Coronavirus (COVID-19) Latest updates
(last updated 11/17/2020)
issued Monday-Friday only
STATE OF EMERGENCY, Effective March 16, 2020 - Per Governor Baker’s recent orders, remains in effect until otherwise notified.
Information regarding Governor Baker’s Phased Reopening can be found here: http://chicopeema.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=483
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“Throughout this outbreak, we have consistently reminded our residents to get their information from trusted sources. Today we’re making that easier,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With the addition of this new communication tool, we’re making it easier for everyone to stay informed about state actions and important announcements related to COVID-19.”
Stay informed - Text COVIDMA to 888777 |
The City of Chicopee continues to receive guidance from the Offices of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Center for Disease Control (CDC) and local healthcare professionals on how to respond to, as well as treat and prevent the spread of COVID-19. We encourage you to check out the following information from the State of Massachusetts and the CDC.
Click on the button below to learn more:
Massachusetts #2-1-1 will provide real-time COVID-19 information, resources, and referrals in multiple languages.
We will update this information as it is provided to us. We will continue to monitor the virus information from our trusted sources and update protocols as necessary for our community’s overall health and well-being.
- TRAVEL GUIDANCE: Beginning March 27, all travelers arriving in Massachusetts are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days. This guidance will be displayed as posters at service plazas along 1-90 eastbound, distributed as flyers at major transportation hubs, and posted on highway message boards. Visitors are instructed not to travel to Massachusetts if they are displaying symptoms. Health care workers, public health workers, public safety workers, transportation workers, and designated essential workers are exempt from this requirement
- SPECIAL SHOPPING TIMES FOR 60+ - All grocery stores and pharmacies must offer reserved shopping hours for those 60+
- REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS ARE TEMPORARILY PROHIBITED - The use of reusable bags will be banned, for the time being, plastic bag bans will be lifted, and stores will not be able to charge for paper bags.
- ALL GROCERY STORES AND PHARMACIES - required to offer sanitation options such as hand sanitizer and wipes for carts - Grocery store employees instructed to stay home if sick, employers required to accommodate high-risk employees with temporary reassignment
- CHECKOUT LINES - must have ’social distancing markers’ to keep shoppers 6 feet away from each other
- SELF-SERVE FOOD STATIONS MUST CLOSE
- ASSISTED LIVING VISITOR RESTRICTIONS. Department of Public Health issued visitor restrictions for assisted living facilities. ORDER | GUIDANCE
- RiverMills Senior Center has been closed until further notice
- Meals on Wheels is available for anyone who needs them by calling 413-538-9020. Western Mass Elder Care will provide this information to everyone they have listed.
- RMV RENEWAL TIMELINE: The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will extend the renewal timeline of certain credentials to reduce the need for customers to physically visit an RMV service center for in-person transactions. ORDER
- OPEN MEETING LAW MODIFICATIONS: Governor Baker issued an emergency order making modifications to the state’s Open Meeting Law to allow state, quasi and local governments to continue to carry out essential functions during the COVID-19 outbreak. ORDER
- City of Chicopee Events/Meetings cancelations, updates, and/or postponements - Follow for the most accurate updates: https://bit.ly/39R1MfD
- PUBLIC access to City Hall and all Municipal buildings areBY APPOINTMENT ONLY. During the hours of 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM, please call the specific department needed to make an appointment 24 hours in advance.
- DPW - trash and recycling collections will continue as regularly scheduled. NOTICE Check the chicopeema.gov/815/Trash-and-Recycling for a wealth of information.
- Water Dept – No non-emergency services to residential homes (replacing meters, meter readings)
- Engineering – Permits will need to be processed online
- WasteWater – No non-emergency services to residential homes (backups will be dealt with from outside)
- Please DO NOT FLUSH disinfectant wipes or paper towels because they clog drains, back up sewers, and can cause overflows at sewage plants.
- Chicopee Public Library is CLOSED - all fines will be waived in correlation to the closure. There is staff on hand M-F 9A-5P to answer calls and help with your library needs. Booker is not in service during this time. Check the www.chicopeepubliclibrary.orgfor a wealth of online resources.
