Covid-19 Resources

Covid-19 Resources

Please find some resources below to assist your company, nonprofit, and municipality during this difficult time. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend visiting www.mass.gov, or for text message updates from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and public health officials please text COVIDMA to 888-777.

Table of Contents

1. Re-Opening Guidance and Plans
2. CARES Act
3. Paycheck Protection Program
4. Press Releases & State Information
5. Small Business Assistance
6. Overall Business Assistance
7. Information from our Local, State, and Federal Representatives
8. Mental Health Resources
9. Other information
10. COVID-19 Info from Municipalities

Reopening Massachusetts

Reopening Guidance & Plans

The Baker-Polito Administration has released a comprehensive plan based on a phased reopening with a May 18th start date. Each phase of reopening is a minimum of 3-weeks.
 
Reopening Massachusetts: This is the state reopening website and includes general and sector-by-sector reopening requirements. 
 
Reopening Report: Download this guide for an explanation of the different re-opening phases and workplace re-opening requirements
 
Mass.gov Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Vendor List: Please review this page for equipment use and care guidelines and for a list of PPE vendors (please scroll to the bottom of the mass.gov page for the list)
 
 
Reopening Resources
 
 

CARES Act

Click here for a summary for CARES Act 
Click here for a summary overview of the CARES Act for Small Businesses
Click here for FAQ on the CARES Act

The CARES Act is the third bill enacted into law in response to COVID-19 and provides historic emergency relief to families, businesses, health care providers and local governments including:
 
  • A $150 Billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund: Creates a $150 billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide states and localities additional resources to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. It is estimated that Massachusetts will receive approximately $2.67 billion in desperately needed funds to benefit our state’s residents.
  • $260 Billion in Dramatically Expanded Unemployment Benefits: Includes numerous provisions to improve unemployment benefits including providing an additional $600 per week for the next four weeks, providing an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits, and expanding eligibility to include workers in the gig economy and selfemployed workers.
  • Immediate Direct Cash Payments to Lower and Middle-Income Americans: Provides for immediate, direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household. These payments will provide individuals with the cash they need right now to survive with much of the economy currently shut down.
  • More Than $375 Billion in Small Business Relief: Provides more than $375 billion in small business relief, including $349 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll; $17 billion for debt relief for current and new SBA borrowers; and $10 billion in immediate disaster grants.
  • Approximately $200 Billion for Our Hospitals, Health Care Workers, and Health Research: Provides an investment of about $200 billion in our hospitals, health systems, and health research, including expanding funding for the personal protective equipment desperately needed by our health care workers, including ventilators, n95 masks, gowns, gloves, etc.
  • More Than $100 Billion in Additional Emergency Appropriations, Including the Following:
 
o Transit Agencies: Provides $25 billion to transit agencies, which have all seen a drastic drop in revenues as social distancing has been implemented. This funding is to be used to protect the jobs of the employees of the transit agencies, funding their paychecks during this public health emergency.
o HUD Emergency Solution Grants: Provides $2 billion for HUD Emergency Solution Grants to states that will be distributed by formula. These grants are designed to address the impact of the coronavirus among individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and to support additional homeless assistance, prevention, and eviction prevention assistance.
o Child Care and Development Block Grant: Supports child care and early education by providing $3.5 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant.
o Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides $900 million to help low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills.
o Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant Program: Provides $850 million for this program, giving additional support to state and local law enforcement agencies, thereby allowing them, for example, to obtain the personal protective equipment and other medical items they may need during this public health emergency.
o CDC Coronavirus State, Local and Tribal Grants Minimum Awards: Provides about $750 million in CDC State, Local, and . Tribal Grants Minimum Awards to help agencies cope with the public health emergency.
o Election Assistance: Provides $400 million for Election Assistance Grants for states to help prepare for the 2020 elections. Coronavirus is already resulting in the postponement of some primaries and this funding can help states make voting safer for individuals.
 
To learn more information about the CARE Act please visit our COVID-19 website by clicking here.
 

Paycheck Protection Program

 
 
The Small Business Association (SBA.gov) in consultation with the Treasury Department has released & continues to update an FAQ on the Paycheck Protection Program. Click here to view the FAQ.
 
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
 
SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
 
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program.
 
Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.
 
Who Can Apply
This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by coronavirus/COVID-19.
Businesses in certain industries may have more than 500 employees if they meet the SBA’s size standards for those industries.
 
Small businesses in the hospitality and food industry with more than one location could also be eligible if their individual locations employ less than 500 workers.
 
Loan Details and Forgiveness
The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
 
Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.
 
This loan has a maturity of 2 years and an interest rate of 1%.
 
 

If you would like the Middlesex 3 Coalition to connect you with one of our local lenders for this program please reach out to Stephanie Cronin at [email protected] or Erin Kokinda at [email protected].

Press Releases & State Information

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency COVID-19 Updates– Click here to find useful information in regards to your business, community, and actions the government is taking to actively prevent the spread of COVID-19. Click here for  update from the COVID-19 Response Command Center.

