-19 emergency, filing by another method may delay the processing of your claim.

File an Unemployment Claim

More information for workers is available here. 

For businesses, if your company has reduced hours or is closed due to COVID-19, you may also expedite the unemployment claim process for your employees. Additional information on employer-filed mass claims can be found here. 

Please visit the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development for additional resources and updates. 

TENNESSEE TALENT EXCHANGE

Alongside unemployment benefits, the State is also spearheading a new initiative, the Tennessee Talent Exchange, which will quickly match Tennesseans who are out of work because of COVID-19 with businesses that are currently experiencing a surge in job openings.

The Tennessee Talent Exchange is designed to connect jobs seekers to hiring companies in the grocery, retail and logistics industry.

Visit Tennessee Talent Exchange

EMERGENCY CASH ASSISTANCE

The Department of Human Services is also making essential financial resources available to certain families that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19.

More Information

PRIVATE SECTOR PPE DONATIONS

TNECD is supporting Governor Lee’s call for Tennessee manufacturers, distributors and businesses to help with critical health care supply needs.

If you are a business that has personal protective equipment to donate, you can email: [email protected]. Donations are being accepted at armories throughout Tennessee. A map of locations can be found on TEMA’s website. 

For vendors, including manufacturers interested in making component parts, please contact: [email protected]

PPE Donations From Businesses PPE Donations From Vendors

BEST PRACTICES FOR EMPLOYERS

For employers that continue to operate, the Center for Disease Control has an invaluable resource of best practices to protect employees, customers and suppliers.

Employer Best Practices

BROADBAND

Broadband access is more important than ever as Tennesseans have been instructed to stay home from work and school as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Here are resources to help you stay connected.

Stay Connected During QUARANTINE

LAUNCHTENNESSEE

Launch Tennessee has compiled various resources for Tennessee’s startups and small businesses to reference during the COVID-19 outbreak.

LaunchTennessee COVID-19 Resources

HEALTH AND EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

If you believe that you are sick with COVID-19, follow these instructions from the CDC.

What to Do if You Are Sick

Information from the Tennessee Department of Health regarding COVID-19 can be found here. 

COVID-19 Public Information Numbers:

833-556-2476 and 877-857-2945 Available 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. CDT Daily