As the coronavirus pandemic continues in the United States, information and resources are being made available to assist employers in a variety of ways: health and safety recommendations, business relief, vaccine availability and more.
NCA remains committed to upholding the confectionery industry’s status as essential during this pandemic. We will continue to work with our food industry allies in Washington to gain the necessary clarity and assurance from the government for our industry to continue operations as it produces and distributes food, protects our workforce and begins to return to a ‘business as (new) normal’ operating status when possible.
We have compiled a list of resources to aid our member companies. The list updated regularly with new information as the situation evolves.
Critical Guidance for the Food Supply Chain
- CDC Categories of Essential Workers for the COVID-19 Vaccination – February 5, 2021
- CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit for Essential Workers – January 29, 2021
- Post Vaccine Considerations – December 13, 2020
- Temporary Flexibility Policy Regarding Certain Labeling Requirements for Foods for Humans During COVID-19 Pandemic – May 22, 2020
- Considerations for Identifying Exposed Employees as Related to COVID-19 – As of April 28, 2020
- Covid-19 Employee Symptoms/Testing Status-Based Decision Tool For Food Facilities – As of April 27, 2020
- Recording of COVID-19 Work-Related Illness Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Recordkeeping Requirements – As of April 22, 2020
- Food Industry Recommended Protocols When Employee/Customer Tests Positive for COVID-19 – Updated May 27, 2020
- Protocol for Screening Food Industry Employees for COVID-19 Symptoms or Exposure – March 30, 2020
- Proper Usage of Face Masks/Coverings to Protect Against COVID-19 – April 6, 2020
- Guidelines for social distancing in a manufacturing facility – Updated April 1, 2020
- Sample letters/template to issue essential workers of food manufacturing facilities: PDF | WORD – March 27, 2020
Latest Updates
- FDA’s COVID-19 Vaccination & the Food and Agriculture Sector Resources – February 24, 2021
- CDC Categories of Essential Workers for the COVID-19 Vaccination – February 5, 2021
- NAM’s This Is Our Shot Project – February 5, 2021
- Summary of Statewide Vaccination Plans – February 4, 2021
- OSHA Guidance on Workplace Vaccinations – January 29, 2021
- CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit for Essential Workers – January 29, 2021
- Overview of The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 including COVID-19 Relief – December 22, 2021
- What Employers Should Know About COVID 19 from the EEOC – December 16, 2020 (Section K addresses new vaccination information.)
- Post Vaccine Considerations – December 13, 2020
- PPP Overview Including Whether You Qualify for First or Second Draw PPP Loans
Webinars
COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses
This webinar will walk you through the CARES Act, help you figure out what applies to your business and position you to effectively use the resources that have been made available. Brian McKeon from the law firm Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber and Schreck and Liz Clark from NCA answered questions specifically related to companies that meet SBA’s definition of a small business.
COVID-19 Regulatory and Legislative Update
With the spread of the coronavirus, government regulators have issued a series of complex regulations in order to maintain the safety of our food manufacturing systems and our workers. This webinar will walk attendees through the existing general manufacturing protocols, including positive test protocols and employee screening protocols, and provide guidance on applicable FDA and FSMA regulations.
COVID-19 and the Food Industry: Federal Regulatory Response and Recommendations
While much of the country has shut down by COVID-19, the food supply chain is essential and must remain in operation during the pandemic. To address the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal agencies have made numerous changes to minimize disruptions and ensure consumers can continue to access food.
How to Help
If your business is interested in helping the effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, FEMA has established a website with more information. Examples for the private sector include donating personal protection equipment such as gloves or face masks, or transitioning some or all of your production to emergency supplies:
- If you have medical supplies or equipment to donate, please provide FEMA details on what you are offering.
- If you are a private company that wants to produce a product related for the COVID response, email [email protected].
- For non-medical supplies, services or equipment, if you are interested in doing business with FEMA, visit the agency’s Industry Liaison Program.
For additional information please visit FEMA’s coronavirus response page.
NCA Coronavirus Communications
- NCA joins other food industry groups in requesting additional funding to provide relief to America’s small businesses – April 15, 2020
- NCA urges the nation’s leaders to take immediate action to help stem economic loses in the confectionery industry – March 19, 2020
- It’s not enough to say you’re hurrying help to small businesses: Op-ed from NCA CEO John Downs – March 19, 2020
- A letter from NCA and our allies to government officials to address the exemption of food production from COVID-19 gathering restrictions – March 18, 2020
- NCA Praises Pennsylvania and Ohio Governors for Thoughtful Leadership – March 18, 2020
