Covid-19 Information

REOPENING MASSACHUSETTS PLAN

Reopening Massachusetts was the four-phase approach to responsibly reopen the Massachusetts economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the phased reopening, based on public health guidance, was progressively to allow businesses, services, and activities to resume, while protecting public health and limiting a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases. The plan centered around Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards that applied across all sectors and enterprises as well as sector-specific protocols tailored to individual sectors and activities. Each phase of the reopening was guided by public health data and key indicators that were continually monitored for progress and were used to determine advancement to future phases. Industries, sectors, and activities that presented lower risk were allowed to reopen in earlier phases. Those that presented greater risk opened in later phases. In order to reopen, businesses were required to develop a written COVID-19 Control Plan outlining plans to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among workers and patrons.

The plan was developed by a 17-member Reopening Advisory Board, co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, that included public health experts, municipal leaders and members of the business community representing many facets of the Massachusetts economy. The Board met with a total of 75 stakeholder groups ranging from industry associations, regional chambers of commerce, community coalitions, and labor organizations, representing over 112,000 different businesses and more than two million workers across the Commonwealth. The Reopening Advisory Board also considered written comments from over 4,500 employers, organizations, and individuals in the development of its plan.

Phase I (“Start”) of the plan began on May 18, 2020, and allowed manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and places of worship to re-open. Hospitals and community health centers were able to begin to provide high priority preventative care, pediatric care and treatment for high risk patients. Under a staggered approach, additional Phase 1 sectors of the economy were permitted to open effective May 25 including lab space, office space, limited personal services (including hair salons, pet grooming, car washes, and retailers could offer remote fulfillment and curbside pick-up for all retailers).

Massachusetts moved to Phase 2 (“Cautious”) in June, allowing additional lower risk businesses to reopen, including retail, childcare facilities, restaurants (with outdoor table service only), hotels and other lodgings, personal services without close physical contact, youth and adult amateur sports, and driving and flight schools. In Step 2 of Phase II, restaurants were permitted to open for indoor table service, close-contact personal services, including nail care, skin care, massage therapy, and personal training. Health care providers also incrementally resumed in-person elective, non-urgent procedures and services, including routine office visits, dental visits and vision care subject to compliance with public health and safety standards.

On July 6, the Commonwealth proceeded to Phase III (“Vigilant”) based on a sustained decline in key public health data, such as new cases and hospitalizations. A broad range of sectors were permitted to open, again subject to compliance with industry-specific rules concerning capacity and operations. The Phase III, Step 1 sectors included movie theaters and outdoor performance venues; museums, cultural and historical sites; fitness centers and health clubs; certain indoor recreational activities with low potential for contact; and professional sports teams (without spectators) became eligible to reopen. In October, indoor performance venues were permitted to open, and certain industries saw their capacity limits increase.

An increase in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations following the Thanksgiving holiday that coincided with a global surge in the virus precipitated new statewide restrictions for capacity, mask compliance and distancing. These temporary reductions in indoor capacities across a broad range of sectors of the economy, as well as a tightening of several other workplace restrictions, were designed to prevent infection and viral spread.

With public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction, including drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations, and vaccination rates continuing to increase, Massachusetts moved into Phase IV (“New Normal”) on March 22, 2021 with indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas, and ballparks permitted to open at 12 percent capacity, and exhibition and convention halls also beginning to operate. Additional industries such as amusement parks, theme parks, and outdoor water parks opened on May 10, along with road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events.

The reopening plan called for ending restrictions when vaccines became widely available, and effective May 29, 2021 all industries were permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions were also lifted, and capacity increased to 100% for all industries. All industries are encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.

COVID-19 CONTINUED REOPENING PLAN

BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that the Commonwealth is on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June and all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted effective May 29.

The Commonwealth’s face covering order will also be rescinded on May 29. The Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.

Governor Charlie Baker will end the State of Emergency June 15.

The Administration also announced updates that will be effective May 18 to revise face covering requirements for youth and amateur sports and other guidance relating to childcare programs and K-12 schools. The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps effective May 29.

