'Denied, Deferred and Ignored: 13 Applications, and No Relief' diff viewer (3/4)

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Denied, Deferred and Ignored: 13 Applications, and No Relief	Denied, Deferred and Ignored: 13 Applications, and No Relief
2020-06-06 18:18:23 UTC	2020-06-08 23:36:34 UTC (2 days later)
In 17 years, Graceann Dorse and her husband, Christopher Webb, have built their cinematography and special effects firm, FX WRX, into a significant creative and economic force in New York, navigating natural and financial disasters along the way.	In 17 years, Graceann Dorse and her husband, Christopher Webb, have built their cinematography and special effects firm, FX WRX, into a significant creative and economic force in New York, navigating natural and financial disasters along the way.
They weathered the Great Recession in 2007-9 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which wiped out their first studio in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn. They made it through the city’s labyrinthine building permit process to open its state-of-the-art studio in the fall.	They weathered the Great Recession in 2007-9 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which wiped out their first studio in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn. They made it through the city’s labyrinthine building permit process to open its state-of-the-art studio in the fall.
But now the coronavirus crisis is endangering their business, potentially wiping out hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal investment and guaranteed small-business loans, jeopardizing about $1 million in special effects equipment in the studio and harming the dozens of film professionals they work with.	But now the coronavirus crisis is endangering their business, potentially wiping out hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal investment and guaranteed small-business loans, jeopardizing about $1 million in special effects equipment in the studio and harming the dozens of film professionals they work with.
“The work we do has to be done in person, with a large crew,” said Ms. Dorse, the business manager of FX WRX. “We can’t work from home, so with the stay-at-home order in effect, we cannot earn any income.”	“The work we do has to be done in person, with a large crew,” said Ms. Dorse, the business manager of FX WRX. “We can’t work from home, so with the stay-at-home order in effect, we cannot earn any income.”
In the last month, Ms. Dorse and Mr. Webb, a cinematographer, have applied for more than a dozen grants or low-interest loans from federal, state, city and private groups. So far, they have been denied, deferred and ignored.	In the last month, Ms. Dorse and Mr. Webb, a cinematographer, have applied for more than a dozen grants or low-interest loans from federal, state, city and private groups. So far, they have been denied, deferred and ignored.
Small-business owners around the country are facing economic challenges that threaten the companies they built. The biggest program to help them, the Small Business Association’s Paycheck Protection Program, burned through the $350 billion allocated by Congress in less than two weeks. On Friday, President Trump signed a bill for $484 billion to serve as a second round of relief funds, with $320 billion set aside to replenish the paycheck program. But some experts say that, too, will be exhausted in days.	Small-business owners around the country are facing economic challenges that threaten the companies they built. The biggest program to help them, the Small Business Association’s Paycheck Protection Program, burned through the $350 billion allocated by Congress in less than two weeks. On Friday, President Trump signed a bill for $484 billion to serve as a second round of relief funds, with $320 billion set aside to replenish the paycheck program. But some experts say that, too, will be exhausted in days.
The paycheck program has been heavily criticized because some recipients, like restaurant chains and luxury hotel companies, were not what most people would consider small businesses. The size of the loans shows that big companies got in first and may have had an advantage.	The paycheck program has been heavily criticized because some recipients, like restaurant chains and luxury hotel companies, were not what most people would consider small businesses. The size of the loans shows that big companies got in first and may have had an advantage.
The average loan size was about $200,000, but 4 percent of the loans accounted for 43 percent of the dollars, according to an S.B.A. report on approvals through April 14. Nearly three-quarters of the loans made were for less than $150,000, but those loans accounted for only 17 percent of the funds.	The average loan size was about $200,000, but 4 percent of the loans accounted for 43 percent of the dollars, according to an S.B.A. report on approvals through April 14. Nearly three-quarters of the loans made were for less than $150,000, but those loans accounted for only 17 percent of the funds.
“You can see that there’s a real skew in there,” said John Pitts, former deputy assistant director of intergovernmental affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and now the head of policy for Plaid, a financial services firm that connects fintech apps with banks.	“You can see that there’s a real skew in there,” said John Pitts, former deputy assistant director of intergovernmental affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and now the head of policy for Plaid, a financial services firm that connects fintech apps with banks.
This fueled an outcry against companies like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which got $20 million, and Shake Shack, which received $10 million. They were part of the 0.25 percent of the 1.66 million applicants that each received more than $5 million. Both companies announced this week that they would return the money.	This fueled an outcry against companies like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which got $20 million, and Shake Shack, which received $10 million. They were part of the 0.25 percent of the 1.66 million applicants that each received more than $5 million. Both companies announced this week that they would return the money.
“What we heard universally is, most people weren’t able to get a loan under $50,000,” Mr. Pitts said. “The banks just weren’t set up to do loans that small.”	“What we heard universally is, most people weren’t able to get a loan under $50,000,” Mr. Pitts said. “The banks just weren’t set up to do loans that small.”
Ms. Dorse was among the thousands of small-business owners who were left out. But she has also had a raft of other issues in trying to secure other loans and grants.	Ms. Dorse was among the thousands of small-business owners who were left out. But she has also had a raft of other issues in trying to secure other loans and grants.
