PACB Coronavirus Resource Library

UPDATE 11/2020 - With daily new high of 5,900 COVID-19 cases, Pennsylvania Department of Health issues expanded orders on now-mandatory public wearing of face masks, support of hospitals, and new guidance for travel from other states. Click here for the news story of today's media conference.

UPDATE 11/15/2020 - Philadelphia has announced sweeping new changes and restrictions amid current surge in COVID-19 cases.
Philadelphia is seeing the most per capita cases in southeastern Pennsylvania, with an average of 721 new cases per day.
"Strains in our great hospitals are already showing. COVID-19 hospitalizations have jumped 600 percent in the last seven weeks," Mayor Kenney said. Click here for the news story and more details.

UPDATE 05/21/2020 - Additional guidance has just been issued from SBA regarding PPP Lender Processing Fee Payment and 1502 Reporting Process. The purpose of this Notice is to inform Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Lenders of the reporting process through which PPP Lenders will report on PPP loans and collect the processing fee on fully disbursed loans which they are eligible to receive.

Download the SBA Procedural Notice here: 5000-20028.pdf

UPDATE 05/20/2020 - Governor Tom Wolf yesterday announced that businesses and employees in the real estate industry may conduct limited business-related activities statewide and provided guidance for this industry to operate in red phase and yellow phase counties.

The real estate guidance requires businesses and employees to follow all applicable provisions of the Guidance for Businesses Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency to Ensure the Safety and Health of Employees and the Public, which includes provisions requiring that every person present at a work site, business location, or property offered for sale, wear masks/face coverings, and provisions requiring the establishment of protocols for execution upon discovery that the business has been exposed to a person who is a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19

The governor’s office reported that all in-person activities should be scheduled and limited to no more than the real estate professional and two people inside a property at any time, exercising appropriate social distancing.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s office, “When conducting settlements/closings utilize remote notary, powers of attorney or the exchange of contract documents electronically or by mail wherever possible. Where it is not possible to conduct settlement/ closing via remote notary or POA, attendance in-person must be limited to required signatories and their legal counsel or real estate professional only, and steps to preserve social distancing must be followed to the maximum extent possible.”

UPDATE 05/18/2020 - The U.S. Department of the Treasury and U.S. Small Business Administration released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application. Click here to view the application and instructions.

The application sheds new light on the forgiveness process, raises a few new issues and confirms previous information which, candidly, we hoped would change.

Among those items:

The application provides a step by step calculation methodology which will help the borrower identify reductions in the forgiveness amount.
Instructions on the application maintain the 75%/25% thresholds for payroll versus nonpayroll expenses in the forgiveness calculation.
Flexibility has been provided for the Covered Period of the loan. It now allows for an eight-week period that begins on the first day of the borrower’s first payroll period following their PPP Loan Disbursement Date (Alternative Payroll Covered Period).
It appears that the SBA will decide whether the borrower should have refinanced an Economic Impact Disaster Loans (EIDL) and determine how that affects the borrower's forgiveness.
The borrower must, once again, affirm and acknowledge that they received a PPP loan with an original principal amount in excess of $2 million.
Borrower certifications, like those in the original application process, are included in the Loan Forgiveness Application, along with a clear warning:
The Borrower’s eligibility for loan forgiveness will be evaluated in accordance with the PPP regulations and guidance issued by SBA through the date of this application. SBA may direct a lender to disapprove the Borrower’s loan forgiveness application if SBA determines that the Borrower was ineligible for the PPP loan.
The borrower must provide information on individual employee payroll expenses, rather than averages.
The application once again affirms that the forgiveness amount will not be affected for instances in which the borrower made a good-faith, written offer to rehire an employee during the Covered Period which was rejected by the employee. It also allows for a reduction in the number of FTEs for any employee who was fired for cause, voluntarily resigned or voluntarily requested a reduction of their hours.
The application provides additional safe harbor for any borrower who reduced FTE employee levels between February 15 and April 26, but who restored those employee levels no later than June 30.

