To help Utah’s small businesses pay employees for time off to either receive a COVID-19 vaccine or recuperate should they experience side effects after their vaccination, $500,000 is available through the new Small Business Employee Vaccination Grant. The program, managed by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (Go Utah), begins accepting applications on Nov. 16, 2021, at 9 a.m. (MST).

“We’re grateful to be able to offer the Small Business Employee Vaccination Grant to qualifying companies around the state,” said Gov. Spencer J. Cox. “We hope this will help provide the opportunity for even more Utahns to receive the important COVID-19 vaccine, especially if they haven’t been able to because of their work situation. Our hourly workers, who often do not receive paid time off, can now take up to 20 hours of paid leave, for which the state will reimburse their employers.”

Using federal CARES Act funds, and as part of Utah’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, the grant offers employers reimbursement to provide paid time off for employees who are otherwise not eligible for paid time off — typically non-benefited hourly workers. The grant may be used for both full-time and part-time employees to:

• Receive a COVID-19 vaccine
• Recuperate after receiving the vaccination
• Take a dependent child (5-18 years old) to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, or
• Be the caregiver for a dependent child (5-18 years old) who needs assistance to recuperate after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Grants will be offered to employers until December 31, 2021, or the $500,000 grant funds are encumbered.

“Go Utah is proud to manage the Employee Vaccination Grant, and we hope that all small businesses that can will apply to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Dan Hemmert, Go Utah’s executive director. “As always, we’re thankful to Utah’s Legislature for allocating CARES Act funds to this program. We’re happy to assist in removing a potential reason not to get vaccinated against COVID-19, namely missing work to get vaccinated.”

To be eligible for the Small Business Employee Vaccination Grant, businesses must have:

• Less than 50 full-time Utah employees who work 40 hours or more
• One or more employees who will receive paid time off to either receive a COVID-19 vaccine or recuperate after their vaccination

“We know the possibility of missing work, either to get the vaccine or to recover from possible side effects, can be a barrier to getting vaccinated,” said Nate Checketts, executive director of the Utah Department of Health. “These grants to small businesses will help employers and employees overcome this barrier and make it easier for these employees to get their vaccinations.”

The employer must pay the employee for time off before Dec. 31, 2021. Employers have until Jan. 20, 2022, to submit applications for reimbursement.

The grant amount requested cannot exceed the amount the employer paid (entire labor burden) to the employee(s) for time off related to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or recuperating after receiving the vaccination. The grant will reimburse eligible employers for up to 20 hours per employee.

The submission of a grant application does not guarantee payment. Payments are based on the availability of grant funds and the required documentation established in the contract with Go Utah.

The grant application process opens online on Nov. 16, 2021, at 9 a.m. (MST). The grant application portal requires advance registration, which takes about one day to complete. If you’ve previously applied for a Go Utah (formerly GOED) grant, you’ll use the same credentials as before. If you need to create a user account, visit https://utahecon.secure.force.com/econ/ptlcase.

To learn more about eligibility, required documentation, additional program details, and submit applications, visit business.utah.gov/sbevgrant. Any questions or inquiries about the Small Business Employee Vaccination Grant may be directed to Go Utah’s Dane Ishihara at dishihara@utah.gov.

Applications will be received by Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness

Applications will be received by Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness
Street address: 288 North 1460 West 4th floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
Mailing address: P.O. Box 142004, Salt Lake City, UT 84114
Email: karolinaa@utah.gov | Website: www.bemsp.utah.gov

Executive Summary

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Grand Objective

The Community Based Organization COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Development Grant will establish, expand, train, and sustain the state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) public health workforce to support jurisdictional COVID-19 prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives.  

B. Program Priorities

Awardees must use available funding to recruit, hire, and train personnel to address projected jurisdictional COVID-19 response needs over the performance period, including hiring personnel to build capacity to address public health priorities deriving from COVID-19. 

Funding may be used to hire personnel for roles that may range from senior leadership positions to early career or entry-level positions and may include: permanent full-time and part-time staff, temporary or term-limited staff, fellows, interns, and contractors. Applicants may use CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index data and tools to inform jurisdiction COVID-19 planning, response, and hiring strategies.

C. Program Authority

Authority for the Community Based Organization COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Development Grant is provided by the Crisis Response Cooperative Agreement: COVID-19 Public Health Workforce cooperative agreement awarded by the CDC to the Utah Department of Health.  

II. Award Information

A. Funding Availability

The total amount available for this grant is $500,000. Individual grant awards will be made in the amounts of up to a maximum of $30,000.

B. Project/Award Period

Applications are due 30 calendar days after the contract is announced. Start date for awardees will be no earlier than November 1, 2021. Awarded funds shall be spent during the project period, ending June 30, 2023. 

