; by (bb) 2.5; or (ii) $10,000,000. (F) Allowable uses of covered loans (i) In general During the covered period, an eligible recipient may, in addition to the allowable uses of a loan made under this subsection, use the proceeds of the covered loan for— (I) payroll costs; (II) costs related to the continuation of group health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums; (III) employee salaries, commissions, or similar compensations; (IV) mortgage payments; (V) rent (including rent under a lease agreement); (VI) utilities; and (VII) interest on any other debt obligations that were incurred before the covered period. (ii) Delegated authority (I) In general For purposes of making covered loans for the purposes described in clause (i), a lender approved under this paragraph shall be considered to have delegated authority to make and approve covered loans, subject to the provisions of this paragraph. (II) Considerations In evaluating the eligibility of a borrower for a covered loan with the terms described in this paragraph, a lender shall consider whether the borrower— (aa) was in operation on February 15, 2020; (bb) (AA) had employees for whom the borrower paid salaries and payroll taxes; or (BB) paid independent contractors, as reported on a Form 1099–MISC