COVID-19 Resources

Last updated: May 15, 2020 at 4:15 pm

The Virginia Tech – Virginia Seafood AREC has identified some links and resources that may be of interest to the seafood industry and other food industries with information pertaining to COVID-19 and food safety. Please find below:

• Virginia Small Business Administration - Recovery Resources for Small Businesses
  • https://www.virginiasbdc.org/recoveryresourcecenter/

• Virginia MarketMaker
  • https://va.foodmarketmaker.com/
  •  MarketMaker is a network of states that aims to connect farmers and fisherman with food retailers, grocery stores, processors, caterers, chefs, and consumer
•  Virginia MarketMaker Training Videos:
  •  Food & Farm Connections Training: Part 1 (Recorded April 22, 2020) – Understanding Value Chain Coordination & Navigating Resources and Tools
  • Food & Farm Connections Training: Part 2 (Recorded April 29, 2020) – Using Virginia MarketMaker to Connect Food and Farm Businesses with Buyers & Consumers

•  Virginia Sea Grant Coronavirus Resource Page
  • Additional resources and links from our partners at Virginia Sea Grant
    

• FDA Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 
  • Q&A for Industry

• Farm financial management during the pandemic - webinar
  • Aquaculture Farm Financial Management During the Pandemic - Economic Assistance Programs fact sheet
  • Webinar presentation slides (PDF) - Dr. Carole R. Engle 
  • Webinar recording (video) - Dr. Carole R. Engle
  • This webinar was organized by the National Aquaculture Association and NOAA Sea Grant. In the webinar Dr. Carole R. Engle explained the steps and strategies to try and generate revenue and cut costs during the pandemic to help farms survive. Dr. Engle covered a number of important topics, such as taking on new debts and exploring new market opportunities.

• FREE online training being offered by ServSafe: 
  • https://www.servsafe.com/Landing-Pages/Free-Courses 
  • ServeSafe is offering free online courses in Food Handler Training, Takeout and Delivery, and COVID-19 Precaution. These courses are available until April 30th. This is intended for restaurant and foodservice workers to deliver safe dining experiences for their guests while also keeping themselves safe. 

• Frequently asked questions about seafood and COVID-19
  • https://seafoodsafetycovid19.wordpress.com
  • Q and A from public health agencies from the U.S. and around the world answering questions related to seafood and COVID-19.

• Small Business Administration COVID-19 Disaster Assistance 
  • https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.

• Shellfish Disposal During COVID-19.  Click here for guidance on shellfish disposal
  • We recognize that some shellfish producers now have harvested product that they are unable to find a market for due to decreased demand. Shellfish pose no known risk regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), but could pose other biosecurity risks if not handled properly. The Shellfish Health Advisory Panel offers this guidance in its mission to improve shellfish health management along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States.

• Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
  • https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
  • This 32- page OSHA pamphlet provides guidelines that the food processing industry can use to assure safe and healthful working conditions for their employees, including guidelines for updating plans for COVID-19.

• List N: Products with Emerging Viral Pathogens AND Human Coronavirus claims for use against SARS-CoV-2
  • https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 
  • This list of EPA-registered disinfectants meets the criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. It provides the contact time required for disinfecting against viruses such as COVID-19.  

• Virginia Tech selected resources for Food Safety and COVID-19. Click Here for resources.
  • Includes links with information on COVID-19 prevention specific to the food service industry, grocery stores, farmers markets, and food banks.

• Public Health Emergency Response for Retail Store Managers (LSU Ag Center)
  • https://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/aiverson/articles/page1584563222650
  • This information helps to identify the high-risk areas in retail stores, and designs a cleaning and disinfection plan accordingly.

• If you have a food business that have been approved for sale by either the Virginia Department of Health and/or the Virginia Department of Consumer Services, please check their websites on information for food establishments on COVID-19.
  • Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  • Virginia Department of Health