C. Type of Funding Instrument

 The funding shall be distributed in the form of a grant to the individual applicant. 

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are Utah not-profit community based organizations (CBOs) with demonstrated expertise in implementing public health programs and established relationships with state, tribal, local, or territorial (STLT) public health departments, particularly in medically underserved areas.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Cost sharing or matching is not required for this grant.

C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility

Each application must address the elements listed under section IV, Application and Submission Information. Applicants who fail to provide complete information will not be considered. In addition, the CDC requires sub-awardees to provide specific details including:

1. Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
   Applicants must address Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities in hiring, training and with existing employees. Consider collaboration with local champions or trusted voices representative of diverse populations affected by COVID-19. DEI metrics include:
   • Number of people to be hired, including brief descriptions of the populations they serve. i.e. communities of color, rural populations, people experiencing homelessness, people living with disabilities, etc.
   • Number of new and existing employees receiving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) relevant training i.e. cultural competency, working with underserved communities, health equity etc. 
   • An establishment of a health equity team to focus on hiring a workforce that represents the diversity in the communities being served. 
2. Additional Funding Sources
   Applicants must provide a detailed description of what other funding sources currently received or applied for and pending that meet the same objective of this grant. This information will be considered by the Selection Committee when making awards.
3. Community Health Worker (CHW) minimum hourly rate requirement
   Applicants must provide how many staff positions, fully or partially funded with this award, are Community Health Workers (CHW). Additionally, a list of the hourly rate of each CHW must be listed. Preference will be given to those CHWs funded in the range of $16.00- $18.00 an hour.
4. Local Health Department Regional Allocations
   Efforts will be made to provide awards within each Local Health Department region in the State, and within the following allocation amounts (see table below). However, other factors such as locations of applicants, social vulnerability, application scoring among other determinations may deter this initial funding goal:

D. Disqualification

Any attempt by a prospective grantee to influence a member of the Selection Committee during the proposal review and evaluation process, such as attempts to use existing personal relationships or to extract promises of specific monetary amounts, will result in the elimination of the prospective grantee’s application from consideration.

The UDOH reserves the right to cancel an award if, in its sole discretion, any interest disclosed from any source could give the appearance of a conflict or cause speculation as to the objectivity of the program/project developed by the contractor. The UDOH determination regarding any questions of conflict of interest shall be final.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package

The application package is available on the website provided in the Executive Summary. For applicants without internet access, an application may be received by contacting Karolina Abuzyarova at the Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness, P.O. Box 142004, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, or by email at karolinaa@utah.gov.

Content and Form of Application

Each application must be submitted as part of the online submission process. The application must be completed within 30 calendar days after the announcement of the grant, as listed in the Executive Summary. Late applications will not be considered. Each application must include:

