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COVID-19

EDC Shares List of Economic Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

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COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts has issued a list of resources and measures introduced by Gov. Charlie Baker to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

These include Community Foundation grants for nonprofits, the Common Capital Loan Program, the Small Business Emergency Loan Fund, rapid-response pre-layoff services, the United Way of Pioneer Valley Recovery and Relief Fund, guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19, the Massachusetts Work Share Program, Verizon waiving late fees for small businesses, Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance, and SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Links to all those resources is available by clicking here. The list will be updated as more information becomes available.

Bay Path University Cancels President’s Gala Due to Coronavirus

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COVID-19 Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced the cancelation of its fourth annual President’s Gala scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at the Sheraton Springfield. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, donors, and friends — and with respect to recommendations from the government and public-health officials as relating to COVID-19 — this action follows CDC guidelines to limit gatherings that could unintentionally put the community at risk.

Bay Path would like to thank all of its sponsors, advertisers, attendees, auction donors, volunteers, students, and staff that have been working on this farewell to Carol and Noel Leary. It also thanks gala chairs Mary and David Bushnell, Laura and Rick Grondin, and Michelle and Peter Wirth, as well as the Sheraton Springfield and all the vendors who have been understanding and accommodating. Bay Path will continue to display sponsor logos on its website, advertisements, and in e-mail newsletters.

Bay Path will be printing the President’s Gala program books as a thank-you to sponsors and supporters; books will be distributed in April as well as made available online. Ad space available in the book and donations for ads are fully tax-deductible. Supporters may choose to advertise their business, send a message to Carol and Noel Leary, or congratulate students on their studies. All funds raised via program book ads support scholarships for deserving Bay Path students.

United Way of Pioneer Valley Establishes Recovery and Relief Fund for COVID-19

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COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley has established the COVID-19 Recovery and Relief Fund to provide aid and resources to those affected by the current public-health emergency. As the pandemic unfolds and schools, events, and workplaces close, hourly, low-wage workers and many others will experience unprecedented financial hardship. In Massachusetts, two in five workers lack sufficient savings to withstand a sudden loss in wages.

Funds collected for this emergency relief fund will help families and individuals impacted by the pandemic to meet their basic, childcare, housing and financial needs. This fund will also help to continue United Way programs such as Thrive and especially Mass2-1-1, a free referral hotline providing access to services such as emergency assistance and real-time COVID-19 information. Individuals can dial 211, United Way’s 24/7 information and referral hotline, from any Massachusetts number to get information related to the virus.

Every donation helps those in need. Visit www.uwpv.org and follow the link to ‘COVID-19 Relief’ for more information.

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

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COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Connecticut small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced.

SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by President Trump, to declare a disaster following a request received from Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on March 15.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of Connecticut, as well as the contiguous counties of Berkshire, Hampden, and Worcester in Massachusetts; Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester in New York; and Kent, Providence, and Washington in Rhode Island.

“Small businesses, private nonprofit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives, and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020 may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” Carranza said. “These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.”

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of COVID-19. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for private, nonprofit organizations. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years, and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship. 

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or e-mail [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 16, 2020.

Greenfield Co-operative Bank Announces New Payment Option During Pandemic

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COVID-19 Daily News

GREENFIELD — Michael Tucker, president and CEO of Greenfield Co-operative Bank and its Northampton Cooperative Bank division, announced that the community bank board has approved a program to provide a ‘payment holiday’ for existing GCB customers who have a portfolio loan at GCB to defer making their monthly payments coming up in April and May for up to 60 days.

For eligible customers who wish to opt in, there will be a simple form to complete. The payments usually due for April and May would simply be added to the back end of the loan term. Customers would then not have to make those payments until the end of the original term. The term would be extended two months to allow those payments to be made at the end of the original term. 

Any existing GCB loan customer (residential, home equity, or commercial) who is in good standing (defined in as not more than 60 days past due and no other defaults on the loan) are eligible.

The bank will have available on its website a secure ‘contact us’ area with the form that customers must sign (electronically or print out and sign traditionally) to indicate they want to opt into this program. When the bank receives the form, it will call the customer to verify the information and that they want to take advantage of this program. Once they are in good standing, an e-mail will confirm if they are accepted into this program. 

Those who complete the process by April 20 will have the April and May payments deferred. Those who complete the process between April 20 and May 15 would still have to make the April payment, but would defer the May and June payments. Since this is to address the current situation, this program will not be available after these dates. Also, those with fixed-rate Federal National Mortgage Assoc. (FNMA) loans serviced by GCB will not be able to access the program at this time. The bank is awaiting word from FNMA to see what might be available and will notify the public if circumstances change.

