Covid-19 Update March 31, 2020
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We've spoken with several Affiliates who've requested more information on the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application process over the last few days and we'd like to provide you with the information that have at this point in time.
Emergency Economic Injury Grant:
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- Emergency advance of up to $10k w/in 3 days of applying for EIDL
- Apply for EIDL first, then request advance
- Advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance
- $10k advance would be subtracted from amount forgiven in PPP
You will need bank account and routing number, gross revenues from 1/31/19 to 1/31/20, and cost of goods for that period as well.
We're working hard to stay up to date on this topic and will be sending out more information as it comes in. We will also be hosting a Google Hangouts session on Friday afternoon for those who would like to discuss and have some of the questions answered.
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Caring For Potentially Contaminated Clothes
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In anticipation of hospitals asking our Affiliates to assist with cleaning gowns, curtains, and other soft goods, we published Technical Document #44 which contained the most recent guidance for suggestions for handling potentially-contaminated items.
Since then, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published additional guidance on "The rational use of
Personal Protective Equipment (
PPE)" for those working in various hospital jobs.
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While hospital laundry is not specifically mentioned, we could consider ourselves to be "cleaners", such as those who are tasked with cleaning exam rooms, which might also include handling exam gowns, curtains, sheets, and other soft goods. In summary, the WHO recommends that these cleaning workers use the following PPE:
- medical mask
- gown/disposable apron
- heavy duty gloves
- boots or closed toe shoes
We would consider this to be the maximum PPE required of our industry, until further information is provided to us.
Taking this into account, we have had some Affiliates reach out to us asking for guidance on how to handle requests from hospitals or clinics who are asking dry cleaners to assist with their laundry needs. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you are compliant with the hospital needs while protecting you and your employees.
- Before you get the call from the hospital, have a plan in place which includes clarification of any costs or charges associated with the job. Be prepared to offer the service at cost or even as a community service or donation if the situation calls for it.
- Feel free to describe to the hospital all of the methods you have at your disposal to clean soft goods. You likely have hot-water laundry (water temperatures greater than 140F required as per CDC guidelines), wet cleaning, and the GreenEarth Cleaning process where you can safely assert that you will be drying at 158F for 30 to 40 minutes. Ask the hospital which process they prefer you use since the hospital must maintain a standard of sterility while following CDC and WHO laundry-process guidance.
- Ask the hospital what their recommendation is for PPE and compare that to the WHO document referenced in this message. If there is a discrepancy, point it out and ask for clarification for your employees' safety.
- If the required PPE is not available, it's likely the hospital can provide it to you.
- Make sure you are clear on all the details including the pickup and delivery process, which must follow a Chain of Custody and ensure sterility for the hospital.
We are here to help if you have questions. Please contact our Technical Director, Andy Lien, at 816-944-3432 or email or technical team at
technical@greenearthcleaning.com
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Don't hesitate to reach out. We're here for you!
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Have you missed anything?
Please see these past messages regarding Coronavirus
and what GreenEarth is doing to help.
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