COVID-19 Resource Page
Useful information regarding Covid-19. We believe we are better when we work together.
Local Resources
Town of Hopkinton Resource Page
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The Hopkinton Police want to issue a warning of a COVID-19 Scam. More info here. CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY. (508) 497-9785
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LOCAL: MetroWest Resources During COVID-19
From SENATE PRESIDENT KAREN E. SPILKA Offices. Lots of local information and resources for individuals and businesses.
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Accessing Transit Services: RTA schedules and service levels are subject to change regularly; please contact RTAs directly or visit their websites for the most current information:
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MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA), 508-935-2222
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Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA), 508-791-9782
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Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA), Click here for phone numbers by GATRA municipality
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Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MRTA), 978-345-7711
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Lowell Regional Transit Authority (LRTA), LRTA Fixed Route Bus Service 978-452-6161; LRTA Road Runner ADA Paratransit 978-459-0152
For those relying on MBTA commuter rail, or other MBTA commuter rail services, the MBTA is continuously updating changes in service online at this link.
Employers lose confidence; but see Massachusetts recovery outpacing national economy during COVID-19 pandemic.
Manufacturing companies (46.7) were more confident than non-manufacturers (44.8). Medium-sized companies (46.9) were more optimistic than small companies (45.9) or large companies (44.1). Companies in western Massachusetts (46.3) were more upbeat than those in the east (45.3). Full article here.
By Jim Kinney | jkinney@repub.com. Updated Aug 04, 2020; Posted Aug 04, 2020
State & US Resources
Governor Charlie Baker's latest informational videos
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Lawmakers Extending Mass. Paid COVID Leave Program Through Winter
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PRESS RELEASE:
Massachusetts has been approved for federal disaster loan assistance from the Small Business Administration. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of Massachusetts; and the contiguous counties in neighboring states.
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UPATES:
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Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. More info here.
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Gov. Baker Latest Press Release
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Massachusetts businesses could benefit from federal loans, grants, tax credits and other resources to survive the economic crisis sparked by COVID-19. Find out more here.
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Hopkinton Chamber Resources Page
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Town of Hopkinton Resources Page
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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health
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For the business community specifically, the CDC has issued a guide for employers to respond to the virus. Recommendations include: actively encouraging sick employees to stay home, flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member, and respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene.
EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
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For Employers: Recently, Massachusetts Health Council (MHC) and Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) organized a webinar to address general FAQ on COVID-19 for employers. A recording of that webinar is now available online, at this link. Topics addressed on the webinar include:
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Current knowledge on the epidemiology of COVID-19 including transmission
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Common clinical manifestations of COVID-19 and risk factors for severe disease and death
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Analyze available methods for prevention and their potential effectiveness
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Workplace safety and issues for workforces that travel
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Telecommuting or remote working
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Wage and hour issues
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Discrimination and Harassment
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WARN Act/Plant closings, and
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Workers compensation and claims of COVID-19
ADDITIONAL LINKS & RESOURCES
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Fact Sheet: MA 16344 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Fact Sheet
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PDF: SBA Disaster Program and Step-by-Step Application Overview
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Handout: SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
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Handout: Asistencia de Desastre de la SBA en Respuesta al Coronavirus
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.[1] The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.
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Rapid Response Program: The Rapid Response program, which works closely with companies to avert layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry; read more about how the Rapid Response Team can help businesses at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rapid-response-layoff-aversion
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Workshare: The WorkShare program, a tool to help employers avoid layoffs during a downturn – read more about WorkShare at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/workshare-information-for-employers
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Unemployment
If you’re unemployed in Massachusetts, you may be eligible for resources to help you get back on your feet. Employers can also find information about the contributions they must make by law for their employees. https://www.mass.gov/topics/unemployment
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Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Virtual Town Halls
Sign up for a town hall presentation on applying for unemployment assistance. https://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assistance-dua-virtual-town-halls
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Guidance and Directives for Businesses & Employers
Updated information regarding unemployment resources can be found here:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-guidance-and-directives#businesses-&-employers-