1. Online application form
   The following form questions will be required on the application. Applications that do not provide complete details within the application form will not be considered:
   1. Organization Section
      1. Email
      2. Organization Name
      3. Target Population or Group Served
      4. County(ies) served by this project
      5. Street Address (Physical)
      6. City
      7. Zip Code
      8. Is the physical address the same as the billing/remittance address
      9. If no, what is the billing address
         1. Billing Address
         2. Billing City
         3. Billing State
         4. Billing Zip Code
      10. Amount requesting
   2. Applicant Information
      1. Name of individual submitting the application
         1. Title
         2. Email address
         3. Direct phone number
      2. Business Manager (BM) Point of Contact (POC) Name
         1. BM email address
         2. BM direct phone number
      3. Signatory Name (Person authorized to sign contract)
         1. Signatory Title
         2. Signatory Email
         3. Signatory phone number
   3. Attestation
      1. Do you attest that you have permission to complete this application?
      2. Do you attest that the information provided herein is correct and accurate, to the best of your knowledge?
   4. Mandatory Eligibility Requirement
      1. Do you represent a Utah not-for-profit community-based organization (CBOs) with demonstrated expertise in implementing public health programs and established relationships with state, tribal, local, or territorial (STLT) public health departments, particularly in medically underserved areas?
   5. Priority Populations
      1. Describe the activities the CBO will focus on with communities at high risk for experiencing COVID-19 disparities and related disparities in Utah.
   6. Priority Populations
      1. Describe the activities the CBO will focus on with communities at high risk for experiencing COVID-19 disparities and related disparities in Utah.
   7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Hiring
      1. Describe the number of people you anticipate to hire, their title(s), and a brief description of populations they will serve i.e. communities of color, rural populations, people experiencing homelessness, people living with disabilities etc. If you intend to use this funding to increase the hours of existing employees, please provide the same details.  
      2. Provide the Number of new and existing employees that will receive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) relevant training, along with the types of training offered. i.e. cultural competency, working with underserved communities, health equity etc.
      3. Describe how the CBO will establish a health equity team to focus on hiring a workforce that represents the diversity in the communities being served. If the CBO is already doing this, please describe current efforts.
   8. Action Plan
      1. Identify the target population and geographic area and how the target population will be reached.
      2. Provide a detailed explanation of the innovative strategies to be utilized within the allowable activities provided within the grant guidance.
      3. Provide a clear and detailed explanation of how current activities or projects will complement and/or support the proposed allowable activities. This must include a plan for how grant requirements will be accomplished.
   9. Budget and narrative
      1. Provide a detailed description of the budget requested and describe how each budget item is linked to the proposed allowable activities. This description must be equal to the amount requested. When listing new staff, include; title, FTE (0.01-1), hourly rate, and duties. When listing existing staff, include; name, title, FTE (0.01-1), current hourly rate, duties, increased hourly rate if applicable, and bonus or incentive amount if applicable.  
      2. How many staff positions, fully or partially funded with this award, are Community Health Workers (CHW)? Additionally, list the hourly rate of each CHW. Preference will be given to those CHW’s funded at a minimum of $18.00 an hour.
      3. What other funding sources have you applied for and are still pending or already received for the same objective as this funding? Please provide a list including; funding source, amount, whether the CBO currently receives, or if it is applied for and pending, and length of funding. 
   10. Other
       1. Provide any additional details you think may be relevant in considering this application.
   11. Criteria for Acceptance of Funding through this Grant
       This section will review the criteria of the award, funding restrictions, and reporting requirements.
       1. This section will review the criteria of the award, funding restrictions, and reporting requirements.
   12. Certification of Application
       1. Certification that all of the provided information is, to the best of your knowledge, correct and accurate.
2. Supporting Documentation Upload
   The applicant must provide supporting documentation (10 pages maximum). Only one uploaded document is permitted per application; preferably with a PDF document type. Applications with more than ten (10) pages will be disqualified. Supporting documentation will be uploaded within an upload section provided at the bottom of the electronic application. Supporting documentation must include:
   1. Cover Page 
   2. Organizational capacity
   3. Action plan 
   4. Budget and narrative
   5. Appendices
   6. W-9
3. Cover Page (1 page maximum).
   1. The cover page will serve as the front page of the application. This page should only include:
      1. Date
      2. Applicant agency name
      3. Address
      4. Phone number
      5. Email
      6. Website
      7. Name of the primary contact person
      8. Federal EIN/Tax ID number
      9. Target population(s)
      10. Amount of funding requested
   2. Organizational Capacity (2 pages maximum)
      This requirement establishes the general capacity of the applicant to manage and administer grant work.
      1. Provide your organization’s mission and philosophy.
      2. Describe how long your agency has been in existence and how long it has been working with the target population(s).
      3. Describe your organization’s direct experience and initiative with target population(s).
      4. Describe your organization’s capacity to manage this grant.
      5. Describe your organization’s current work with COVID-19-related activities, if any.
      6. Business Information
      7. Describe your fiscal and administrative ability to manage a state government contract and/or federal grant funds, including knowledge of Uniform Guidance.
   3. Action Plan (2 pages maximum)
      1. Identify the target population(s) and the geographic area(s) in which your organization can serve.
      2. Provide a detailed explanation of how your organization will reach the target population(s).
      3. Identify the activities your organization will implement and how they relate to allowable activities.
      4. Provide a detailed explanation of how your organization will implement the activities.
      5. Provide an explanation of how your current activities or projects will complement and/or support the proposed activities
   4. Budget and narrative (2 pages maximum)
      1. Include a line item budget
      2. Include a budget narrative
   5. Appendices (2 pages maximum)Organizational Chart (one page maximum)
      1. Qualifications of Personnel (one page maximum)
      2. Job description(s) and qualifications are required for the current employee(s) who will be managing and working on this project. Personnel working on this project must have knowledge and experience working with these populations. When applicable, bilingual personnel are strongly recommended.
4. W-9 (First page of form only)
   The deadline for receipt of all applications is 5:00 P.M. Mountain Standard Time, on the due date provided within the Executive Summary. Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
5. Allowable Costs
   Following is a list of allowable and potential employment positions that may be considered, as well as supportive services that may be provided.
   1. The costs, including wages and benefits, related to recruiting, hiring, and training of individuals to serve as: 
      1. Professional or clinical staff; mental or behavioral health specialists to support workforce and community resilience; social service specialists; vaccinators; or laboratory scientists or technicians; 
      2. Disease investigation staff, including epidemiologists; case investigators; contact tracers; or disease intervention specialists;  
      3. Program staff, including program managers; communications and policy staff; logisticians; planning and exercise specialists; program evaluators; pandemic preparedness and response coordinators to support the current pandemic response and identify lessons learned to help prepare for possible future disease outbreaks; health equity officers or teams; data managers, including informaticians, data scientists, or data entry personnel; translation services; trainers or health educators; or other community health workers;
      4. Administrative staff, including human resources personnel; fiscal or grant managers; clerical staff; staff to track and report on hiring under this cooperative agreement; or others needed to ensure rapid hiring and procurement of goods and services and other administrative services associated with successfully managing multiple federal funding streams for the COVID-19 response; and
      5. Other positions as may be required to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID–19
   2. These individuals may be employed by community-based organizations with demonstrated expertise in implementing public health programs and established relationships with STLT public health departments, particularly in medically underserved areas.
      1. Purchase of equipment and supplies necessary to support the expanded workforce including personal protective equipment, equipment needed to perform the duties of the position, computers, cell phones, internet costs, cybersecurity software, and other costs associated with support of the expanded workforce.
      2. Administrative support services necessary to implement activities funded under this section, including travel and training.
6. Allowable Activities
   The selected grantees will use funding to implement the following activities to help establish and sustain the public health workforce to support COVID-19 prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives among underserved and underrepresented communities in Utah.
   