UMass Amherst Biostatistician Lends Expertise to White House Coronavirus Task Force

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COVID-19 Daily News

AMHERST — A UMass Amherst biostatistician who directs the UMass-based Flu Forecasting Center of Excellence was invited by the White House Coronavirus Task Force to participate in today’s coronavirus modeling webinar.

The four-hour, virtual gathering includes 20 of the world’s leading infectious-disease and pandemic forecasting modelers, from researchers at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. to those based at institutions in England, Hong Kong, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

According to White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator Dr. Charles Vitek, “this webinar is designed to highlight for the task force what modeling can tell us regarding the potential effects of mitigation measures on the coronavirus outbreak. The unprecedented speed and impact of the COVID-19 epidemic requires the best-informed public-health decision making we can produce.”

Nicholas Reich, associate professor in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at UMass Amherst, heads a flu-forecasting collaborative that has produced some of the world’s most accurate models in recent years. He and postdoctoral researcher Thomas McAndrew have been conducting weekly surveys of more than 20 infectious-disease-modeling researchers to assess their collective expert opinion on the trajectory of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. The researchers and modeling experts design, build, and interpret models to explain and understand infectious-disease dynamics and the associated policy implications in human populations.

Reich is co-author of a new study in Annals of Internal Medicine that calculates that the median incubation period for COVID-19 is just over five days and that 97.5% of people who develop symptoms will do so within 11.5 days of infection. The incubation period refers to the time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of the first symptoms.

The study’s lead author is UMass Amherst biostatistics doctoral alumnus Stephen Lauer, a former member of the Reich Lab and current postdoctoral researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

The researchers examined 181 confirmed cases with identifiable exposure and symptom-onset windows to estimate the incubation period of COVID-19. They conclude that “the current period of active monitoring recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [14 days] is well supported by the evidence.”

Last fall, Reich received a grant of up to $3 million over the next five years from the CDC to operate the Flu Forecasting Center of Excellence at UMass Amherst, one of two in the nation the CDC has designated. The center’s mission is to identify new methods and data sources to sharpen the accuracy and improve communication of seasonal and pandemic flu forecasts. 

Berkshire Bank Outlines Steps to Support Customers Impacted by COVID-19

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COVID-19

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank announced programs to provide additional financial flexibility to customers who may face financial hardship due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 virus.

Effective Wednesday, March 18 for an initial 30-day period, Berkshire Bank is offering the following enhancements to all of its customers:

• For retail banking, consumer loan, and mortgage customers, the bank is increasing daily debit-card spending limits, waiving penalties for early CD withdrawals up to $20,000, and offering an option to forbear consumer and mortgage loan payments for one to three months.

• For small-business customers, the bank is increasing daily debit-card spending limits, waiving penalties for early CD withdrawals up to $20,000, and offering the ability to leverage specific options for consideration to forebear the loan.

“We understand that COVID-19 and the necessary precautions we are all taking to prevent its spread have begun to impact members of our community in meaningful ways,” said Richard Marotta, CEO of Berkshire Bank. “In addition to these initial steps to provide our customers financial flexibility, we will continue to explore additional ways to support our customers and neighbors during this difficult time. As a committed member of our community, we understand how essential it is that we all work together at this time.”

Berkshire Bank is actively engaging with partners like the Massachusetts LGBTQ Chamber and the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, among others, to provide funding assistance to small businesses that are most impacted by the financial implications of the pandemic. “We are exploring ways to provide a unique selection of low-interest rate solutions underwritten by our community partners. We intend to set aside $3 million in available capital to support this effort,” Marotta said.

In addition, the Berkshire Bank Foundation has earmarked an incremental $500,000 for small-business grants to help businesses that do not have the ability to pay.

HUB International Offers Webinar to Help Businesses Navigate Through Pandemic

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COVID-19

EAST LONGMEADOW — HUB International is responding to numerous inquiries asking for more guidance through the coronavirus crisis by holding a webinar on Tuesday, March 24 from 2 to 3 p.m. To sign up, click here.

The novel coronavirus crisis is impacting businesses in all industries in significant ways. As reports of the disease spread, so do concerns about supply-chain disruption, business operations, and employee safety and well-being. A panel of HUB International specialists will deliver an executive overview of the critical issues businesses need to consider and plan for as they navigate through this pandemic.