(3/20/20) Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Health Care Resources, Small Business Relief, Other Efforts To Support COVID-19 Response-Click here to view the useful information and resources for your business.

(3/23/20) Governor Charlie Baker Orders All Non‐Essential Businesses To Cease In Person Operation, Directs the Department of Public Health to Issue Stay at Home Advisory For Two Weeks –Updates Assembly Order to Limit Gatherings to 10 people- Click here to view the memo from Governor Baker’s office.

(3/27/20) Massachusetts Announces State Income Tax Filing Deadline Being Extended to July 15– Click here for more information.

(4/13/2020) Baker-Polito Administration Launches Manufacturing Emergency Response Team To Support Supply Production- Click Here for more information.

(4/10/2020)- Updates from MA Secretary of Housing and Economic Development on COVID-19. Click here for more information.

(4/10/2020)- Updates from MA Secretary of Housing and Economic Development on COVID-19. Click here for more information.

 

Small Business Assistance

 

U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship– The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act. Click here to view it.

CARES ACT FAQ- Please Click Here to view a Frequently Asked Questions document about the CARES Act, which includes helpful information about the different types of small business relief. 

Baker-Polito Administration Announce $10 Million in Funds for Small Businesses- A loan fund of $10 million has been created to provide financial relief to Massachusetts businesses with under 50 full-time and part-time employees that have been affected by COVID-19. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will receive and process all applications for this fund. Click here for more information.

SBA Small Business Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19- 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). Click here for more information. 
If you are unable to attend please click here to see the webinar presentation.

Entrepreneurship Center at Community Teamwork– Located in Lowell, the Entrepreneurship Center provides assistance to start-ups and small businesses. They are offering virtual assistance for your small business during COVID-19. They are here to help you! Sign up with the link below and they will contact you shortly with resources available and future events to use strategically for your business during this time.
Fill out form: https://forms.gle/Yj7KXj2XMsePCckM7
Click here for their available resources.

Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC)– Click here to view a guide on what you need to know as a small business during COVID-19.
Click here to view how MSBDC can help you with your loan application.

Overall Business Information

Mass Workforce Association- Resources for Massachusetts Businesses During COVID-19. Click here to view a resource guide for your business during this time.

Massachusetts COVID-19 Unemployment Information– The Baker-Polito administration has filed emergency legislation and emergency regulations that allow people impacted by COVID-19 to collect unemployment if their workplace has shut down. Click here for more information.

Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance will be hosting Virtual Town Halls on these dates:

Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 11:10 AM NOTE UPDATED TIME

  • Monday, April 13 at 2:10 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 14 at 1:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 15 at 1:40 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 16 at 1:50 p.m.
  • Friday, April 17 at 1:50 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 18 at 1:50 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 19 at 2:00 p.m.

If you are interested in participating please click here.

Resources to Support Organizations Facing Staffing Reductions 
Rapid Response Program: The Rapid Response team can offer alternatives to closing a facility and laying off employees. If layoffs are inevitable, measures can be taken to lessen the impact on the company and workforce.

WorkShare Program: If you are experiencing a temporary slowdown in your business, WorkShare can help you reduce your payroll costs and maintain valued workforce.

Unemployment Insurance For Workers: Unemployment Insurance provides Massachusetts workers with a temporary income, training, and support during periods of unemployment.

Information from our federal, state, and local representatives

U.S. Senator Ed Markey- Click here for information about COVID-19 from US Senator Ed Markey’s office on 3/18/20.
                                             Click here for information about COVID-19 from US Senator Ed Markey’s office on 3/19/20.
                                             Click here for information about COVID-19 from US Senator Ed Markey’s office on 3/22/20.
                                             Click here for information about COVID-19 from US Senator Ed Markey’s office on 3/26/20.
                                             Click here for information about COVID-19 from US Senator Ed Markey’s office on 3/31/20.
                                             Click here to view U.S. Senator Ed Markey’s Coronavirus page.

Click here to view a Small Business Resource Guide from U.S. Senator Ed Markey’s office.

Small Business Call with Senator Ed Markey
Last week, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law to address the economic impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Senator Ed Markey hosted a conference call Monday, March 30th  to discuss the small business relief provisions included in the bill. Also, on the call there was a special guest, Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Small Business Committee, to take questions.

If you missed the conference call you can listen to it by clicking here.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren– Click here to view U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s coronavirus resource page.

U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton– Letter from his office in regards to COVID-19 and available resources to his constituents. Click here to view the letter.
Congressman Moulton forms Coronavirus Advisory Team- Click here
U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton hosts digital town hall, click here to view it.
Click here to view U.S. Congressman Moulton’s coronavirus resource page.

U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton Small Business Forum
The CARES Act, passed last Friday, earmarks $350 billion dollars for our nation’s small businesses, all of which are struggling with immediate decisions about how to make rent, what to do about their employees, and which bills to pay.
 
