COVID-19 INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Due to the growing concern over COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Beauty Certified Education Association want to ensure that its members and community have the most up-to-date, accurate information.
Please use the resources and information below to ensure that you, your staff and community are safe as this virus spreads.
MN.gov COVID-19 Response and Preparation Website
Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan are committed to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have taken decisive action to curb the spread of COVID-19, support our health care providers and facilities, and mitigate the impact on Minnesota families. Please see the resources and news alerts below to stay up to date in this ever-evolving situation.
State of Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loan Program
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Benefits
DEED has established a loan program to assist small businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency loan program is designed to help Minnesota small business owners who need immediate assistance to meet their families’ basic needs during COVID-19 closures. These interest-free loans are available only to Minnesota businesses and will: o Range from $2,500 to $35,000 and be based on the firm’s economic injury and financial need; and o Be paid back monthly over five years, and the first payment will be deferred six months with potential partial forgiveness.
COVID-19 information for self-employed people and independent contractors
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress on March 27th, provides new benefits for self-employed people and independent contractors.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program – provides weekly benefit payments for self-employed people, independent contractors and others who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits.
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) - $600/week additional payments for people receiving regular or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
COVID-19 information for workers
Workers who have lost their jobs or had their hours significantly reduced because of COVID-19 may qualify for unemployment benefits.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress on March 27th, provides additional benefits to eligible workers:
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) - $600/week additional payments for people receiving regular or extended unemployment benefits.
Pandemic Extended Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) – A 13-week extension of unemployment benefits for workers who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program – provides weekly benefit payments for those who are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits in Minnesota or any other state.
Form the MN Board of Cosmetology:
Critical Sector Descriptions and Best Practices Survey
On April 8, 2020, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-33, which extended the stay at home order as well as the temporary closure of bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodations, including salons until May 3, 2020 at 11:59 pm. At this time, cosmetology salons have not been listed on the Critical Sector Worker Definitions and Clarifications document. However, the Board is in discussions with Commissioner Grove from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) on how to create a process to safely reopen salons. The public has an opportunity to be part of the discussion by sharing ideas on how people can maintain appropriate social distancing while bringing businesses back to work. Salon owners, employees, and other members of the public can complete the Best Practices Survey created by DEED. April 23 Update: Currently the Board and DEED are reviewing all feedback. As we continue to collaborate with DEED, DOH and the Governor’s Office, reopening plans are being discussed. Those plans will be shared once we have a better understanding of both workplace and social settings. As information is clearer, we will communicate via our Facebook page and our website. We recommend all licensees review and put heightened focus on the current MN Rules 2105. For Infection Control standards, see Minnesota Rule 2105.0375 Infection Control Requirements.
Minnesota Board of Cosmetology:
Salon Product and Retail Sales
Per the Executive orders issued by the Governor's Office, and further clarified with the Critical Sectors list above, salons in their entirety must be closed. The Board of Cosmetology has been given clarification that mail-order sales of retail and gifts cards are permitted. The order must be taken via online or phone and delivered via mail delivery. The Board has been made aware of reports of curb-side product and retail sale delivery including professional hair color kits. The Governor is requesting voluntary compliance with the Executive Orders. You are encouraged to consider several factors, including the possible consequences for violating Executive Orders, and the health of your staff and your clients. It also may be beneficial to consult with the product manufacturer you are retailing, as well as with an attorney for legal advice regarding the business decisions you are considering