The Administration is able to take these steps to reopen the Commonwealth’s economy because Massachusetts is on track to meet the goal set in December to fully vaccinate over 4 million individuals by the first week of June. The Commonwealth leads the nation in vaccinating residents, with 75% of adults receiving at least one dose. To date, over 4 million residents have received a first dose, with 3.2 million fully vaccinated.

New cases have dropped by 89% since January 8. COVID hospitalizations are down 88% since January 1 and the positive test rate is down by 88% from peaking at 8.7% on January 1 to 1% today.

Effective May 29

Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

All industries will be encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.

On May 18, 2020, the Administration published the reopening phases, which called for ending restrictions when vaccines became widely available. Today, there are over 975 locations for Massachusetts residents to access vaccines without delay.

Face Covering Guidance

In line with updated CDC face covering guidance, the Administration will rescind the current face covering order and issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29.

Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The advisory will also recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations.

Face coverings will still be required for all individuals on public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), healthcare facilities and providers, congregate care settings and health and rehabilitative day services.

Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.

Youth and Amateur Sports Face Covering Guidance

Effective May 18, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted.

K-12, Early Education and Summer Camp Guidance

Effective May 18, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and Care will be updated to no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings. This guidance will remain in effect beyond May 29.

The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps, effective May 29, which will include no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities.

State of Emergency Order

Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency June 15, and the Administration will work with legislative and municipal partners during this period in order to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation during the period of the State of Emergency.

TRAVEL ORDER:

Effective Monday, March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory.

The new travel advisory will urge all persons entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more.

The advisory does not apply to anyone in the following categories:

Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after an absence of fewer than 24 hours.
Travelers who have a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts.
Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) while they are commuting to or from or while at work.
Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 days or more ago and who do not have symptoms).

Travelers are additionally encouraged to consult and follow the CDC’s guidelines and requirements for travel.

COVID-19 BUSINESS RELIEF GRANTS

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced approximately $31 million in awards for 710 additional businesses in the tenth round of COVID relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). As in prior rounds, each grant recipient meets sector or demographic priorities set for the grant programs administered by MGCC.

With the addition of this round of grants, the Administration has awarded over $633 million in direct financial support to 14,056 businesses across the Commonwealth.
Grants for this round were awarded to 327 minority-owned, and 293 women-owned, businesses; 240 recipients are located in Gateway Cities, and 245 businesses awarded grants have not received any prior aid.

Additionally, MGCC will soon be announcing the availability of funding to support small business technical assistance and community development financial institutions.

SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

“Restaurant Revitalization Grants” Most American restaurants and bars that lost revenue in 2020 versus 2019 will be eligible to apply for RRF grants. The ARPA explicitly names the following types of establishments that should be eligible: “restaurant, food stand, food truck, food cart, caterer, saloon, inn, tavern, bar, lounge, brewpub, tasting room, taproom, licensed facility or premise of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products.”

More Information on the Resturaunt Revitalization Grants Here

“Emergency Small Business Grant: The City of Fitchburg has developed a $2,500 grant program for small businesses in the City of Fitchburg. Preference will be given to businesses that are existing loan customers, businesses with 5 or fewer employees, and restaurant/retail/entertainment businesses. Businesses must demonstrate business loss as a direct result of COVID-19 outbreak. For more information, contact Housing and Development Director Liz Murphy at 978-829-1897.

Grant application is available in English and Spanish

Chamber of Commerce Emergency Loan Fund: The North Central Chamber of Commerce/Development Corporation is launching an Emergency Loan program to provide quick approval with loans of up to $20,000 to help small businesses. Loans will be awarded to qualifying local businesses that need access to capital and want to avoid high-interest credit cards or expensive and unregulated online lenders. If approved, the business is also eligible to receive business assistance from our NCMDC staff and consultants.