Community bankers who continue to have trouble with the SBA's E-Tran and SBA Connect Lender Gateway portals can direct assistance questions to the SBA at 833-572-0502 or [email protected]. Additional guidance and resources are available on Treasury’s PPP webpage.

UPDATE 05/05/2020 - Last week, Governor Tom Wolf announced that beginning Friday, May 8, stay-at-home restrictions in 24 counties will move from red to yellow. These counties include: Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Venango, and Warren.

Pennsylvania’s remaining 43 counties still are under a stay-at-home order and continue to be listed in the red phase. As such, the PACB office located in Dauphin County remains closed.

PACB offices will remain closed temporarily to employees and visitors when the stay-at-home order for Dauphin County is lifted until we have policies, procedures, scheduling, and equipment in place to maintain proper social distancing, cleanliness, and ensure the safety of our employees and members.

We are confident we are closer now to reopen and being able to gather in person, although observing proper CDC guidelines for distancing, cleaning, and staying safe.

UPDATE 05/04/2020 - Small Businesses Were at a Breaking Point. Small Banks Came to the Rescue. Community lenders punched above their weight in the Paycheck Protection Program, the government’s lifeline to small businesses.

The Wall Street Journal article by Peter Rudegeair, Orla McCaffrey and Liz Hoffman: https://www-wsj-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.wsj.com/amp/articles/small-businesses-were-at-a-breaking-point-small-banks-came-to-the-rescue-11588590013

UPDATE 04/29/2020 - Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Lending Operations Update

SBA and Treasury value all lenders and their small business customers.

To ensure access to the PPP loan program for the smallest lenders and their small business customers, starting at 4 p.m. today EDT through 11:59 p.m. EDT, SBA systems will only accept loans from lending institutions with asset sizes less than $1 billion dollars.

Please note, lending institutions with asset sizes less than $1 billion will still be able to submit PPP loans outside of this time frame. Please also note that lenders with asset sizes greater than $1 billion will be able to submit loans outside of today’s 4pm -11:59pm EDT reserved processing time.

This reserved processing time applies today April 29, 2020. SBA and Treasury will evaluate whether to create a similar reserved time again in the future.

SBA and Treasury continue to monitor loan system performance and will continue to provide frequent updates to the lending community.

UPDATE 04/28/2020 - PACB has been sharing your feedback regarding the second round of PPP lending with our congressional delegation. US Representative Dan Meuser (PA-9) invited PACB community bankers to participate in a call with Rep. Patrick McHenry who is the ranking Republican congressman on the House Financial Services Committee at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. They want to hear your concerns and successes with the PPP and discuss other banking issues related to the Coronavirus.

UPDATE 04/28/2020 - PACB has been sharing your feedback regarding the second round of PPP lending with our congressional delegation. US Representative Dan Meuser (PA-9) invited PACB community bankers to participate in a call with Rep. Patrick McHenry who is the ranking Republican congressman on the House Financial Services Committee at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. They want to hear your concerns and successes with the PPP and discuss other banking issues related to the Coronavirus.

Time and Date: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 29
Call (877) 229-8493; PIN:118349
Mobile one-click: (877) 229-8493,,118349#

The SBA Deputy Administrator asked PACB to distribute the following PPP Lending Operations Update for Tuesday, April 28, 2020 “SBA and Treasury value all lenders and their small business customers. For the benefit of small business customers and their employees, SBA and Treasury are working on ways to optimize the loan processing system. Starting today, Robotic Processing Automation (RPA), which are robotic systems used by some banks to mimic human data entry, may not be used to submit Paycheck Protection Program loans into SBA’s E-Tran loan system. RPAs burden the processing system and diminish its capabilities. Without RPAs, the loan processing system will be more reliable, accessible, and equitable for all small businesses. Application Programing Interface (APIs) will still be permitted. If you are a lender who needs assistance converting your submission process to a non-RPA API, contact Sheri McConville. ([email protected])”

UPDATE 04/27/2020 - Minority-owned businesses anxious as second round of Paycheck Protection Program begins.

