‌
COVID-19 Update & Resource Guide
Dear Readers,

I know many of you are concerned about our current state of emergency related to COVID-19.

Our team has put together this resource guide, with some essential legislative updates, as our communities face hardships that COVID-19 has brought to our economy, families, health care system and so many other facets of our everyday lives. It is important to come together to support each other while also doing everything we can to "flatten the curve."

We will often send additional information and updates related to COVID-19, so please stay connected, including through social media:


Warmest Regards,

Diana

First, an important update:

To ensure the safety of community members, as well as my team, we are following the guidance of health officials and limiting our interactions with community members at this time. Our team is committed to assist you during these difficult times via email, phone and through social media.

COVID-19 Resources & Links:
For updated information on COVID-19 nationally, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: CDC- Corona Virus Information Guide
For updated information on COVID-19 in Massachusetts specifically, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) website: DPH- Corona Virus Information
DPH announced that Massachusetts 2-1-1 will now provide real-time COVID-19 information, resources, and referrals in multiple languages.

Residents with questions should dial 2-1-1 from any landline or cellphone. Callers dialing 2-1-1 will hear an automated menu of options. Callers press 2-6 for coronavirus. Residents can also reach 2-1-1 through a live chat option on the Massachusetts 2-1-1 website. 
  • Massachusetts 2-1-1 is open to callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Operators fluent in Spanish are available, and more than 150 other languages are supported through an interpreter services line that is available 24/7.


State Government Legislative Update: COVID-19 Funding
‌
  • $5 million of the $15 million the Senate and House collaboratively approved last week will be allocated directly to our local Boards of Health in efforts to expand response capacity. Let us continue to come together for our communities in the Commonwealth during COVID-19.

  • The Senate and House passed a bill on March 18 that waives the one-week waiting period for any person making a claim for unemployment benefits. This waiver is active if the unemployment is a result of any circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.

  • The Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program offers low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Massachusetts small businesses struggling to stay afloat as a result of COVID-19. Applicants may apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

  • The COVID-19 Response Command Center will have authority and discretion to utilize appropriate state funds necessary, including the $15 million recently appropriated by the Legislature.

  • The Command Structure will enable expert teams to advance key initiatives including:
  • Working to expand lab capacity for testing
  • Planning quarantine operations
  • Coordinating communication and guidance across government
  • Responding to the needs of our local boards of health
  • Monitoring supply chains
  • Identifying surge capacity in the Commonwealth’s health network

COVID-19 Working Groups I am member of:

Economic Recovery and Reinvestment (focused on economic and workforce issues)

Supply Chain (focused on supplies, shortages and price gouging)

Information Regarding Governor's Emergency Order:

The Governor 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. The full list of categories considered “COVID-19 Essential Services” can be found here .


COVID-19 Resource Guide
Unemployment
A new law that will assist in getting new unemployment claims paid out more quickly - waiving the one week waiting period due to COVID-19.




Helpful links for small businesses:

COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses: 


Guidance on Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program:

Small Business Support
Massachusetts small businesses have been granted the ability to apply for economic injury disaster loans to help them stay afloat during COVID-19. If you previously tried to apply and had difficulties please contact our office and we will help you navigate now that we have been approved.


Food Resources
Additional Food Service Information:

  • Uber Eats is now offering $0 Delivery Fee for local restaurants, and you can request food be left at your doorstep at checkout.

  • Grubhub has a Community Relief Fund where all of your "Donate the Change contributions" will go to charitable organizations that support drivers and restaurants impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Grubhub also has a contact-free delivery option at checkout. 

  • The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is doing a $4$ program to help small businesses during COVID-19

‌
Words of Encouragement & Ways To Stay Connected To Each Other
In times like these, it is important to stay positive and appreciate all that we can do!
The key to preventing the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing. However, the key to remaining calm and clearheaded is supporting each other through what we CAN do during these difficult times. I urge and challenge you to adopt one or more of these tools to boost your overall well-being and mental health! 
If you have any questions or need assistance - or know someone else who does - please contact us. We are here to help! Also, please connect with us on social media for daily COVID-19 updates:


Yours in service,

Diana

 State Senator Diana DiZoglio
978-984-7747
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Diana DiZoglio