- Census Bureau is delaying some of its early outreach efforts because of the pandemic. Reminder: You can complete the census online or call the Chicopee Public Library and they will help get your U.S. Census completed over the phone!
Do your part to help us keep our community healthy. Practice these smart health tips:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
For more guidance and information related to the COVID-19:
CDC.gov/COVID19
Coronavirus Fact Sheet
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Confirmed Cases in the U.S.
BayState Health/ COVID-19
Unemployment Resources
Department of Unemployment Assistance: Applying for Unemployment Benefits
Legislation Filing Package: https://www.mass.gov/doc/march-16-2020-unemployment-insurance-legislation-filing-package/download
Resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19
U.S. ChamberCommerce Corona Virus Smallbiz Loan 2020
Small Business Assistance for COVID-19
> EIDL - Worksheet & Instructions download
SBA.gov/press-release/provide-disaster-assistance-loans-small-businesses-impacted-coronavirus-covid-19
Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
Empowerment Grant for Small Businesses
MASSACHUSETTS
Partially Reopened
Reopening Massachusetts
Order No. 33: Order Implementing a Phased Reopening of Workplaces and Imposing Workplace Safety Measures to Address COVID-19
Order No. 34: Order Expanding Access to and use of State Beaches and Addressing Other Recreational Activities
Order No. 35: Order Clarifying the Progression of the Commonwealth’s Phased Workplace Reopening Plan and Authorizing Certain Re-Opening Preparations at Phase II Workplaces
Guidelines:
Sector-Specific Protocols and Best Practices
Individual Business Reopen Dates
Press Release: Baker-Polito Administration Provides Update on Phase II of Re-Opening Plan, Releases Guidance for Restaurants and Lodging
Press Release: Baker-Polito Administration Releases Detailed Guidelines for the Phased Reopening of Child Care, Camps and Summer Recreational Programs
Massachusetts Child and Youth-Serving Programs Reopen Approach
Press Release: Governor Baker Issues Executive Order in Advance of Phase II
Press Release: Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition Second Phase of Four-Phase Approach
Press Release: Baker-Polito Administration Announces Updated Travel Guidelines to Support COVID-19 Response
Notes: Stay at Home order expired on May 18, 2020, and replaced with Safer at Home Advisory. As of May 18, 2020, (a) the manufacturing and construction industries are permitted to resume operations and (b) places of worship, firearm retailers, and shooting ranges are permitted to reopen, in each case, subject to certain restrictions. As of May 25, 2020, (i) general use offices, (ii) car washes, (iii) hair salons and barbershops, (iv) pet groomers, (v) drive-in movie theatres, (vi) laboratories, and (vii) certain outdoor recreational facilities and activities are permitted to reopen, subject to certain restrictions. As of May 25, 2020, state beaches are permitted to reopen for passive recreational activities and enjoyment and beach fishing. As of June 8, 2020, Phase II of the Reopening Massachusetts plan began. Pursuant to Step One of Phase II of the Reopening Massachusetts plan, as of June 8, 2020 (A) retailers, (B) childcare facilities and day camps, (C) warehouses and distribution centers, (D) personal services (i.e., home cleaning, photography, window washing, career coaching, and education tutoring), (E) post-secondary, higher education, vocational-tech and occupation schools, (F) youth and adult amateur sports, (G) outdoor recreation facilities, (H) non-athletic youth instructional classes (i.e., arts, education or life skills), (I) driving and flight schools, (J) outdoor historical spaces, and (J) funeral homes are permitted to reopen, in each case, subject to certain restrictions. Pursuant to Step One of Phase II of the Reopening Massachusetts plan, as of June 8, 2020 (1) restaurants are permitted to reopen for outdoor table service only, (2) hotels and other lodgings are permitted to reopen; provided, that events, functions, and meetings are not permitted, and (3) professional sports practices are permitted to resume; provided, that no games or public admissions are permitted. As of July 1, 2020, all travelers arriving in to Massachusetts are to self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days. As of August 1, 2020, all travelers entering the state, including both out of state residents and Massachusetts residents returning home, are to comply with certain orders regarding travel.
Massachusetts is a part of a coalition with New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Rhode Island to coordinate the reopening of the economy.