On Tuesday, March 31st at 5 PM, Congressman Moulton and Massachusetts SBA Director Bob Nelson hosted a Small Business Forum on Facebook. This forum detailed the programs that were created to help small businesses and instruct them on how they can apply for assistance. 
Click here to view it.
 
Download their comprehensive resource guide here: https://moulton.house.gov/imo/media/doc/smallbiz.pdf
 

U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan COVID-19 Town Hall Telephone Call- Join U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan on Thursday, March 26 at 4:00 PM to find out what they are doing in Washington to mitigate the spread of the virus. She will be joined by Massachusetts health care professionals and Small Business Administration. If you are interested in joining this event, please RSVP at this link.
Click here to view U.S. Congresswoman’s Lori Trahan COVID-19 Resource page.

MA State Representative Michelle Ciccolo- Click here for more information from MA State Rep. Michelle Ciccolo’s office.

MA Bills Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic- Click here to view.

Mental Health Resources

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
Pandemic Panic? These 5 Tips Can Help You Regain Your Calm
CDC-Manage Anxiety & Stress

Other Info:

Paychex Responds to Businesses 24/7 Amid COVID-19 Crisis– Click here for assistance to meet your HR needs during this time

Beth Israel Lahey Health–Supply and Equipment Donations for COVID-19 Preparedness and Response
Preferred Donations
N95 respirators
Surgical/procedural masks
Face shield masks
Disposable gowns
Goggles/eye protection
Bleach wipes
Non-bleach wipes
Nitrile gloves
Hand sanitizer

Click here for more information on how to donate.

Monitoring COVID-19: Keeping our Communities Healthy –Click here to learn how Beth Israel Lahey Health is monitoring the situation

Lowell General Hospital
Donations of PPE (personal protective equipment)

Please note, due to the limitations of drop-off and pick-up options, we would ask that you only contact us with the following:

  • Procedure ear looped masks (quantities of 50 or more)
  • Hospital grade PDI wipes (not traditional home-use antibacterial wipes)
  • N95 masks (quantities of 50 or more)

Click here to view the note from LGH on donations.
Click here to learn how LGH is monitoring the situation.

Emerson Hospital

Contributions of critical supplies and equipment, as well as cash donations of every size, are appreciated at this time.

Current needs include:

  • Masks — Surgical or procedure mask with ties or elastic ear loops and N95 masks
  • Gowns — Surgical gowns, Tyvek suits or other disposable isolation gowns
  • Eye protection — Safety googles and face shields of any kind
  • Sanitizer — Hand sanitizer and sanitizer wipes
  • Digital thermometers
  • Exam gloves — Nitrile or non-latex are preferred

Before donating to us, we ask that you please ensure the items meet all quality standards, are not opened or damaged, and are not expired.

We have been overwhelmed with the response to our hand-sewn mask-making effort! At the present time, we have enough hand-sewn masks to satisfy the needs of Emerson Hospital. We will gladly accept those you have in progress until March 29. We are still accepting donations of homemade face shields to use in the event our supply is depleted.

Click here to learn how to make homemade face shields.

Click here to learn more information.

Calling on Life Sciences & Healthcare Organizations to Donate Supplies to Fight COVID-19- The world’s leading life sciences and healthcare organizations are launching the Massachusetts Life Sciences Emergency Supply Hub to help coordinate efforts to try and bring additional supplies and resources to our state’s healthcare institutions so they can continue to test and treat patients with COVID‐19. Click here to learn how you can help.

MITRE and the COVID-19 Healthcare Coalition,  a private-industry led response to enhance knowledge of the pandemic, are asking businesses to share their data and responses to COVID-19 with the Healthcare Coalition. Please visit the Healthcare Coalition’s page for more information.

5 Timely Tips for Telecommuting– Click here to view.

Courtyard Marriott Billerica/Bedford- First Responder Special Rate
Courtyard by Marriott Billerica Bedford is available for your traveling teams, any displaced workers, family, or friends. Click here to view a flyer and link for easy booking.

COVID-19 Information-Municipalities

Town of Bedford 
Overall Town Information Click Here
Resources for Businesses Click Here

Town of Billerica
Overall Town Information Click Here
Resources for Businesses Click Here

Town of Burlington
Overall Town Information Click Here
Resources for Businesses Click Here

Town of Carlisle
Overall Town Information Click Here

Town of Chelmsford
Overall Town Information Click Here
Resources for Businesses Click Here

Town of Lexington
Overall Town Information Click Here
Resources for Businesses Click Here

City of Lowell
Overall City Information Click Here
Resources for Businesses Click Here

Town of Tewksbury
Overall Town Information Click Here
Resources for Businesses Click Here

Town of Tyngsborough
Overall Town Information Click Here
Resources for Businesses Click Here

Town of Westford
Overall Town Information Click Here
Resources for Businesses Click Here

If you have any other information or resources that would be beneficial to our members during this time please send to Erin Kokinda at [email protected]