   Selected grantees will use a variety of mechanisms to expand their public health workforce, as it relates to each Community Based Organization, including, but not limited to:
   1. Forming partnerships with academic institutions, creating internships and fellowships;
   2. Establishing partnerships with schools of public health, technical and administrative schools, and social services and social science programs; and
   3. Using temporary staffing or employment agencies.
   4. Using recent gap assessments to inform work plan activities and hiring goals. If a gap assessment is not readily available, funds can be used to conduct this activity.
   5. Addressing community recovery and resilience needs to respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic and other biological threats, including vaccine-related education.
   6. Implementing public health programs in medically underserved communities.
   7. Training and education for new and existing staff on topics such as incident management training, especially from a public health perspective and integration with emergency management; health equity issues and working with underserved populations; cultural competency or other needs identified by the jurisdiction.
   8. Ensuring a focus on diversity, health equity, and inclusion by delineating goals for hiring and training a diverse workforce across all levels who are representative of, and have language competence for, the local communities they serve.
7. Funding Restrictions
   1. Any costs not associated with building a public health workforce.
   2. Research.
   3. Publicity and propaganda (lobbying).
   4. All unallowable costs in accordance with 45 CFR Part 75 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, And Audit Requirements for HHS Awards.
   5. This grant opportunity is reimbursement for costs incurred. Upfront distribution of funds is not permitted.
   6. Individual clinical treatment is not allowed. However, activities such as contact tracing, vaccination, and screening tests are components of a public health campaign and are not considered clinical care within CDC definitions.
   7. These funds must not be used for duplicating or supplanting existing state or federal funding resources.
   8. These funds must not be used for direct services or wrap-around services with individuals or households.

V. Application Review Information

A. Program and Selection Committee

The CBO Grant Program Committee is established to coordinate logistics of the grant program with the representatives from; the Utah Department of Health’s Office of Health Disparities (OHD), the Utah Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness (BEMSP), Local Health Departments, and community public health offices.

The Selection Committee will conduct a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of applications received. The Selection Committee comprising the CBO Grant Program Committee as well as qualified grant reviewers selected by the BEMSP will evaluate applications. The Selection Committee will evaluate the proposals, rank them according to the scoring system described below, and will meet as a group to compare evaluations. The committee will then make award recommendations.

B. Compliance Review

Each application received by the due date and time will first be reviewed by the BEMSP for completeness and compliance with the requirements provided in this announcement. All applications that fail to address all requirements shall be deemed incomplete and shall receive no further consideration.

C. Evaluation Criteria

Eligible applications will be considered within a weighted average scoring matrix, and guided within key principles of fairness and transparency. Applications will first be ranked, and then will earn points for criteria which are grouped into categories.

1. Initial Ranking
   10 points possible, weighted score of 40%
   • Average overall CDC Social Vulnerability Index Score of regions served
   • Local Health Department(s) regions served, as identified by the counties served through this program
   • Target populations served
   • Other pending and current funding sources received for the same objective
2. Selection Committee Application Review
   145 points possible, weighted score of 60%
   • Priority Population
     25 points possible, weighted score of 20% 
     1. Activities focus on communities at high risk for experiencing COVID-19 disparities and related disparities in Utah.
   • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Hiring
     30 points possible, weighted score of 15%
     1. Number of people to be hired including brief descriptions of the populations they serve. 
     2. Number of new and existing employees receiving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) relevant training. 
     3. An establishment of a health equity team to focus on hiring a workforce that represents the diversity in the communities being served. 
   • Organizational Capacity
     40 points possible, weighted score of 10% 
     1. Administrative capabilities to receive and expend funds and manage and report on requirement activities.
     2. Clear definition of roles and responsibilities.
     3. Expertise in managing grants.
     4. Expertise in working with the priority population(s).
   • Action Plan
     25 points possible, weighted score of 10%
     1. Identify the target population and the geographic area and how they will be reached.
     2. Clear and detailed explanation of innovative strategies related to the approved activities.
     3. Clear and detailed explanation of how current activities or projects will complement and/or support proposed activities. Plan for how grant requirements will be accomplished.
     4. Clear and detailed explanation of approach and mitigation plans to address challenges in meeting the hiring goals.
   • Budget
     25 points possible, weighted score of 5%
     1. Budget line items clearly linked to proposed activities.
     2. CHW positions calculated at a minimum of $18.00/hour.
     3. Sufficient funds allocated to support key program elements.
     4. Accuracy of fund allocation amounts.

