COVID-19 Industry resources
The NGFA has compiled resources that may help NGFA-member companies navigating the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19). Several updates from relevant federal agencies are listed below.
NGFA recommends consulting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization for public health information.
Contact NGFA by emailing staff members directly, emailing ngfa@ngfa.org or calling 202-289-0873 for staff extensions. Read more in the "Notice on NGFA Office Operations."
State List of Contacts for COVID-19 - This document contains both state and local contacts for coronavirus information.
State-by-State COVID-19 Information: The National Governors Association compiled current information on the status of COVID-19 and what actions states/territories have taken to address it.
Department of Homeland Security
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Guidance on Identifying Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers (March 28, 2020) - Food and agriculture is considered "essential critical infrastructure" sector. Document updated March 28 with specific references to grain, oilseed handlers, processors and distributors, as well as agribusinesses.
FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control: Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis, stay informed with our updated myth vs. facts related to the federal (COVID-19) response.
National Business Emergency Operations Center (NBEOC) Dashboard: List of COVID-19 Resources for Private Sector
Situation Report - March 30, 2020
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Frequently Asked Questions and USDA Actions to Respond to COVID-19
USDA Continues Focus on Service During COVID-19 Outbreak - March 17, 2020
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator Bruce Summers issued this letter on March 13, 2020.
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator issued an update on agency operations to protect health and safety of employees and customers on March 16, 2020.
Trucking/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Waiver in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency – For States, CDL Holders, CLP Holders, and Interstate Drivers Operating Commercial Motor Vehicles: Issued March 24, FMCSA grants, until June 30, 2020, a waiver from certain regulations applicable to interstate and intrastate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders and to other interstate drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
FMCSA Emergency Declaration Providing Regulatory Relief
Trucking-related COVID-19 Emergency Announcements by State: The American Trucking Association is tracking the following issues across the 50 states: Closures of state driver license agencies; CDL expiration date extensions; new CLP and CDL issuance / testing restrictions; increased size and weight limits; and parking and rest stop availability.
Restrictions on Crossing Borders with Canada and Mexico (NOTE: Importantly, cross border trade is still allowed, e.g., truck drivers and rail operators):
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA Alert: Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
OSHA Safety and Health Topics - COVID-19: This section highlights OSHA standards and directives (instructions for compliance officers) and other related information that may apply to worker exposure to novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
U.S. Department Of Labor Publishes Guidance Explaining Paid Sick Leave And Expanded Family and Medical Leave Under "The Families First Coronavirus Response Act": The guidance – provided in a Fact Sheet for Employees, a Fact Sheet for Employers and a Questions and Answers document – addresses critical questions, such as how an employer must count the number of their employees to determine coverage; how small businesses can obtain an exemption; how to count hours for part-time employees; and how to calculate the wages employees are entitled to under this law.
Food and Drug Administration