5:30 PM Newscast

The state is reporting 10,297 cases of the coronavirus an increase of 1,147 in one day. The state has also recorded 370 deaths related to COVID-19 an increase of 69 from the day before. Currently, 1,707 are hospitalized, and 535 are on ventilators.

National media outlets are reporting the CDC is set to recommend Americans wear a facemask when out in public to slow down the spread of COVID-19…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

92% of small businesses are reporting a negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic according to a nationwide survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business.  NFIB state director Dawn Starns says some businesses are choosing to forego the use of loans from government programs because they don’t want to get tangled in the extra paperwork or debt.
Cut 5 (11)  “…plenty who do.”

Businesses with under 500 employees can now apply to receive a Small Business Administration loan from the feds to help cover payroll, and some other expenses for the next two months. The funds can only be used for payroll, rent, utilities, and some interest costs, but CPA Ben Vance says it’s really intended to keep your workers employed.

Cut 13 (08) “…forgiven”