D. Review and Selection Process

An initial administrative review/screen will be conducted to determine compliance with requirements and completeness. All proposals will then be evaluated and individually ranked with the assigned weights of the above evaluation criteria. The Selection Committee ratings are used to determine final scores. In making final selections, the Selection Committee will consider final scores and evaluation notes in order to ensure fairness and equity of the awards. 

E. Selection Factors

The Selection Committee will award in rank order unless the application is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon any of the following selection factors:

1. Balance and Distribution of funds:
   • Across target populations served
   • Local Health Department regions served
   • Other funding sources available
2. Availability of funds
3. Program-specific objectives

F. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

The competitive selection process and subsequent notification to this grant will be completed within 30-days of grant closing date as provided in the Executive Summary. Funds are expected to be awarded by approximately December 1, 2021, the start date that should be used on the application for successful applications.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

The notice of award made by the Utah Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness (BEMSP) will be provided electronically to the point of contact and business manager of the recipient organization. Awardees will be given seven (7) days to accept the award.

B. Reporting

1. Staffing Requirements
   • Awardees must designate a coordinator to be responsible for all activities.
     1. Submit a report via tool(s) provided by the BEMSP.
   • Attend all meetings related to the project as determined by the BEMSP.
2. Compliance Requirements
   • Submit a bi-annual progress report no later than the fifth day of the month following the month in which the activities were performed including hiring goals. (e.g. monthly report for January-June activities is due July 5).
   • Submit a bi-annual fiscal report of actual expenses no later than the fifth day of the month following the month in which the activities were performed. (e.g. monthly report for January-June activities is due July 5).
   • Submit an invoice for reimbursement no later than the fifth day of the month following the month in which the expenditures were incurred.

VII. Agency Contact

For questions please contact Karolina Abuzyarova, COVID-19 Grants Coordinator, Utah Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness at karolinaa@utah.gov.

The application for this grant can be found by clicking here. Application submissions will open on November 1, 2021 and will close on November 30, 2021. Applicants will be notified via email about the status of their application within four weeks from the date of the application closure.

Quarantine and isolation were vital to controlling the spread of COVID-19, especially before safe and effective vaccines were widely available.

Over the past few months, the rate of new applications has decreased significantly, with only a handful of new applications made in the past week. At the height of the pandemic, the Utah Labor Commission received hundreds of applications per week. 

The state made $5 million available to small businesses over the course of the grant program. We’re pleased to report that Utah provided more than $4.2 million to 858 businesses of 50 or fewer employees. 

Grant program statistics since Oct. 1

• Applications submitted: 3,039
• Applications approved: 2,744
• Applicant businesses: 858
• Average applications (employees) per business: 3.54
• Average grant amount: $1,534.78
• Grant amount remaining:  $788,541.05

Frequently asked questions

How did the state fund this grant?
The first $2.5 million was funded through the CARES Act, and the second $2.5 million was from the General Fund. 

What happens to the unspent portion of the grant?
The unspent portion is from the General Fund and will be returned to the General Fund for other state needs or pandemic response. 

Why not just keep the grant going?
The number of requests has dwindled significantly. But the state of Utah remains flexible and could reinstate the grant program if the need arises. We encourage all eligible Utahns to get vaccinated as the best protection against COVID-19. The vast majority of people who are getting sick and being hospitalized from COVID-19 have not been vaccinated. We encourage businesses and community organizations to schedule a mobile vaccination clinic at a location of their choosing at coronavirus-stage.at.utah.gov.

What were the eligibility requirements for small businesses?

• Less than 50 employees in Utah.
• One or more of your employees receiving notice that the employee must quarantine or isolate due to a positive COVID-19 test or exposure to someone who has tested positive.
• Continued to pay out regular wages to an employee(s) while the employee was in quarantine/isolation and unable to work.

Small business owners with less than 50 employees can go to https://coronavirus.utah.gov/business/business-loans-and-grants/, https://laborcommission.utah.gov, or https://business.utah.gov/, for more information and to fill out a grant application until June 30, 2021.