UPDATE 04/24/2020 - Community Banks Ready to Deliver Another Round of Payroll Relief for Small Business

PACB applauds passage of 2nd round of payroll loans to help small-business workers

HARRISBURG (April 23, 2020) -- On behalf of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers (PACB), President and CEO Kevin L. Shivers today issued the following statement on legislation passed by Congress authorizing $310 billion in additional funding for small businesses and their employees through the Payroll Protection Program (PPP).

“Community banks delivered big for small business during the last round of payroll protection loans and they are ready to do it again,” said PACB president and CEO Kevin L. Shivers. “During the last round, Pennsylvania banks processed over $15 billion in loans that were delivered to over 69,000 small businesses over 14 days. We expect this new round of funds to be processed even faster.

“When the last round of funding ran out, PACB teamed-up with community bankers across Pennsylvania, our federal allies at the Independent Community Bankers of America and community banking state trade associations across the nation to aggressively lobby that the new funding tranche included $60 billion for the small-business customers of community banks. This will ensure small businesses in communities across Pennsylvania have a proportionate allocation of PPP funding.

“Pennsylvania’s community bankers are grateful for the leadership of US Sen. Pat Toomey, and the support of US Sen. Robert Casey, Jr., US Reps. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), GT Thompson (PA-15), and the other members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation who voted for this new round of funds.”

The first round of $350 billion in PPP funding was included in the federal CARES Act was enacted last month. Over 1 million loans were processed across the nation over 14 days. Over 140 community banks are headquartered or do business in Pennsylvania.

UPDATE 04/23/2020 - The US House has voted overwhelmingly to pass the $484 Billion Stimulus Package with Round 2 of PPP Loans. (388-5) “The legislation won the necessary majority at 5:30 p.m. EDT as lawmakers continued to show up in groups to vote under rules designed to keep them safe during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation will now go to the desk of President Trump, who has promised to sign it quickly into law. Be vigilant about watching for PPP funds to become available and SBA to begin accepting PPP loan applications after the President signs.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/23/us/coronavirus-live-news-coverage

UPDATE 04/22/2020 - Late Tuesday afternoon, the US Senate passed bipartisan legislation that includes an additional $310 billion to restart the Paycheck Protection Program. PACB expects US House consideration on Thursday. We expect the President to sign the bill immediately.

During the last round of funding, Pennsylvania banks processed over $15 billion in loans that were delivered to over 69,000 small businesses and charities over 14 days.

PACB expects this new round of funds to be processed even faster.

We want to make sure every community bank who wants to participate in the PPP understands the process to activate an account with the USSmall Business Administration, or is aware of 3rd party providers who can assist their small-business customers.

The following PACB associate members approached PACB offering their services to community banks. We are not endorsing any provider, but want to share the information with you and let you do your due diligence quickly to prepare for the new round if you choose to participate.

Associate Member Third Parties Directly Assisting with PPP Loans/applications and Processing

StreetShares provides community banks and credit unions Business Lending-as-a-Service, a branded end-to-end solution to offer small business lending. Community banks and their customers receive a completely digital, business lending experience with instant pre-qualification and digital decisioning. This allows Banks to open or expand their small business lending in a cost-efficient, low risk, and time-effective way. It is a partnership for the bank and not a project. No expensive software to buy, no people to hire, and no resources required from the bank. Business Lending-as-a-Service can be stood up in30 days or less.

Two PACB Associate Members - Fiserv and StreetShares - partner to provide a fully digital PPP loan application process with E-Tran electronic connection and submission. Here is a link to the demo of the application along with a pdf containing more explanation.

With the next round of PPP funding perhaps available as soon as Thursday or Friday, community banks may want to consider this turnkey process.

StreetShares is committed to getting banks launched in 24-48 hours to participate and offer PPP loans in this format.

Austin Anderson, Bus. Dev. Exec.
StreetShares
571-325-2963
[email protected]

Innovative Financing Solutions is a bank and business advisory firm specializing in the development and implementation of sound and profitable government guaranteed loan programs for community banks and growing regional banks.