This webinar is intended for business owners, executives, and HR leaders who need to make strategic decisions on how to manage their day-to-day business operations while mitigating risk and supporting employee health and safety.

Topics will include business continuity planning, and how to quickly develop a crisis plan to address this current scenario; insurance coverages that may apply and how to approach the claims process; pay continuation, leave, and employee-benefits issues for U.S. employers; and practical tips and considerations regarding employer legal compliance, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, OSHA, and Title VII.

Identifying the critical people and processes that have the biggest impact on a business is key to creating a response plan to minimize disruption. This webinar will give business leaders a practical playbook to help manage their business through this crisis.

A Note from the Editor

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COVID-19 Daily News

The novel coronavirus has changed virtually every facet of life here in Western Mass. — and across the country. It is a fast-moving story with far-reaching implications. Each day the situation changes. Those of us at BusinessWest will do our best to keep our readers informed and be that trusted source of information that everyone needs in times of crisis.

While the magazine publishes twice monthly, its website, businesswest.com, will be updated repeatedly over the course of each day to help keep readers up to date with breaking news. Also, we will be posting stories on everything from how the business community is responding to this crisis to what business owners and managers must do to lead effectively in these unprecedented times. Click here for our COVID-19 updates.

Since it was launched in 1984, BusinessWest has been the go-to source for information about this region’s business community and the people, institutions, and issues that shape it. We will continue to be that source in this time of unparalleled change and challenge.

In these times, many people will be working remotely. In addition to accessing BusinessWest online, readers may wish to have a home subscription or their business subscription rerouted to their home address. To do this, call (413) 781-8600 or e-mail [email protected] and [email protected], or visit us online at businesswest.com.

Governor Closes Schools, Bans Large Gatherings to Combat COVID-19 Spread

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COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — On Sunday, the Baker-Polito administration announced a three-week suspension of school operations for educational purposes at all public and private elementary and secondary schools in the Commonwealth beginning Tuesday, March 17, and a series of new guidance and legislation in response to COVID-19, including a ban on gatherings of more than 25 people.

“Our administration is taking these rapid steps to protect the health and safety of our residents to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “We know that a lot of the measures we are putting into place, including mandatory school closures and prohibiting gatherings of 25 people or more, will cause disruption in people’s day-to-day lives. With the steps we are taking today, we can ensure residents can still access key state services while taking necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

The suspension of educational programming will not necessarily affect the availability of school buildings for the provision of food or other essential non-educational services. As April 6 — the first weekday following the three-week closing — approaches, the administration will provide additional guidance.

During this period, the administration notes, it is critical that students and their families, as well as school staff, stay home as much as possible. If an individual needs to leave home, it is essential to strictly follow social-distancing guidelines by avoiding crowds, canceling social gatherings, and maintaining a safe separation of at least six feet from others. Restricting access to school buildings will have little impact on public health if these best practices are not followed in good faith.

Although schools must suspend in-person educational operations, staff should be planning for how best to equitably provide alternative access to student learning opportunities during this period and potentially beyond. Equally important, school personnel should develop plans for ensuring to the greatest extent possible that families have access to essential non-academic services for their children — especially involving special-education and food services for students who are most vulnerable.

The suspension of educational operations at K-12 schools will inevitably affect the provision of preschool and childcare services. Although the state is not ordering the closure of childcare programs at this time, it is strongly urging childcare providers to strictly observe guidelines that are being issued by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), which call for temporary closures based on actual direct or indirect exposures to individuals with COVID-19.

At the same time, EEC will prioritize the maintenance and expansion of childcare capacity serving frontline healthcare workers and first responders across the state.

With regard to higher education, the Department of Higher Education and DPH strongly recommend that colleges and universities, both public and private, continue to pursue strategies to reduce the need for students to be on campus, including suspending in-person classes and implementing institution-wide programs to shift to remote learning, technology-enabled solutions, and other tools to allow students to successfully complete course and degree requirements. Institutions should also pursue strategies to reduce the need for faculty and staff to be on campus by maximizing remote work opportunities, while maintaining essential on-campus services, especially for residential students who cannot safely return home. Additional guidance will be forthcoming.

Baker also issued an emergency order limiting gatherings to no more than 25 individuals and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, beginning on March 17 and effective until April 6.

