Coronavirus (COVID-19) Latest updates
(last updated 03/16/2020 at 5:08 Pm)
Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and help stop the spread of rumors.
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 a button below to learn more:
Massachusetts #2-1-1 will now 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.
- Closing PUBLIC access to City Hall and all Municipal buildings beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, until April 6, 2020, and will be re-evaluating as needs change. Only City Staff will be allowed to access the buildings to continue day-to-day operations - including trash and recycling collections.
- Drop-off Center – Only non-payment items will be accepted (recyclables, yard waste, brush, etc.)
- Water Dept – No non-emergency services to residential homes (replacing meters, meter readings)
- WasteWater – No non-emergency services to residential homes (backups will be dealt with from outside)
- Engineering – Permits will need to be processed online
- Per Governor Baker a more restrictive public gathering plan, banning all gatherings of 25 or more people - These gatherings include all community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions and any similar event or activity that brings together 25 or more people in a single room or a single space at the same time. This includes venues like fitness centers, private clubs, and theaters. The City of Chicopee is encouraging our community to use wisdom and extreme caution when considering group gatherings or activities. Everyone has a social responsibility to keep our community safe and healthy.
- Governor Baker also banned bars and restaurants from serving food and drinks on-site but will allow them to serve food via takeout and delivery services. The on-site service ban begins Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and is scheduled to last until April 17, 2020. This order doesn’t apply to grocery stores or pharmacies.
- RiverMills Senior Center has been closed until further notice - On Monday, March 16, 2020 - a brown bag lunch will be available for take-out at the door for our senior community. Meals on Wheels will start on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, for anyone who needs them. Western Mass Elder Care will provide this information to everyone they have listed.
- All Chicopee Public Schools, including education and sports programs, will be canceled until at least Monday, April 6, 2020. Lunch will be provided to ALL children under age 18 during the extended school district closure. To learn more visit: Chicopee Fresh
- The Chicopee Public Library will be closed until Monday, April 6, 2020 - 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 U.S. Census needs. Booker is not in service during this time. Check the www.chicopeepubliclibrary.org for a wealth of online resources.
- The Winter Moratorium for collections and/or shut-off notices for water and electricity has been extended until May 15, 2020, or until the MA State of Emergency is lifted.
City of Chicopee Events/Meetings cancelations, updates, and/or postponements
Message from Chicopee Police Department
We are taking measures to ensure our safety and the safety of the public. The following procedures are being implemented ASAP:
- ALL NEW License to Carry interviews are postponed - renewals will still be processed.
- ALL fingerprinting is postponed
- Calls coming into our WESTCOMM Dispatch will be screened. It will be determined at that point if an officer is to be sent. Reports for past incidents, with no immediate threat, will be taken either by phone or referred to an online report system which will be operational on Monday. ALL emergency, or ongoing calls, which require an immediate police response will have officers sent.
- Officers, responding to medical calls for flu-like symptoms, or respiratory issues, WILL be wearing protective clothing, including masks and goggles.
- Our WESTCOMM dispatch will be asking as many questions as possible on medical emergency calls. This is necessary to ensure yours and our officers and medical responder’s safety.
- We ask that everyone have patience during this temporary transition and understand the need for such a change.
We are dedicated to continuing to provide the excellent service you expect from your police department. Working together, we can get through this medical situation smoothly and with limited inconvenience.
Ofc Michael Wilk, PIO
Chicopee Police Department
The City of Chicopee has NO known cases at this time. For up-to-date levels of reported cases in Massachusetts, click the image:
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 information:
CDC.gov/COVID19
Coronavirus Fact Sheet
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Confirmed Cases in the U.S.
BayState Health/ COVID-19
Corona Outbreak Simulator
Bill S.2598 Waiver of the One Week Waiting Period for Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment Resources
Department of Unemployment Assistance: Applying for Unemployment Benefits
Resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19
Small Business Assistance for COVID-19
> EIDL - Worksheet & Instructions download
SBA.gov/press-release/provide-disaster-assistance-loans-small-businesses-impacted-coronavirus-covid-19
How to Apply:
Please complete the application found on MGCC’s website, EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org.
Completed applications can be sent via email to mgcc@massgcc.com with the subject line “2020 Small Business Recovery Loan Fund”.
Loan Fund Details:
Who Qualifies: Open to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits (negative impact must be verifiable).
Terms and Conditions: This fund is being offered with no payments due for the first 6 months, then 30-months of principal and interest payments and no prepayment penalties.
Businesses can apply for loans up to $75,000.