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Covid-19 Resources
Text COVIDMA to 888-777 to receive COVID-19 text message alerts from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Manténgase informado sobre la enfermedad COVID-19 en Massachusetts. Envíe COVIDMAESP al 888-777.
The office of Attorney General Maura Healey lists a variety of resources for individuals, families, and small businesses, including consumer resources, information regarding student loans, and FAQs for employees and employers.
Child Care
Click Here: Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs
To slow the spread of coronavirus, Governor Baker issued an emergency order on March 18 temporarily closing all early childhood education programs across the State of Massachusetts. This will remain in effect until April 6, 2020 and may be extended as needed. All families should keep children out of group care settings to the greatest extent possible. Emergency Child Care Programs are for when all other non-group-care settings have been exhausted and families have no other options. Do not contact an emergency child care program unless you require emergency, back-up, drop-in care.
Fitchburg Locations:
| Children’s Aid and Family Service (Seven Hills) | |
| Montachusett YMCA | Natalia Carmona 305 Pratt Rd., #1 978-696-6034 n.carmona.f@gmail.com |
For Businesses
US Small Business Association Coronavirus Relief Options - Includes information on PPP, EIDL, SBA Express Bridge Loans, and SBA Debt Relief.
SBA’s Customer Service Center can be reached at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@
City of Fitchburg Small Business Grant Application - Applications will be available for Business Assistance April 12th-April 30th Application is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FitchSpring21
Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
North Central MA Chamber of Commerce CARES Act Summary
US Chamber of Commerce Emergency Loan Small Business Guide and Checklist
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Paycheck Protection Program: How to Take Advantage of the Program
ABCC Advisory Regarding Off-Premises Consumption
Internet Access
(via highspeedinternet.net )
Verizon Lifeline is a discount on its internet plans and is available only to low-income households. The discount can only be applied to Verizon Fios plans offering 18 Mbps download speeds or above.
Verizon has also agreed to the FCC’s Keep American’s Connected requirements and so it will not be disconnecting customers who don’t pay or charging late payment fees during the virus outbreak. The company is also waiving activation and upgrade fees for the time being.
Comcast’s Xfinity has a low-income plan, called Internet Essentials. To make life easier for households hit by financial problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, Xfinity is offering access to this service for free for 60-days, but only for new sign-ups. Existing Internet Essentials customers will benefit, however, because the company is going to increase the allowed download speed of the service from 15 Mbps to 25 Mbps for the period of the lockdown.
The discounted Xfinity service is only available to households receiving Federal assistance. Its regular price is $9.94 and that includes set up costs and equipment rental fee. The extensive Xfinity network of public wifi hotspots will be free for all to use for the duration of the crisis and the company is also suspending all data caps on its home internet plans. Comcast will not disconnect any customers or charge late payment fines over the next 60 days.
Recreation During Social Distancing
Fitchburg Parks and Playgrounds COVID-19 Protocols
Please be sure to socially distance and wear your mask.
Registry of Motor Vehicles - Extension of Licenses and Inspection Stickers
The Massachusetts RMV has extended the deadline for some inspection stickers and some licenses that are set to expire. Click here for the RMV’s COVID-19 changes.
Unemployment
Filing for Unemployment
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Eligibility Checklist
CARES Act and Regular UI Eligibility Flow Chart
Healthcare Equity and Health and Mental Health Resources
Maintaining Emotional Health & Well-Being During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Nutrition Resources
Meals on Wheels, through MOC, Inc. continues to operate in Fitchburg. Contact 978-345-8501 to register.
MART COVID Resources
Per the Governor’s new order, all riders are now REQUIRED to wear face coverings while riding public transit. You must have your mouth and nose covered while on a MART vehicle and in a MART facility.
Your Rights, Resources
Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures
Rent and Utility Assistance for Qualifying Fitchburg Residents.
The City of Fitchburg has partnered with Making Opportunity Count (MOC), Inc. to provide rental and/or utility assistance for income-qualified Fitchburg residents who have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who are in need of assistance should contact the Family Resource Center at 978-829-0163. Applicants will need to provide documentation of household income.
The Nursing Home Family Resource Line connects family members of nursing home and rest home residents with the information and resources they need during the COVID-19 outbreak. The line is staffed from 9 AM – 5 PM, seven days a week. Staff will coordinate across state agencies to help callers find answers to their questions. Families and community members can call the line at (617) 660-5399.
United Way 211 Online or dial 2-1-1.
Scam and Phishing
While during times of crisis, many people work together to make things better, there are those who would seek to take advantage of vulnerable people. Beware any email, social media post, or other source that claims to have a cure for COVID-19.
Phishing scams are also common, and not just during times of crisis. The Federal Trade Commission has published an article about how to recognize and avoid phishing scams.
Support for Nonprofit Organizations
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts has developed a Critical Needs COVID-19 Fund to support nonprofit organizations. To apply for funding, donate to the fund, or for more information, please click here.