“This is the natural next step in getting the state and people’s lives back to normal,” Gov. Cox said. “I believe in the value of work. With the nation’s lowest unemployment rate at 2.9% and plenty of good paying jobs available today, it makes sense to transition away from these extra benefits that were never intended to be permanent. The market should not be competing with government for workers.”

Approximately 28,000 Utahns are currently receiving this additional $300-per-week federal benefit. Of those, 11,000 are receiving federal extended benefits, 2,500 individuals receive federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and 200 receive federal Mixed-Earner Unemployment Compensation. Currently, federal pandemic unemployment assistance in Utah totals $12.4 million a week. 

With the state’s economic recovery in full swing, there is no shortage of jobs in Utah. The Department of Workforce Services website, jobs.utah.gov, has 50,000 available job openings, while job listings aggregator Help Wanted shows 72,000 available jobs in Utah. 

“As employers compete for workers, we are ready to help those local businesses recruit and hire employees,” said Casey Cameron, executive director of the Department of Workforce Services. “For job seekers, we can provide career coaching, education assistance, job search help and more, either online or in-person at an employment center. For many workers, this transition can be a great time to gain additional skills and open doors to new opportunities.”

Utah’s business community applauded the move.

“All across Utah, in a variety of industries, we are seeing the significant need for new employees,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance. “The challenge our economy currently faces is not the scarcity of well-paying jobs, but the lack of workers. For our state to remain a national economic leader and for our communities to be prosperous, we need to normalize the labor market by assisting those currently unemployed to find opportunities to rejoin the workforce as soon as possible.”

For those who need help finding employment, the state is an incredible resource. Through the Learn and Work program, the state of Utah and the Utah System of Higher Education have dedicated $16.5 million to help more than 5,700 individuals get training and find better employment opportunities. Over the next several weeks an additional $15 million will be awarded to training institutions throughout the state to help those who want to upgrade their skills to enhance employment opportunities. Funding is also available for career and education advancement through Workforce Services.

For those still struggling due to the pandemic, other safety net programs are available such as rent, utility, food and medical assistance. For more information about additional pandemic relief programs and details about the federal unemployment insurance programs ending, visit jobs.utah.gov.

Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson are excited to announce the launch of the Lieutenant Governor’s returnship initiative to expand workforce opportunities in Utah. A returnship, similar to an internship, provides an important opportunity for those re-entering the workforce after an absence to build their resume and gain current and relevant experience. 

Gov. Cox and Lt. Gov. Henderson announced the initiative at their weekly COVID-19 news briefing.

In addition to an executive order for state agencies to create more opportunities, $15 million in new grant funding will be initiated for the Learn & Work program. The Learn & Work program supplies funding to Utah colleges and universities to provide no-cost training to qualified students. Programs, including returnships developed between education and industry partners, will be prioritized for funding.

Executive Order 2021-8, Expanding Return to Work and Returnship Opportunities in Utah, will require state agencies to identify new returnship opportunities that can be offered. Utah state government will be the first state nationwide to offer returnships.

“We need industry, government and education to come together and help individuals who want to re-engage in the economy find meaningful professional opportunities. We also want to optimize training opportunities through our local colleges and universities,” said Lt. Gov. Henderson. “Our state agencies will lead the way and show all employers that returnships can help them develop talent as well as improve prospects for so many workers in our community.”

Learn & Work in Utah programs will continue to support educational and training pathways in partnership with employers providing resume-building experiences. The success of the original round of Learn & Work in Utah, launched in the summer of 2020, resulted in the state Legislature providing additional funding to support skills-development courses throughout the state. Talent Ready Utah and the Utah System of Higher Education are working closely together to launch the application for another round of funding starting on April 1, 2021.

Learn & Work in Utah will aid individuals by providing tuition assistance to those who enroll in short-term training programs to re-enter or upgrade to more stable workforce positions. Career opportunities will be found in numerous high-impact industries, including computer science, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and business.

“The Utah System of Higher Education is proud to partner with our local employers through Learn & Work in Utah,” said Commissioner David Woolstenhulme, Utah Commissioner for Higher Education. “Our training programs and partnerships with employers are intended to connect individuals with career opportunities while providing employers with a well-prepared workforce.”

Learn more at ltgovernor.utah.gov.

Additional help for employees and employers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at coronavirus-stage.at.utah.gov/business.

About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) 

Under Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s direction, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for business creation, growth, and recruitment. It also drives increased tourism, film production, outdoor recreation, and mixed martial arts in Utah. Talent Ready Utah, an initiative managed by GOED, develops industry and education partnerships to help build Utah’s workforce. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, GOED administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development and the most opportunity for Utahns. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.

