COVID-19 Update #4: Frequently Asked Questions

Since the outset of COVID-19, the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) has kept close tabs on all the moving parts of this crisis and the concerns that have come with it. While you remain focused on your business, the NMTA staff is focused on the changing nature of the world that we live in. The purpose of this weekly email is to provide you with the resources we have found to be the most helpful. For this COVID-19 update, please take a look at the resources and info that we have gleamed in a helpful Frequently Asked Questions format. If you would like to ask your questions directly, please contact NMTA Dir. of Government Affairs & Vice President Peter Schrappen at peter@nmta.net. What's next from NMTA? We strongly encourage you to attend NMTA’s Annual Meeting this Wednesday, April 15 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. To RSVP, please email katieg@nmta.net and Katie Groseclose will send you the meeting link. Where are the three useful websites that I can refer to about COVID-19 and its impact on my business? 1. NMMA’s COVID-19 Action Center: The National Marine Manufacturers Association has called on the federal government to take action and help marine manufacturers respond to COVID-19. 2. The Washington Retail Association’s COVID-19 Retailer Resource Guide consists of resources to support employers and employees, provide retailer specific guidance on business operations, and make COVID-19 general topics available. 3. The Association of Washington Business’s Resources List for employers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Is boating outlawed? While not explicitly outlawed or called out as an activity not to do, NMTA is encouraging boaters to follow Governor Inslee’s request to "stay close by when going outdoors. If you need to take a car, it’s probably too far. Don’t recreate with those outside your household. Practice strong social distancing and stay at least 6-feet apart when getting fresh air.” Is recreational fishing closed? Yes, for the time being. We are hopeful that recreational fishing will be allowed once the current limit on activities ends on May 4. What are some other useful websites, webinars and hashtags I should be tracking? ▪ Washington state’s COVID-19 Response page. ▪ Follow @NMTA on Twitter and look for #NMTACOVID to stay informed. ▪ Check out this upcoming free webinar on Tuesday, April 14 from 11:00 pm – noon that the Seattle Metro Chamber has organized. Kris Bowen, lead policy analyst for Washington State's Employment Security Department, will join again to provide an overview on the updates that have been made to unemployment benefits programs in the last few weeks. Following Kris, hear from Davis Wright Tremaine on some new requirements around paid leave that were passed at the federal level, including how these requirements overlap with unemployment benefits. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. We are here to ensure that we all get through this together. Sincerely, NMTA Staff