In an effort to keep you informed of developments related to COVID-19, the City of Pasadena offers the following information to the Pasadena business community. Our goal is to disseminate accurate public health information, offer recommendations to prepare for and slow the spread of the virus, and provide links to resources for additional information. Please disseminate the information with your businesses, community partners, etc.
Important Updates & Resources for Pasadena Businesses
Message From the City of Pasadena Health Officer
The number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow in Pasadena and Los Angeles County. This puts your business at risk for significant disruption, since customers and employees may be infected with COVID-19. The Pasadena Public Health Department has seen multiple instances of employers who knew about cases, but did not report them to the Health Department. As a result, they had outbreaks with many customers, employees, and their family member ill or exposed. In many cases, public health protocols were not followed in work or break area, when employees let their guard down. Employers who thought that COVID-19 in their workplace could be ignored, or that they could manage it themselves without notifying the Health Department, suffered the consequences of disease spread among employees and customers, including closure of the business and negative publicity.
Employers are required to report suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases immediately to the Pasadena Public Health Department (call 626-744-6089 or email nursing@cityofpasadena.net), and to provide all requested information in a timely manner.
Failure to report an employee COVID-19 case may result in criminal prosecution under the California Health & Safety Code Section 10129 and 120295. Such violations will be enforced by the Police Department, City Attorney/City Prosecutor's Department, Public Health Department, and/or any other agency designated by the City Manager for enforcement.
Thank you to those businesses that have partnered with the Health Department to limit the impact of COVID-19 on their operations through rapid reporting of cases and providing information. For more information visit http://www.cityofpasadena.net/covid-19/.
City & PCF Award $390,000 in COVID-19 Relief Grants to Small Businesses
The City of Pasadena and Pasadena Community Foundation announced this week the list of small businesses that were successful in their applications for COVID-19 Relief Grant Funds. Thirty-nine small businesses ranging from specialty retail and restaurants to personal service providers and fitness studios received grants of $10,000 per entity. Another round of funding for micro-entrepreneurs will launch later this year. To read the full staff report click here.
Regional COVID-19 Grant Fund Opens Again in 12 Days. Are you Ready?
The LA Regional COVID-19 Grant Fund will open its 4th round of applications on August 31, 2020. The regional fund will offer grants, not loans, to micro-entrepreneurs, small businesses, medium-sized businesses, and non-profits. For more information about the Regional Grant Program and to apply click here.
Several community partners will be hosting workshops to provide information and an overview on the Regional Grant Program application process. Workshops will be held tomorrow, Thursday, August 20th, and Wednesday, August 26th. To register for a free Regional Grant Program workshop click here.
Expand Business Operations Outside Thru Expedited Permit Portal
The City of Pasadena's Expedited Plan Check & Permitting Portal' is available to assist business sectors impacted by the Governor's Stay-at-Home Orders move their operations outside. Eligible Pasadena businesses can pursue a no-fee expedited permit for outdoor operations. Depending on the type of business, locations can include city sidewalks, alleyways, streets, and municipal parking lots, as well as private property parking lots. The Expedited Plan Check & Permitting Application Portal also allows for a rapid review of outdoor permits for dining and non-dining uses.
To access the 'Expedited Plan Check & Permitting Portal, click here.
Friendly Reminders About Health Protocols
The general public is mindful of public health protocols and oftentimes takes to social media when businesses don't follow Health Officer guidelines. To avoid being targeted by social media users, please follow industry protocols and guidance. The City is working with our business and community partners to ensure that protocols are followed. Potential violations are oftentimes reported to the City's Citizen Service Center. Once a complaint is received, City Staff will begin by contacting a business to educate them on Health Officer-issued protocols. Repeat violations will be subject to progressive enforcement policies. For more information about industry specific guidance documents, FAQ's and protocols, click here.
Helpful Links Regarding COVID-19:
- City of Pasadena Novel Coronavirus page
- City of Pasadena COVID-19 Information for Businesses
- City of Pasadena Planning Department Rapid Reopening Permit Application Portal
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Information Page & Business Toolkit
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention Novel Coronavirus page
- Center for Disease Control Guidelines for Workplace, Home & School
- Follow the City of Pasadena on Social Media for frequent updates: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Sign-Up for Business Briefing Updates:
Please encourage your merchants, business owners, and associates to subscribe to receive these business updates related to the City of Pasadena's response to COVID-19. To subscribe, click here.
We appreciate our business community's patience, understanding, and support
as we navigate the challenges related to COVID-19.
We are a resilient community.
We are in this together.
Please stay healthy and safe.