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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

Federal Stimulus CARES ACT Information:

The US House of Representative has released an FAQ sheet on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). 

The President of the United States has launched a website to keep the public informed about the outbreak. To view his updates on COVID-19 please click here.
State Department of Public Health Resources
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.

A new messaging tool, “AlertsMA,” will allow residents to subscribe to real-time notifications by texting the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777. After signing up, state and public health officials will send short messages and links to information directly to your cell phone or other mobile device.

The Department of Public Health and your local health organizations are seeking volunteers. To learn more and sign up, please fill out: DPH Volunteer Form

Hospitals, community centers and local clinic health workers are on the front line in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Here are some resourceful links the Department of Public Health has released regarding donations, selling protective equipment, and how your business can assist in manufacturing essential medical items.

  • To donate goods for use in Massachusetts' response to the COVID-19 emergency use this link.

  • To provide information about goods you are looking to sell to support Massachusetts' COVID-19 response efforts click here.

  • To adapt your business to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) visit the mass tech website.

DPH has partnered with the Massachusetts-based Buoy Health on the launch of a COVID-19 Health Web App.

  • This new online, 24/7 resource does not replace emergency medical care but can be used as a helpful tool for residents to connect with health care resources and providers. It is free for Massachusetts residents and uses the latest COVID-19 guidance from both the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

  • Please visit the new Health Web App to learn more and check out this tool.


State Government Legislative Update: COVID-19 Funding
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Important Update on Takeout/Delivery for Beer and Wine:

The Governor has signed into law legislation to permit restaurants here in Massachusetts to allow takeout and delivery options for beer and wine, along with food purchases. This will greatly help our local restaurants as they work to stay afloat during the COVID-19 emergency.

  • The legislature also recently passed a new election law in response to COVID-19 that will enable our cities and towns to postpone and reschedule certain municipal elections. This is an important measure that will help ensure the safety of both voters and poll workers.

  • 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. You may apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

  • The COVID-19 Response Command Center has authority and discretion to utilize appropriate state funds when necessary.

  • 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 extended 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 until Monday, May 4. These businesses are encouraged to continue operations remotely.


COVID-19 Resource Guide
Unemployment Resources
New legislation recently signed into law will help in getting new unemployment claims paid out more quickly - waiving the one week waiting period during the COVID-19 emergency.


Have you applied for unemployment but have not heard back about your claim?

Fill out this contact form and someone from the department will contact you directly for assistance.
The Department of Unemployment Assistance is regularly hosting virtual town halls to assist in navigating the unemployment process during the COVID-19 emergency.

Link to register: online registration
Small Business Resources



Helpful links for small businesses:

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


CARES Act Small Business Guide:

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.

Paycheck Protection Program
This new small business and non-profit loan forgiveness/grant opportunity is now available for those maintaining a payroll.

For more information, qualifications, and how to apply: US Chamber PPP loan portal
Small Business Essential Services Information and Guidance

A complete list of the Massachusetts essential personnel during the COVID-19 emergency can be found here .

Read the FAQ sheet about essential service designations.

Request Form t o petition to become an essential service designation during COVID-19
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 conducting a $4$ program to help small businesses during COVID-19

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Statewide Resources During COVID-19
The legislature is taking important steps in keeping vulnerable families in their homes, preserving the health and safety of renters and homeowners, and preventing homelessness due to reduced or lost income.
State Tax Filing Update
For more details on the state extension, please visit: DOR COVID-19 website
Federal Tax Update

The IRS has moved the national income tax filing day to July 15, three months after the normal deadline, for Americans to send in their federal returns.
Education Update for Massachusetts
Registry of Motor Vehicles Resources

The RMV announced that effective April 1, 2020, all passenger plate registrations that have expired in March or will be expiring in April have been extended for 60 days. Registrations that expired in March have been extended until May 31st and registrations that expire in April have been extended until June 30th.

Registration renewals can continue to be performed online at  Mass.Gov/RMV  during this time.

Inspection Stickers: COVID-19 guidance.
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Resources for Veterans
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