To qualify, you must be an existing small business and be able to provide two years of tax returns, as well as demonstrate a direct financial impact of Coronavirus on your business. The loan amounts and terms may be flexible to fit the situation of the business. The Chamber continues to provide loans of up to $150,000 through existing loan programs, but those may take longer to approve. Please e-mail Sandie Cataldo or Brendan Hannen for more information.
Small Business Association Disaster Assistance Loan Fund: Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Click here for the SBA Business Guide. Click here for SBA Loan Program information. Click here for the SBA Informational Slideshow.”

NEW PPP LOANS

“President Donald Trump has signed into law a new $900 billion coronavirus relief and stimulus package. Among its provisions: An extension of last spring’s Paycheck Protection Program, allowing another $284 billion or so in forgivable, federally backed loans for ailing small businesses.

The initial program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration, shepherded some $525 billion to more than 5 million recipients but was fraught with loopholes and liabilities that raised countless issues throughout an already complex process.

RELATED: Here’s when new $600 stimulus checks, PPP loans could arrive

The new Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act clarifies questions about the loan process, but also adds rules about applying for new loans and seeking forgiveness for old ones. The bill gives the Small Business Administration 10 days to implement the new rules, so more specific rules could be coming. Until then, borrowers should turn to their lenders for guidance.

Here are some answers to questions business owners might have.

How does this round of loans differ from the last one?

Some aspects are broadly the same. Applicants have between eight and 24 weeks to use the funds, with at least 60 percent going toward payroll and the rest toward eligible expenses like rent and utilities.

New loans are capped at $2 million, compared to $10 million before. Applicants must have no more than 300 employees, instead of up to 500, and must demonstrate at least a 25 percent drop in revenues from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the same period this year.”

Governor Baker announced late yesterday afternoon new grants available to small businesses that have been impacted by Covid19. This is a small part of the Governors comprehensive strategy {HERE}

Baker Administration announces new grant program as part of comprehensive economic development plan
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a $774 million comprehensive plan to stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy. Partnerships for Recovery begins today by directing $115 million in new funding to small businesses and Main Streets hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and for workforce training efforts.

Small Business Grant Program Details
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) is administering the Small Business Grants program, with $50.8 million available beginning today. Grant awards range between $25,000 – $75,000, and eligibility criteria and applications are available here.

As part of this grant program, preference is given to small businesses whose owners are women, minorities, veterans, members of other underrepresented groups, or focused on serving the Gateway Cities of Massachusetts, who have been unable to open and those most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Preference is also given to applicants that have not been able to receive aid from other federal programs, including PPP and other relief related to COVID-19.

The program has two distinct funding “doors” based on business size, with different eligibility criteria, which is available online. Applicants must review the information to determine which program to proceed with applying.

PAYMENT PROTECTION PROGRAM

The PPP resumed accepting applications with a new deadline of August 8, 2020. The PPP is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.

Eligible businesses are sole proprietors, independent contractors, self-employed persons and any small business that meets SBA's small size
standards.
PPP Loans have an interest rate of 1%.
New loans have a maturity of 5 years. Loans issued prior to June 5 have a maturity of 2 years.
Loan payments will be deferred for six months.
No collateral or personal guarantees are required.
Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.

You can apply with an SBA-approved lender or your local banking relationship. Click here for a list of participating lenders by state.

For additional details about PPP, click here.

Main Street Lending Program

MAIN STREET LENDING PROGRAM

The Main Street Lending Program is a program announced on April 9, 2020, in which the Federal Reserve will purchase loans that banks give to small and mid-sized businesses. The Fed will purchase 95% of each loan. This means that the bank must keep 5% of the loan on its books to discourage irresponsible lending by banks.

The program is designed to keep credit flowing to small and mid-sized businesses that were in "good financial standing" before the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, but which are now under extreme stress due to stay-at-home and business closure orders from state and local governments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Main Street Lending Program purchases loans that banks issue to small and mid-sized businesses.
Banks must retain a 5% stake in these loans.
Eligible businesses also may utilize other emergency lending programs.

You can apply through an SBA-qualified lender such as your local banking relationship. Below we have listed some banks that are registered lenders for the Main Street Lending program.