About the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE)

The Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) is governed by the Utah Board of Higher Education and is compromised of Utah’s sixteen public colleges and universities. The CEO of USHE is the Commissioner of Higher Education. For more information, visit ushe.edu.

• Masks: Are still required to be worn by individuals statewide in all counties across all transmission levels (high, moderate, low) when they are indoors in public settings, or outdoors when physical distancing is not feasible. Eight weeks after the UDOH announces the state has been allocated 1,633,000 first doses of vaccine masks will not be required in counties designated as having a “low” transmission level. To date, 444,905 prime doses have been allocated to Utah.

• High School Extracurricular Testing: Often referred to as “Test to Play”, testing will now be required of all high school students participating in a one-time school-sponsored extracurricular activity such as a social dance. Students must follow the isolation and quarantine protocols found in the school manual.

• K-12 Testing: Often referred to as “Test to Stay”, school districts are instructed to work with their local health departments (LHD) to determine the best course of action when a school reaches the outbreak thresholds established in the school manual. Districts may implement Test to Stay, or take other action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. If the school implements Test to Stay, any student who tests positive must transition to remote learning for 10 days from the date of their test. Students who choose not to be tested should also transition to remote learning for 10 days if less than 60% of the school population participated in the testing event OR if the percent positivity from the testing event is 2.5% or higher. The intent is to ensure schools do not transition entirely to remote learning when they reach the outbreak threshold level.

• Bars: In counties with “moderate” transmission levels, bars are no longer required to limit occupancy to 75%. A bar in a “moderate” county is required to ensure patrons wear masks when they are within six feet of patrons from a separate party.

• Transmission Level Thresholds: The 7-day average percent positivity metric used to determine levels of transmission will now use the “test over test” percent positivity metric. Because the “test over test” percent positivity skews lower than the previous “people over people” the range for percent positivity in the Transmission Index will shift lower. A 7-day average percent positivity of greater than 10% will belong to the “high” transmission category; a percent positivity between 5.1%-9.9% will belong to the “moderate” transmission category; and a percent positivity of 5% or less will belong to the “low” transmission category.

• Public Gatherings in Moderate: Public gatherings, such as live events, movie theatres, sporting events, weddings, recreation, and entertainment (does not apply to an individual attending or participating in a religious service), may occur with side-by-side seating if all patrons are wearing masks and can attest to being free of COVID-19 symptoms, and are not subject to quarantine or isolation. In the event someone in attendance tests positive for COVID-19, the event hosts must be able to contact any attendee who was a close contact of the positive cases. Masks may be removed to eat or drink, but six feet physical distancing must be maintained from anyone from a separate party during that time. 

For more information on the COVID-19 Transmission Index and the public health order, including what businesses and individuals can do to help limit the spread of disease, visit coronavirus-stage.at.utah.gov/utah-health-guidance-levels.

The first changes is to the percent positivity threshold levels. Last week UDOH announced a change in the way they will calculate percent positivity to more closely align with the way most other states are calculating the percent of positive COVID-19 cases. Previously Utah had been using a “people over people” method. Beginning next Thursday, February 18, the 7-day average percent positivity metric used to determine levels of transmission will transition to the “test over test” percent positivity metric.

Because the “test over test” percent positivity skews lower than the previous “people over people” method, the range for percent positivity in the Transmission Index will shift lower. A 7-day average percent positivity of greater than 10% will belong to the “high” transmission category; a percent positivity between 5.1%-9.9% will belong to the “moderate” transmission category; and a percent positivity of 5% or less will belong to the “low” transmission category.

Additionally, changes will be made to the actions individuals and businesses should take in areas of “moderate” and “low” transmission. A transmission level (high, moderate, low) is determined if a county has two of the three metrics in the designated level of transmission.

Public gathering requirements in areas of “moderate” transmission will be changed.

• In these areas, public gatherings, such as live events, movie theaters, sporting events, weddings, recreation, and entertainment (does not apply to an individual attending or participating in a religious service), may occur with side-by-side seating as long as the event host completes the event template and all patrons are wearing masks, are assigned seating, and attest to not having any COVID-19 symptoms or exposures in the past 14 days.
• Concessions stands must be closed in “moderate” due to increased risk that occurs with more people in attendance and when masks are removed to eat or drink.
• Physical distancing between household groups is still strongly recommended at these venues.

In areas of “low” transmission, masks will be required and event templates must be completed by hosts, but no other restrictions are placed on these events.

For more information on the COVID-19 Transmission Index, including what businesses and individuals can do to help limit the spread of disease, visit coronavirus-stage.at.utah.gov/utah-health-guidance-levels.

One of the simplest ways to protect lives and livelihoods is by wearing a face mask. Nearly all reputable medical and scientific organizations agree that masks are an effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19.¹ A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed not only do masks protect other people from getting infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, but that masks can also be protective for the person wearing a mask.² Mask-wearing decreases the number of COVID-19 cases, increases consumer mobility, and increases consumer spending.