Meanwhile, DPH issued guidance today that includes the following:

• All commercial insurers, self-insured plans, and the Group Insurance Commission are required to cover medically necessary telehealth services related to COVID-19 testing and treatment. Insurers must do this without requiring cost sharing of any kind — such as co-pays and coinsurance — for testing and treatment. Additionally, insurers cannot require prior authorization for these services.

• All assisted-living residences are to ban visitors to protect the health of residents and staff. This is in addition to the federal guidance issued on Friday that bans visitors to nursing homes and rest homes.

• All hospitals operated by the Department of Public Health or the Department of Mental Health are to screen all visitors and restrict visitation if individuals show any indication of illness. In addition, hospitals must cancel non-essential elective procedures.

Springfield Museums to Close Temporarily from March 14 to April 3

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COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD — In response to the community health effort to slow and stem the spread of COVID-19, the Springfield Museums will be closed to the public March 14 through April 3. All public events, programs, classes, trips, and club meetings are canceled or postponed.

“The Museums’ leadership made this decision as a proactive and cautious response to help ensure the health and safety of our staff and volunteers, visitors, and community,” said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums.

During this time, all public gatherings at the Museums are cancelled or postponed. Refunds will be issued to visitors who have purchased tickets or registrations for events, programs, classes, or excursions. The Museums will continue to carefully monitor the situation and will share updates as they become available.

“While our doors are closed,” Simpson added, “activity in the Museums will continue as the staff prepares to reopen with new and exciting programming and exhibits for our visitors.”

Governor Bans Gatherings of 250 People or More

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COVID-19

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker announced a statewide ban today, March 13, on all gatherings of 250 people or more to combat the spread of COVID-19. The ban is effective immediately.

The order includes, but is not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events; sporting events with spectators; concerts; conventions; fundraisers; parades; fairs; festivals; and any similar event or activity that brings together 250 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time in a venue such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space.

Baker said the order does not apply to normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, polling locations, grocery or retail stores, or other spaces where 250 or more persons may be in transit.

The order also does not apply to restaurants, “provided that they should, when possible, encourage social distancing,” or typical office environments, government buildings, or factories.

Nor does the order apply to higher education or K-12 schools, as long as assemblies or classes of more than 250 people are avoided.

“That guidance gives schools very specific advice about when to close individual schools and for how long,” Baker said. “Our public-health officials do not recommend school systems shut down systemwide at this time. They recommend careful monitoring of students and temporary closures to allow for schools to clean and reopen.”

Wistariahurst Temporarily Shutters Public Offerings, Delays Season Opening

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COVID-19

In order to protect the community and join in public efforts to keep any regional coronavirus outbreak under control, Wistariahurst is cancelling its public offerings, suspending its volunteer program, and delaying its season opening for a minimum of 30 days.

“Along with so many of our peers in this community and across the globe, Wistariahurst is taking our role as a heavily trafficked public site seriously and closely monitoring the situation,” Director Kate Preissler said. “Despite having been in our offseason, we have maintained a high level of activity at Wistariahurst in the last months with school groups, college visitors, and special events. Without shifts in our work, those numbers will only increase in the coming weeks. We are committed to aid in the prevention of the spread of this and other viruses in our region in whatever ways we can.”

The decision aligns with the protective guidelines set in place by the city of Holyoke regarding public gatherings, she said, but also takes into account certain special circumstances at Wistariahurst, including the presence on its staff and volunteer team of people with vulnerabilities to this and other infections; the museum’s dual role as an educational facility and steward of the historic preservation of this site, which brings extra challenges when it comes to thoroughly disinfecting its historic materials; the fact that its audience is an eclectic mix of students, people visiting the area from out of town, and individuals over age 60; and the intimate spaces in the old home, making the recommended distancing of three to six feet between people impossible for large groups.

For now, administrative offices will remain staffed and available for questions by phone and e-mail. In-person archival research appointments are suspended but the city historian will remain available for research inquiries via e-mail and phone.

“Our extended seasonal closure will provide us with the time and space to embark on new projects, virtual engagement materials, and more. Stay tuned for additional updates and communications,” Preissler said. “Thank you to everyone in our community who supports us with your presence, your membership, your volunteerism, and your energies. We are inspired, as always, with the way that our fair city bands together in times of need.”

Holyoke Community College Announces Event Cancellations

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COVID-19

HOLYOKE — In accordance with recommendations from public health authorities, Holyoke Community College (HCC) has cancelled these previously scheduled college events:

• March 12: HCC Jazz Night at Theodore’s in Springfield

• March 13-14: HCC Jazz Festival

• March 19: HCC College for a Day

• March 24, 25, 31: HCC French Film Festival

• March 25: College Career Centers of Western Massachusetts Spring Career Fair

• March 28: Cannabis Career Fair

Visit www.hcc.edu/about/news-events-and-media/news-stories/event-cancellations for further updates on event cancellations.