Michael D. Ryan, Pres./CEO
Innovative Financing Solutions
484-485-2756
[email protected]

UPDATE 04/21/2020 - PACB is pleased that the US Senate just passed the 2nd tranche of small business payroll protection program funding. This bill earmarks $60B for PPP loans by community banks!

CBS 21 Reporter Michael Gorsegner covered the story on this evening's news: https://local21news.com/news/local/small-banks-looking-for-piece-of-pie-to-help-small-businesses

UPDATE 04/21/2020 - Senate Majority Leader McConnell today announced that a deal was reached this afternoon in Washington, DC, for the next round of paycheck protection (PPP) loans. The proposal still needs to be approved by both chambers and signed by the President. We expect that process to begin later this week.

We confirmed with Sen. Toomey’s staff certain details of plan:

$320B for PPP Loans. Of this, $250B in PPP lending is unrestricted

The plan earmarks $60B for smaller lending institutions. Of this: $30B is earmarked for banks and Community Financial Institutions, like CDFIs and Minority Depository Institutions with assets less than $10B; and $30B for banks with assets between $10-50B.

Additionally, $50B is available for EIDL loans and $10B for EIDL Advance loans. Additionally, $2.1B is earmarked for SBA administrative expenses.

We were told the new legislation also clarifies language that agricultural enterprises are eligible for PPP.

Additionally, the PACB staff raised several of your questions with ICBA staff in Washington and want to report to you what we have learned.

Q. What is the amount of the PPP that is taxable?
A. The forgiveness of a PPP loan is not taxable to the borrower (unlike the usual treatment of debt forgiveness).

Q. How does a bank know the loan has been funded?
A. We are still awaiting SBA guidance.

Q. Any update on SBA fees?
A. We’re still awaiting word from SBA – word is that fees will be flat and not stacked or blended.

Q. Any more clarity regarding the sudden appearance of third-party agents.
A. Below is guidance from ICBAs FAQ’s on agents:
The obligation of a lender to pay the appropriate agent fee does not commence unless the bank has agreed that the accounting firm/CPA is acting as an agent for the bank. Please see guidance provided below from the American Institute of Public Accountants (AICPA) to their members in support of best industry practices.

“The law is clear that agents cannot collect a fee from an applicant but must instead collect a fee from the lender. If you choose to be an agent, we suggest you (the Accounting Firm) contact the lender before embarking on the engagement and get a written agreement with them so you get paid. You should have a conflict waiver in the agreement with the lender, just like in your loan assistance engagement letter with the client. Disclose this arrangement with your client as well.”

UPDATE 04/19/2020 - Last night an FAQ was posted to the state Health Department’s website relating to businesses that are permitted to continue in-person operations. As we discussed on Friday’s joint association calls, the Health Department order applies to banks operating in Pennsylvania. Given this order takes effect this evening I wanted you to see the FAQ as quickly as possible.

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/Diseases%20and%20Conditions/COVID-19%20Workplace%20Safety%20Questions.pdf

You will notice question 8 on page 2 in the FAQ is specific to banking and financial services. “Q. Do banks and financial institutions need to comply with the masking requirement if there are associated security concerns with face coverings? A. Yes. Bank employees should wear masks at all times. Customers can be asked to remove their masks to reveal their face and then recover their face after the bank employee has identified the customer. This should take place within a minimum distance of six feet.”

Additionally, I wanted to share with you a letter signed by me on behalf PACB members to Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation. The letter urges lawmakers to act quickly to approve additional funding for the PPP program and make additional changes to strengthen the lender safe harbor to facilitate and speed loan processing; create more flexibility with regard to loan disbursements; and more reasonable loan rates and terms.

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has activated an action page for community bankers to quickly write their members of Congress. The website is https://icba.quorum.us/campaign/25772/

If you choose to write a letter to Congress, could you please send a copy to me or PACB’s Director of Government Relations Allision Coccia so that we can track the letters and any responses that follow. Allison’s email address is [email protected].

