Resources for Community

COVID-19 Testing & Local Updates

Updated MA COVID-19 Travel Order

Effective August 1, 2020, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. The Commonwealth has made great progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and gradually re-open the economy, and all visitors have a responsibility to help us keep transmission levels as low as possible.

All visitors entering MA, including returning residents, who do not meet an exemption, are required to:

Complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival, unless you are visiting from a lower-risk state designated by the Department of Public Health.
Quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts.

If your COVID-19 test result has not been received prior to arrival, visitors, and residents must quarantine until they receive a negative test result.

For further information, visit mass.gov.

Safer-at-Home Advisory

People over the age of 65 and people who have underlying health conditions – who are at high risk for COVID-19 – should continue to stay home except for essential errands such as going to the grocery store and to attend to healthcare needs. All residents are advised to leave home only for healthcare, worship and permitted work, shopping, and outdoor activities. For further instructions and details included in the advisory, visit mass.gov.

Face Coverings Required In Public

Effective Wednesday, May 6, 2020, Governor Baker issued an Order requiring face masks or cloth face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Exceptions include children under the age of 2 and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition. Full details are outlined in the May 1 Order. Additional information at mass.gov.

Gatherings Order

Effective, Monday, October 5, the Governor has issued a revised gatherings order. The limit for indoor gatherings remains at a maximum of 25 people for all communities. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 50 people for all communities. Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will have a limit of 50 people in Step 1 communities, and a limit of 100 people in lower risk, Step 2 communities. Read full gathering order. To learn more about the MA reopening plan, visit mass.gov.

Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA – Childcare Services for Essential Employees

Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA is closed to the public. However, they will be providing childcare for Essential Employees. Parents that fit the broad designation of an Essential Employee that are in need of childcare services should contact School-Age Director, Kyle Scrivines at 978-297-9622 x116 or by email: k.scrivines@clarkymca.org. Find helpful resources including free virtual fitness classes, ideas for kids, families, and more at https://www.theclarkymca.org/covid-19-resources.

Taxes – Filing and Payment Extensions and Penalty Relief

For list of filing and payment extensions and penalty relief, visit mass.gov. Also find information on tax or debt resolutions.

Unemployment Assistance

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on Massachusetts workers and businesses. To report fraud or get help with your claim, call Unemployment Customer Assistance at (877) 626-6800.

Start here to find information and changes to the unemployment claims process.

For further information, visit https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-and-unemployment-what-you-need-to-know.

MassHire North Central Career Center Update

Due to the current situation with COVID-19, The MassHire North Central Career Center office will be closed to the public for the foreseeable future. Virtual services will be provided to customers. If you are seeking Unemployment Insurance Service please file your claim at www.mass.gov/DUA or contact the DUA call center at 1-877-626-6800. Please be aware that you may experience significant wait times on the toll free line. If you have a deadline to attain your RESEA requirement, staff will be reaching out to you to ensure that your unemployment benefits will not be impacted by these changes.

Cornerstone Family Medicine – Addiction Treatment Available

Cornerstone Family Medicine is now providing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for addiction, with suboxone at a 50% discount. For full details click here or see flyer below.