She and her husband have their wealth locked up in their 3,500-square-foot studio, but they have had no work in more than a month, while about $14,000 a month in rent, loan payments and expenses build up. They also know that whenever lockdown restrictions loosen, it will take them at least four weeks to get a paying client back in the studio.	She and her husband have their wealth locked up in their 3,500-square-foot studio, but they have had no work in more than a month, while about $14,000 a month in rent, loan payments and expenses build up. They also know that whenever lockdown restrictions loosen, it will take them at least four weeks to get a paying client back in the studio.
As soon as New York State issued its stay-at-home order on March 20, Ms. Dorse began applying to government and private programs, 13 in all. She was optimistic: Theirs was not a business that could operate remotely or with any curbside modification, yet they had proved themselves as an employer and taxpayer since 2003.	As soon as New York State issued its stay-at-home order on March 20, Ms. Dorse began applying to government and private programs, 13 in all. She was optimistic: Theirs was not a business that could operate remotely or with any curbside modification, yet they had proved themselves as an employer and taxpayer since 2003.
She turned first to a program from New York City’s Department of Small Business Services, which provided grants for businesses with fewer than five employees. FX WRX has hired dozens of people for projects, but the couple were the company’s only full-time employees.	She turned first to a program from New York City’s Department of Small Business Services, which provided grants for businesses with fewer than five employees. FX WRX has hired dozens of people for projects, but the couple were the company’s only full-time employees.
That was the first red flag: They did not pay themselves a regular salary. Like many small-business owners, they took distributions from the company and reinvested capital into the business.	That was the first red flag: They did not pay themselves a regular salary. Like many small-business owners, they took distributions from the company and reinvested capital into the business.
At times, their accountant had them declare a salary at the end of a year for tax and planning purposes, but he had advised them not to do so for the last two years, a period in which they invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in their studio.	At times, their accountant had them declare a salary at the end of a year for tax and planning purposes, but he had advised them not to do so for the last two years, a period in which they invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in their studio.
“They denied us because we don’t use a payroll company,” she said. “We don’t pay ourselves on a biweekly basis, which blew their minds.”	“They denied us because we don’t use a payroll company,” she said. “We don’t pay ourselves on a biweekly basis, which blew their minds.”
The New York City programs were too small to make much of a difference for the surge of businesses suddenly in need.	The New York City programs were too small to make much of a difference for the surge of businesses suddenly in need.
“It’s just so woefully underfunded for the needs of the programs,” said Howard Cure, director of municipal bond research at Evercore Wealth Management. “The city and the state are facing such huge operating deficits from the impact of the decline in sales tax and, to a lesser extent, a decline in personal income tax, that they’re in no position to expand these programs.”	“It’s just so woefully underfunded for the needs of the programs,” said Howard Cure, director of municipal bond research at Evercore Wealth Management. “The city and the state are facing such huge operating deficits from the impact of the decline in sales tax and, to a lesser extent, a decline in personal income tax, that they’re in no position to expand these programs.”
Businesses that are denied a claim can appeal, Samantha Keitt, a spokeswoman for the Department of Small Business Services, said in an email. “If businesses aren’t qualified for our program, we are also available to provide in-depth technical assistance on the S.B.A. loan programs,” she said.	Businesses that are denied a claim can appeal, Samantha Keitt, a spokeswoman for the Department of Small Business Services, said in an email. “If businesses aren’t qualified for our program, we are also available to provide in-depth technical assistance on the S.B.A. loan programs,” she said.
Ms. Dorse said someone at the department had suggested that she apply for a $75,000 business continuity loan instead. As she was gathering supporting documents, she received an email saying the program was out of money.	Ms. Dorse said someone at the department had suggested that she apply for a $75,000 business continuity loan instead. As she was gathering supporting documents, she received an email saying the program was out of money.
At the same time, she was applying for the S.B.A.’s programs. She completed the online application for the S.B.A.’s Economic Injury Disaster program, which promised a $10,000 grant within 72 hours, on April 1. (On Thursday, more than three weeks after applying, she received $2,000. She called it “somewhat good news,” but said: “We are far from any long-term meaningful assistance.”)	At the same time, she was applying for the S.B.A.’s programs. She completed the online application for the S.B.A.’s Economic Injury Disaster program, which promised a $10,000 grant within 72 hours, on April 1. (On Thursday, more than three weeks after applying, she received $2,000. She called it “somewhat good news,” but said: “We are far from any long-term meaningful assistance.”)
She applied online for the Paycheck Protection Program on April 3, the day it went live. But Chase’s system wasn’t ready to go on Day 1, she said: “That was a significant delay.”	She applied online for the Paycheck Protection Program on April 3, the day it went live. But Chase’s system wasn’t ready to go on Day 1, she said: “That was a significant delay.”
Updated June 5, 2020	Updated June 5, 2020
	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.	Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.	Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.	States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.	Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.	The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.	If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
She received an email on April 7 saying the bank’s portal was ready, and she had her application submitted the next day. She heard nothing until she received an email last week saying the funds had run out.	She received an email on April 7 saying the bank’s portal was ready, and she had her application submitted the next day. She heard nothing until she received an email last week saying the funds had run out.