North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper wrote a letter to the U.S. Small Business Administration on Friday asking for federal relief for the state’s small businesses as they are affected by the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus called COVID-19.

The letter, which requests the issuance of a disaster declaration by the federal administration, aims to get North Carolina business owners aid in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. In it, Cooper argues the efforts of the state and country to mitigate the ongoing spread of COVID-19 directly impacts many small businesses and cause substantial financial losses.

“I’m asking the SBA for assistance so we can get relief to help business owners in our state weather the economic impacts of COVID-19,” said Governor Cooper in a statement from his press office. “We know that the new Coronavirus is already impacting businesses and this financial assistance will help.”

On Monday, the SBA shared information on its website, saying it will work directly with state governors to provide low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits severely impacted by the coronavirus. If granted, the disaster loans given by the SBA to impacted businesses would help businesses fulfill financial obligations and operating expenses.

Cooper declared a state of emergency in North Carolina on Tuesday, March 10. Since then, both the state and federal governments have urged people to practice social distancing methods, which largely request people avoid public places like restaurants or crowded stores.

To read the full letter sent by Governor Cooper, visit the state government’s website.

Photo via Associated Press and Julia Wall/The News & Observer.

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