Resources for Community

COVID-19 Testing & Local Updates

MA Vaccine Eligibility

Check vaccine eligibility at mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.

Eligible residents can now utilize the new preregistration signup tool for the state’s 7 mass vaccination sites. The new system will make it easier to request and book an appointment at a mass vaccination site at a nearby location when they are available. This will replace the weekly appointment release for mass vaccination sites. More sites will be added in April.

In addition to preregistering for a mass vaccination appointment, eligible residents are encouraged to book vaccine appointments at any of the 170 public vaccine sites across the Commonwealth by searching for vaxfinder.mass.gov.

See press release or click here for more information.

Please visit the Heywood Healthcare and City of Gardner websites regularly for updates on vaccine information and appointment availability in the Greater Gardner region.

Please note: The Better Business Bureau warns again sharing photos of vaccination cards via social media. Learn more here. Gardner Police Department warns not to share personal information with people you do not know. Do not give out information to strangers or those posing as vaccine clinic helpers on social media.

MA COVID-19 Travel Advisory

As of Monday, March 22, all visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival. See here for travelers exempt from the Travel Advisory.

All travelers are encouraged to consult and follow the CDC’s guidelines and requirements for travel.

Face Coverings Required In Public

(See Order) All persons in Massachusetts over the age of 5 years old are required to wear a mask or cloth face covering over their mouth and nose when in a public location, whether indoors or outdoors.

Gatherings Order

Applies to both private homes and event venues and public spaces. Visit mass.gov for more information.

Indoor gatherings limited to 10 people
Outdoor gatherings limited to 25 people.

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.

Recovery and Addiction Treatment Resources

Alyssa’s Place Peer Recovery and Resource Center

Alyssa’s Place received state funding for its operating budget only a few months before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The peer recovery and resource center pivoted and began “fighting an epidemic and a pandemic at the same time.”

The center, which is dedicated to erasing the stigma associated with addiction while helping local individuals and their families through recovery, is getting the word out that its full-time staff continues to offer meetings, group activities and workshops to anyone in the community in need of their services.

Alyssa’s Place is open every day except for Sunday. Anyone interested in learning more can contact Alexa Perivolotis, Program Director, at aperivolotis@gaamha.org. Read the full article here.

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.