As always, if you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

UPDATE 04/16/2020 - Update on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
In the near future, SBA expects the amount of processed PPP loan volume to reach the maximum amount authorized and appropriated by Congress. Once the authorization limit is reached, SBA will not be able to accept any new loan applications for the Paycheck Protection Program.

This will mean that lenders will no longer be able to load PPP applications into the Capital Access Financial System (CAFS or E-Tran) [the Lender Gateway]. SBA is unable to maintain a queue for PPP applications. Further, PPP loan amounts may not be adjusted by lenders within the CAFS system.

Additionally, once the authorization limit is reached, SBA will no longer be able to accept new lender applications to become PPP lenders.
SBA is reaching out to the lending community to make them aware of this eventuality so that they may prepare and inform their small business customers of the situation.

SBA will continue to inform its lending partners of new updates should Congress authorize additional funds.

Bill Briggs
Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access
U.S. Small Business Administration

Here is the link to their press release: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm981

UPDATE 04/15/2020 - Earlier today, state Health Secretary Rachel Levin ordered that beginning Sunday, employers must require all employees and customers to wear masks at work. The order also requires companies to provide masks for workers, and deny entry to customers who are not wearing one. As well, the order requires businesses undertake other mitigation and cleaning protocols. Failure to comply could result in citations, fines or license suspension.

The order can be found here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200415-SOH-worker-safety-order.pdf

UPDATE 04/04/2020 - "Despite SBA Portal Problems and Network Crashes, Community Banks Are Determined to Help Their Small-Business Customers" - PACB Press Release

“About one-third of community banks reported they could access the US Small Business Administration portal. Many more were locked-out for hours and network disruptions made the delays even longer."

UPDATE 04/04/2020 - SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza today announced that SBA issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the CARES Act that was passed by Congress, signed into law by President Trump, and implemented by the Paycheck Protection Act Interim Final Rule.

“Following the passage of the emergency economic relief assistance, the Administration and Congress acted to ensure that small businesses and non-profits alike have access to critical funds to keep their workers paid and employed,” said Carranza. “Faith-based organizations have always provided critical social services for people in need, and SBA will make clear that these organizations may access this emergency capital.”

The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to keep small business workers employed and provide small businesses with capital through the nation’s banks and other lending institutions, with support from the SBA. The Paycheck Protection Program’s maximum loan amount is $10 million with a fixed 1% interest rate and maturity of two years. SBA will forgive the portion of loan proceeds used for payroll costs and other designated operating expenses for up to eight weeks provided at least 75% of loan proceeds are used for payroll costs.

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides qualifying small businesses and non-profits with working capital up to $2 million with low interest rates and terms extending up to 30 years.

“While every American is being affected by COVID-19, the impact of this pandemic is particularly hurting our schools and places of worship, and disproportionately impacting the underrepresented communities, the sick, the elderly and the lower income,” added Carranza. “It’s vitally important that organizations focused on delivering critical social services and meeting community needs remain viable, particularly during this economically challenging time.”

UPDATE 04/03/2020 - "Pennsylvania's Community Banks Working Hard to Deliver Small-Business Payroll Relief" – PACB Press Release

“Community banks are handling the mission being given to them despite new rules being issued only 12 hours ago.”

UPDATE 04/02/2020 - Treasury.gov posted the SBA's Interim Final Rule on the PPP.

UPDATE 04/02/2020 - PACB updates education calendar with new program dates, virtual learning, excellent learning opportunities.
PACB has revised our educational calendar in order to provide quality programming and personal connections, when those connections are deemed safe and appropriate. Until then our virtual learning is in full force!

Please know that PACB continues to diligently serve the banking industry in these times and is focused on supporting members and keeping the public and policy-makers informed regarding the strength and soundness of the banking system.

Thank you for all that you are doing to keep the financial system for communities, businesses, neighbors and friends in the Commonwealth stable and strong.

