No new cases have been identified in Santa Cruz County as of 4:00pm on April 28th. This marks the fourth consecutive day with no new active cases identified in Santa Cruz County. In Arizona, 232 new COVID-19 cases and 18 new COVID-19 deaths were reported today. The increase in new cases and deaths represent the importance of continuing to adopt social distancing, proper hygiene, and wearing a cloth mask. The number of confirmed cases represent persons who had the virus when tested. It does not detail those who have the virus and have not been tested, or those who previously had the virus and were not tested. Residents should assume exposure to the virus and take necessary steps to protect themselves and others.
Local small businesses may be interested in seeking information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Through April 16th, the Small Business Association (SBA) has guaranteed over 1.6 million loans under the PPP. According to the SBA website, www.sba.gov, the PPP is a loan that provides a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The loan will be fully forgiven, if the funds are used for payroll, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities, and at least 75% of the forgiven amount was used for payroll. Loan payments may also be deferred for six months. The SBA resumed accepting PPP applications from participating lenders on April 27th. Local small businesses may apply through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution. The local institutions listed below are approved lenders for the PPP. Local small businesses may consider reaching out to an approved lender or visit www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection for more information.
- Wells Fargo Bank
- Chase Bank
- Washington Federal Bank
- 1ST Bank Yuma
- Commerce Bank of Arizona
- National Bank of Arizona