The Puerto Rico Education Department has not complied with the requirements laid out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency related to some $322 million awarded after Hurricane María in 2017, earmarked for recovery efforts. A report released last week detailing the findings of an audit commissioned by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the […]
The Health Department has been unable to specify how many rapid tests it has conducted nor their results. Mistakes, delays, overpaying, questionable interventions, bureaucracy and deals between officials and suppliers with political ties have characterized the government’s procurement efforts to confront the epidemic. The latter adds to an already difficult situation in which Puerto Rico […]
Professional services firm Aon revealed the results of a recent study about labor practices during the COVID-19 emergency, which revealed new challenges related to employee management and labor practices to ensure business continuity in response to the crisis. According to the report, 56% of companies expect to resume normal operations between April and May, while […]
Following the conclusion of its effort to produce and donate more than 57,000 gallons of high-concentration disinfecting alcohol to health institutions in Puerto Rico, now Destilería Serrallés will again shift gears to expand the availability of its Superior 70 disinfecting alcohol. Company President Philippe Brechot confirmed the Ponce-based manufacturer will be working with industrial alcohol […]
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting Puerto Rico, financial institution FirstBank launched its newest campaign, entitled “The Call,” to show appreciation for members of the general public who “are doing their best, day in and day out, to meet the basic needs of our people as we undergo Puerto Rico’s worst health crisis.” […]
Starbucks Coffee and Baristas del Caribe, LLC announced the local version of the new Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program as part of its commitment to support employees affected by COVID-19. The program marks the first time both company-operated and international-licensed market store partners across Starbucks may access hardship grants. These one-time, direct relief grants […]
Distance education company Self Learning Solutions Tech announced it has begun offering free orientation courses on COVID-19 aimed at health professionals, service industry, restaurants, hotels and businesses in general. Courses are available anytime, from anywhere. “Within the pandemic we’re experiencing, it’s more important than ever to adapt and take advantage of online courses that will […]
Preventive measures such as constant handwashing and social distancing between people to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) should be coupled with maintaining a healthy work environment to protect staff and guarantee business continuity, an expert on indoor environment quality and sanitation said. Overall, it is essential that employers practice disinfecting high-contact surfaces, said […]
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue unveiled a “one-stop-shop” of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The “COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide” is a resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic, he said. “This resource […]
Responding to suggestions from the Medical Task Force she appointed, Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez announced over the weekend the signing of a new Executive Order establishing an extension to the lockdown and 24/7 curfew through May 3. Executive Order 2020-33 eliminates license plates restrictions and extends the period during the day during which authorized […]
As part of its efforts to continue offering services to the public during the COVID-19 emergency, the Wilma N. Vázquez in Vega Baja Hospital has invested some $500,000 to establish the COVID SE Unit, separate from the institution’s emergency room, hospital officials said. Hospital Board Chairman José Orlando Pabón, said “the goal of this strategy […]
Risk communication is far from crisis communication, although they can often be confused. Risk communication occurs when there is a potential threat, risk or danger that affects the general public such as a hurricane or pandemic. At that time, companies, governments and organizations should take the initiative to find the best resources and sources of […]
The business interruption to companies in Puerto Rico and the world has prompted Puerto Rican law firm Meléndez Torres Law PSC, to offer free help small and medium-sized as well as nonprofit organizations in accessing funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Managing Partner Sonia Torres said the firm’s legal team has made itself available […]
To date, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated more than $122 million to repair and rebuild public buildings represented in 215 projects, the agency confirmed. The funds will help municipal facilities, private nonprofits, hospitals, universities and other eligible entities recover “so they can better provide services to the communities they serve,” it said in […]
Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to include and treat Puerto Rico equal to U.S. mainland jurisdictions in the stimulus package currently being drafted in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. The letter outlined several government priorities to be able to continue responding to the global COVID-19 pandemic. In […]
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