PACB will be here to connect you when the time for connection is here!

UPDATE 04/01/2020 - "Banks remain open, but make adjustments" by Jarrad Hedes, Times News Online

“As a small community bank, we know our customers,” said Craig Zurn, president and chief executive officer of Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank. “We have staff personally calling on some of our customers to make sure they are OK and to reassure them that we are still here to take care of their financial needs, questions or concerns. We are all in this together.”

UPDATE 03/30/2020 - Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf today expanded the list of counties where residents ordered to stay home. Additionally, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared the state of Maryland to shelter in place. PACB reminds banks with Pennsylvania and Maryland employees to provide their employees with a letter on company letterhead, along with the DHS CISA guidance and the Secretary Mnuchin statement. The Mnuchin Memo is attached. A link to the ICBA sample letter for employees is below.

The Stay at Home order now includes these 26 counties: Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland and York counties. All stay-at-home orders now extend through April 30.

According to U.S. Department of the Treasury and Department of Homeland Security guidance, the financial services sector are identified as a Critical Infrastructure Sector. The guidance from DHS and Treasury identifies essential critical infrastructure workers during the COVID-19 response emergency, and provides guidance to state and local officials as they work to protect their communities. The ICBA prepared a draft letter for bankers to prepare on bank letterhead for their employees. The letters identify the employee’s job description matches the criteria laid forth in the attached guidance, and they should be considered essential workforce, and shall be permitted to perform these critical functions throughout the COVID-19 emergency.

https://www.icba.org/docs/default-source/icba/crisis-response/coronavirus/draft-essential-worker-letter.docx?sfvrsn=50d22b17_2

UPDATE 03/30/2020 - PACB Schedules Member Call with ICBA to Discuss 7a Lending/PPP Program in CARES Act.

The ICBA government affairs team will explain the new CARES Act and PPP program with PACB members at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1. If you would like to participate in the discussion, please RSVP to Jena Wolgemuth.

UPDATE 03/26/2020 - PACB President and CEO Kevin Shivers recently appeared on the Lincoln Radio Journal to discuss the community bankers response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The interview linked below on the Lincoln Radio Journal is broadcast on 900 radio stations across Pennsylvania.

http://www.lincolnradiojournal.com/commentary.php?title=Newsmaker_Interview

UPDATE 03/26/2020 - The US Senate passed the Coronavirus Stimulus bill last night. It now goes on to the House for a vote. It includes the following important provisions related to financial services:

Enhancing the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) loan program,
Providing net-operating-loss tax relief,
Authorizing robust FDIC deposit insurance coverage for transaction accounts,
Delaying implementation of the Current Expected Credit Losses accounting standard,
Ensuring coronavirus-related loan modifications are not classified by regulators as troubled debt restructurings,
Reducing the Community Bank Leverage Ratio from 9 percent to 8 percent during the COVID-19 national emergency, and
Funding USDA Commodity Credit Corporation support for livestock and specialty crop producers.

Language and specifics remain elusive. ICBA was not able to release a summary yet either. As soon as we have details we will facilitate an all member call with ICBA to review its important provisions.

UPDATE 03/25/2020 - Community bankers from each PACB region provided feedback on what they are doing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. A summary of comments follows:

Most bank activity is being done over phone, online or in the bank parking lot, with very limited lobby access.
Almost every transaction can be handled via the drive thru, phone/email, in the parking lot.
Some banks reported they require a phone conversation prior to coming in the branch, with the intent to exhaust all possible ways to serve the client without them having to enter the branch.
Lobby visits now by appointment, limited to safe deposit box, loan closing where information is gathered ahead of time or electronically and interaction is for signature only; Coin and currency (change orders), customers asked to pre order and wait outside; Wire transactions, large currency transactions with business customers (communication with customer in advance regarding process)
Banks are instructing employees to ask customers if they have traveled in the last 10 days or have been to any of the six PA counties that are shelter in place and whether they have had any illnesses or symptoms of illnesses or have been exposed to someone who has. Banks reserve the right to restrict access to anyone they don’t feel comfortable allowing in to the offices.
Opening accounts by obtaining information over the phone, preparing papers and running them out to the parking lot, or via drive-thru, where the customer is waiting in their car.
Banks are rotating front-line staff, 2-3 days on and then 2-3 days off, while instructing staff aged 70+ to stay at home, with pay, while most back-office staff is able to work remotely.

