CMRPC COVID-19 Response Resources and Information

The results of CMRPC's Small Business Survey have been released. The data gathered will be instrumental for future funding for businesses in our region. https://www.cmrpcregionalservices.org/covid19

As the COVID Response continues and the Commonwealth moves into financial Recovery, the MEMA Recovery Section will be sending out information and guidance intended to educate local governments on the Recovery Process.  The following is a presentation many have found useful. The webinar and attached PowerPoint was assembled by a non-profit highlighting the most recent supplemental funding passed by Congress.  Below is a link to the webinar  The original webinar is at this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/3731579043527511046 The webinar focuses on these three legislative packages as they apply to SLTT governments: ·          Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074) , became law 3/6/2020 ·          Family First Coronavirus Response (H.R. 2601) , became law 3/18/2020 ·        ...

COVID-19 Webinar Best Management Practices for Recycling Facilities Wednesday April 15, 2020 9:00 - 10:00 AM EST

Summary of the CARES Act SBA and FMLA Programs

MEMA will be presenting a webinar for Local Governments who are considering standing up their own COVID Isolation and Quarantine  Non-Congregate Medical Shelter (hotel or dorm style). Please register for Non-Congregate Medical Sheltering Eligibility & Questions on Apr 10, 2020 1:00 PM EDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/609704892496955405 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar and a calendar invite.

Read the full announcement to learn more about the opportunities USDA Rural Development is implementing to provide immediate relief to our customers, partners, and stakeholders. https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_RD_SA_COVID19_ProgramImmediateActions04082020.pdf

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY COVID-19 CONFERENCE CALL ANNOUNCEMENT THURSDAY 4/9 at 1:15PM MEMA, in conjunction with the Department of Public Health, will be hosting a weekly statewide conference call with: ~ ESF Team ~ Local EMDs ~ Local Police ~ Local Fire Dial-in instructions are as follows: Conference Call Time: 1:15 PM (every Thursday). Dial In:   1-888-551-9584 Participant passcode: 9590884 *NOTE: this will be a weekly call until further notice to discuss the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The conference call number may change each week.

This update provides information on grocery store operations and occupancy limits, the nursing home mobile testing program, and the nursing home family resource line. Grocery Store Occupancy (Attachment) On yesterday’s conference call with local boards, we announced that the Department of Public Health issued an emergency order regarding grocery store operations and occupancy limits.  The order sets maximum permissible occupancy limits and provides other guidance. Nursing Home Testing and Resource Line Press Release (April 7, 2020): Baker-Polito Administration Announces Increased Resources For Health Care Providers, Expanded Support For Long-Term Care Facilities, COVID-19 Testing Initiatives Nursing Home Mobile Testing Program:  Building on efforts to protect high-risk populations like older adults, the Baker-Polito Administration has launched a program to allow for safe, rapid on-site testing of residents of long-term care facilities like nursing hom...

Guidance from the Commissioner of Public Health regarding operations of nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and agricultural supply stores under the essential services orders. Visit this page for the exact guidance. www.mass.gov/doc/dph-nurseries-guidance/download

SBA released a new Economic Injury (EIDL) processing platform yesterday which incorporates the ability to request an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance of up to $10,000.    The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary loss of revenue.   Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.     www.sba.gov/disaster SBA sent out the below message to everyone that had applied for an EIDL loan prior to the loan advance option becoming available through the Cares Act.      We know you are facing challenging times in this current health crisis. The U.S. Small Business Administration is committed to help bring relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations suffering because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  On March 27, 2020, P...

Please find a list of resources for Massachusetts businesses in this email. We encourage you to read through this list of resources and share widely. Check out our Open for Business - Local Business Directory to support local businesses around. Please consider supporting fishermen and seafood-related businesses that you come across in this directory as well as in this newsletter. Seafood sales have been deeply impacted following the COVID-19 crisis, and we must do everything we can to support our fishermen! Be sure to fill out our survey if you would like us to promote your business via SBN newsletters and social media. Small Business Association The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and Express Bridge Loan Program are now activated statewide in Massachusetts. Small businesses are urged to submit applications right away because decisions are made on a first-come, first served basis and there is no cost to apply.    MA Disaster and Emergenc...

USDA Rural Development has launched a COVID-19 resource page to keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated on actions taken by the Agency to help rural residents, businesses, and communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.  Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for information on Rural Development loan payment assistance, application deadline extensions, and more.

"Local boards of health shall disclose to the official with the responsibility for administering the response to emergency calls in their jurisdiction (receiving entity) the addresses of person living in their jurisdiction who the local board of health has been informed have tested positive for COVID-19.  The disclosure of information shall be limited to the address, and shall not include any other identifying information, including name." https://www.mass.gov/doc/order-of-the-commissioner-of-public-health-regarding-the-sharing-of-critical-information-with/download

he Worcester Together: COVID-19 Response & Relief Fund has been established by the Foundation, the United Way of Central Massachusetts , Greater Worcester Community Foundation , the City of Worcester and a coalition of generous donors to rapidly deploy flexible resources. The fund aims to support organizations in Worcester County that are working with communities disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic. How the grant program works: Presently, the focus of this Fund is rapid response to support organizations on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants between $5,000 - $50,000 will be awarded to: * Provide resources for nonprofit organizations that are authentically connected and providing coronavirus related relief to Worcester County’s most vulnerable populations including seniors, children, residents without access to paid sick days, healthcare and gig economy workers, communities of color, immigrants and people with disabilities. ...

Important information from the COVID-19 Response Command Center. This update is from yesterday, March 26, 2020. https://www.dropbox.com/s/wv1rpyntyn08y3a/COVID-19%20Response%20Command%20Center%20sitrep_03.26.20.pdf?dl=0

Business Impact Survey If you are a business owner, community leader, or municipal economic development committee in Southern Worcester County and are looking for help navigating the many State, Federal or Local resources that have been rolled out in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, please contact Kerrie Salwa, ksalwa@cmrpc.org for direction to these resources. If you are a current business owner: Please fill out the survey so we have a better idea of the needs of our region. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DCBZRDM

Update: The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development has produced FAQs around essential/non-essential businesses which will be updated regularly. The direct link to the FAQ is: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-essential-services-faqs (it’s also linked off the other related mass.gov pages). Guidance if you get questions: Governor Baker has announced various orders and guidance which are all posted on www.mass.gov/covid19 . On March 23, 2020 Governor Baker announced closure of non-essential businesses effective at 12:00 PM on Tuesday March 24, 2020. Please refer to the language of the order itself, the essential services list , and assemblage guidance and FAQ for restrictions and information. The Commonwealth does not issue letters or certificates for essential businesses. The essential services list also includes a link to a form for companies to be added to the list of types of essential services if they are not already on the list . Any questio...

The Worcester Education Collaborative has gathered a variety of educational resources for families. Click the link for the educational resources.

Today, Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public as of Tuesday, March 24th at noon until Tuesday, April 7th at noon. These businesses are encouraged to continue operations remotely. For more information regarding what is deemed an Essential Service, click the link here.

The Governor's Office announced today that Emergency Child Care Centers will be in operation. "Priority must be given to people including but are not limited to health care workers, essential state and human service workers, COVID-19 health workers, grocery store employees, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, transportation and infrastructure workers, sanitation workers, DCF-involved families, and families living in shelters." "Emergency Child Care Programs are for when all other non-group-care settings have been exhausted and families have no other options." For more information, regarding Emergency Child Care Centers click here.