Consumer confidence is linked to the number of COVID-19 cases.^3,4

Health and economics go hand in hand. Studies show that as the number of COVID-19 cases grow, consumer confidence declines. When consumers feel safe, they are more likely to engage in the economy. People who believe they can protect themselves from the virus while out in public have higher consumer confidence and are more likely to spend discretionary income, especially in industries hit hardest by the pandemic. A study by Franklin Templeton and Gallup showed these individuals are twice as likely to dine out, visit a gym, visit a salon or barbershop, or book a flight as those who do not feel confident they can avoid infection while out in public.

People feel less financially optimistic and are more likely to be cautious when cases are surging. Businesses can play a role in helping consumers feel safe by following public health recommendations, including support of mask wearing. State mask mandates, anticipating extreme consequences from COVID-19, and misperception of the severity of the virus all impact consumer confidence. Following public health guidelines can and will spur economic growth.

Mask mandates positively impact the economy.⁵

A recent study by the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business showed that low COVID-19 case counts and mask requirements positively impact consumer activity. Counties and states which have mask mandates see higher levels of consumer spending than areas which do not have mask mandates. This same study found Utahns were 13% more likely to go to the store if COVID-19 cases fell by 10%. Utahns were also 51% more likely to go to the store if everyone was wearing a mask. Consumer mobility, or the movement within an economy, has a direct tie to how safe consumers feel during the pandemic. Until a vaccine is widely available, supporting mask wearing is the quickest and most effective way to sustain economic growth and activity.

See Report Summary

Wearing a mask doesn’t just save lives, it saves money.^6,7

Mask mandates have been shown to increase mask use, lower the number of new COVID-19 cases, and save lives. However, improved health outcomes are not the only benefit to wearing face masks. People living in states with mask mandates for employees were more likely to be confident they could protect themselves from COVID-19, which leads to higher consumer confidence. An economic analysis by Goldman Sachs found that universal masking in the U.S. could prevent the need for lockdowns and reduce economic losses of up to $1 trillion or about 5% of the U.S. gross domestic product.

Individuals would also benefit financially by face mask use. Economists have shown that as the GDP falls, consumers see higher prices for goods and services. Jobs also disappear during times of economic downturn. Goldman Sachs estimates that if universal masking prevents a 5% loss to the GDP, Americans would save roughly $3,000 per person.

1 https://pws.byu.edu/covid-19-and-masks

2 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html

3 https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/a-global-view-of-how-consumer-behavior-is-changing-amid-covid-19#

4 https://news.gallup.com/poll/321485/confidence-avoiding-covid-linked-consumer-behavior.aspx

5 https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/marriner-wpmedia/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SeegertGaulinYangNavarroSanchez2020-web.pdf

6 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html

7 https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/pages/face-masks-and-gdp.html

The results of the study indicated that mask requirements can increase consumer confidence, which can lead to higher economic activity.

Click here to access a summary document.

more information on the study can be found here: https://marriner.eccles.utah.edu/

Editor’s note: This grant program will be closing June 30, 2021.

Having to quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19, while vital to controlling the spread, can be a financial hardship for employees and businesses because it means they’re out of work. To help lighten that burden, the Utah Labor Commission announced Thursday the launch of the Small Business Quarantined Employee Grant program.

This grant program will help small businesses (Less than 50 employees) continue to pay employees who are required to quarantine or isolate due to a positive COVID-19 test or exposure to someone who has tested positive.

The $2 million Small Business Quarantined Employee Grant uses federal CARES Act funds as part of Utah’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. It provides reimbursement to small business employers who pay employees to stay home during quarantine or isolation for a maximum of 40 hours per week for a period of up to two calendar weeks.

Having employees stay home when they’re sick is one of the most important and easiest ways to protect a business and slow the spread of COVID-19. Many employees are nervous to take time off if they are sick for fear of losing their job or income while they get better. Employees may also hesitate to tell their employer if someone in their home has tested positive for COVID-19 or if they have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive as they don’t want to be out of work.

This grant will help make the choice to stay home easier by allowing qualified employers to continue to pay quarantined or isolated employees and then be reimbursed through the grant.

To be eligible for the grant, businesses must have:

• Less than 50 employees in Utah.
• One or more employees receiving notice that the employee must quarantine or isolate due to positive COVID-19 test or exposure to someone who has tested positive.
• Continued to pay out regular wages to an employee(s) while the employee was in quarantine/isolation.

Small business owners with less than 50 employees can go to https://coronavirus.utah.gov/business/business-loans-and-grants/,

https://laborcommission.utah.gov, or https://business.utah.gov/, for more information and to fill out a grant application.