What is the proper course of action to take if/when an employee tests positive?
From the CDC: If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19 infection, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The fellow employees should then self-monitor for symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf

What is the proper protocol for cleaning/sanitizing an office? What products are effective?
Please see the guidance from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

How do banks prepare for COVID-19?
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

UPDATE 03/24/2020 - Tune in to the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) at 12:10 p.m. on Wed. March 25, to hear PACB President and CEO Kevin Shivers discuss the response by community bankers to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Missed the broadcast? VISIT PCNTV.COM/CORONAVIRUS/, scroll down to the FREE TO WATCH - Coronavirus Impact section & select Coronavirus Impact 03/25/20

UPDATE 03/22/2020 - "Pennsylvania’s Banks Committed to Providing Essential Services to Consumers and Businesses During COVID-19 Health Emergency" – A joint industry news release

"Access to financial institutions is essential for consumers, businesses and working families to quickly utilize the checks that the federal government seeks to provide as soon as possible and, if necessary, access, manage, and utilize any other assets they may have, such as retirement, securities and trust accounts.”

UPDATE 03/20/2020 - "Community banks are showing their strength amid COVID-19 crisis" op-ed by Kevin Shivers, Central Penn Business Journal

"The top priority of our Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers (PACB) family is to protect the health and well-being of our employees, our customers, and every Pennsylvanian. To that end, our members have taken significant safety measures, such as expanded drive-thru banking hours and lanes and assigned tellers to meet the increased demand. In addition to their responsibility to keep customers and employees safe, community banks also are making special arrangements with customers who still depend on personalized banking services."

UPDATE 03/20/2020 - As community bankers across Pennsylvania navigate choppy waters, the PACB would like to convene a peer discussion for bankers. This is a forum for our members to gather and learn how each is dealing with the access, HR and other issues everyone is currently experiencing. Additionally, PACB wants to serve as a clearinghouse for useful resources so everyone can pull through this pandemic and the economic fallout.

On Monday, March 23rd at 4:00 pm, PACB will host a conference call/video for all of its members to work through the current situation, as well as post questions that our associate members can provide answers/insight to. PACB is here to be a resource for you at this time and we feel the ability to speak to your peers and ask questions will prove to be a benefit to you.

In order to participate in this 45 minute conference, please email [email protected] and you will receive connection details.

We will remind everyone that the PACB anti-trust policy will be complied with during these calls.

UPDATE 03/19/2020 - Federal banking regulators are looking to offer banks additional regulatory points for lending to mid- to low-income consumers who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reports, citing an official within a banking agency. One of the plans being discussed is to offer regulatory credits to lenders through the Community Reinvestment Act. Additionally, regulators are also considering pushing banks to show customers leniency in the repayment of automobile and home loans.

After taking emergency actions over the past week, the U.S. Federal Reserve could take additional measures to ease liquidity strains facing the financial system and the U.S. economy more broadly. Potential options for the Fed involve steps that either require congressional approval or that the central bank can undertake already. They include technical measures like increasing its interventions into short-term funding markets as well as broadening the range of parties the Fed can loan to, like small business and municipal bond issuers.

UPDATE 03/16/2020 - PACB staff will be working remotely, effective immediately, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We hope to be back in the office some time during the week of March 30, but we will be guided by the recommendations of the the Governor, PA Department of Health, and other relevant public health officials in making that decision.

Despite the fact that we are taking this extraordinary step, our staff is committed to carrying out ongoing responsibilities. We will be readily accessible by email or by leaving a voicemail on our office phone system. Although we will not be physically present in the PACB office, we are committed to being readily available to our members and allies.

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