STCC Is Closed Friday to Prepare for Deep Cleaning

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COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is closed today, March 13, to prepare for a deep cleaning.

Campus Facilities will hire an outside vendor to perform the cleaning over the weekend. While there are no known cases of the coronavirus known as COVID-19 on campus or within the city of Springfield, STCC will undergo an extensive cleaning out of an abundance of caution.

STCC continues to consult with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the city of Springfield, with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Students will be away from campus for spring break, which runs Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20. The campus, however, will resume normal business on Monday, March 16. College administrators will continue developing plans for continuity of instruction.

Updates will be posted as they become available at stcc.edu/coronavirus.

BusinessWest Postpones Difference Makers Gala, Reschedules Event for Sept. 10

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COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — After much thought and consideration, and out of an abundance of caution, BusinessWest has made the decision to postpone our 12th annual Difference Makers event, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 19. The event will now take place on Thursday, Sept. 10 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

With the growing concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, and under the CDC’s recommendations, we felt this was the most appropriate and responsible action to take. We are grateful to our sponsors for making this event possible and are looking forward to celebrating our 2020 Difference Makers with all of you later this year. Thank you for your understanding.

Event sponsors include Burkhart Pizzanelli, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health Of New England, Royal, P.C., and TommyCar Auto Group, while the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament, MHA, and United Way of Pioneer Valley are partners.

Bay Path’s Women’s Leadership Conference Postponed Due to Coronavirus

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COVID-19 Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Due to concerns around coronavirus and following guidance from the CDC, WHO, and Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding large gatherings, Bay Path University has made the decision to postpone this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), scheduled for March 27 at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, to April 9, 2021.

Full refunds will be processed by Eventbrite within 30 business days.

The WLC is the region’s premier women’s leadership event for professional and personal networking. For 24 years, it has assembled a community of women and men for professional development, to honor each other’s experiences, and celebrate each other’s aspirations.

Although Bay Path cannot guarantee the exact speakers at next April’s conference, organizers are doing everything possible to mirror this year’s line-up. “We can promise an amazing conference in line with the delivery of the past 24 events,” the university noted in a statement.

“Although we are deeply disappointed to make this decision, the health, wellness, and safety of our over 2,000 attendees are our number-one priority,” it went on. “We were so looking forward to being with you on the 27th of March.  We hope you will be excited to join us for the rescheduled event.”

Participants who have questions concerning the Women’s Leadership Conference should e-mail [email protected].

Gov. Charlie Baker Declares State of Emergency in Response to Coronavirus

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COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts on Tuesday to support the Commonwealth’s response to the outbreak of coronavirus.

The Baker-Polito administration also announced new guidance for executive-branch employees in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This includes discontinuing all out-of-state work-related travel; canceling or virtually holding conferences, seminars, and other discretionary gatherings; informing employees not to attend external work-related conferences, seminars, or events; reminding employees feeling sick with fever or flu symptoms to not come into work; and encouraging high-risk employees to talk with their supervisors to review possible alternative work assignments.

Regular internal government business will continue, and these new measures complement other precautions that have been put in place in recent days encouraging proper self-care and hygiene and increasing cleaning and sanitizing of government buildings and offices.

“We will continue planning and preparing to mitigate the spread of this disease, and have issued new guidance for executive-branch employees in the Commonwealth,” Baker said. “I urge employers and other large organizations to follow our example and limit or eliminate non-essential travel, limit or eliminate large events where possible, and explore telework where appropriate for your organization. We are also urging older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and large events.”

The guidance for executive-branch employees goes into effect today, March 11, and will be revisited in 30 days or sooner as circumstances dictate.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has been activated and is bringing together health, human-services, public-safety, and other government leaders. This working group follows the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) infectious-disease task force that was assembled in January.

The administration also issued updated guidance to members of the public. This guidance is posted on the DPH website, www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

The administration urges older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and events. Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds.

Today, DPH will distribute guidance to long-term-care facility operators. This guidance will outline how these facilities should protect elderly residents at higher risk for coronavirus. This will include banning visitors who show signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat). Visitors will be prohibited if they had contact in the last 14 days with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, are under investigation for COVID-19, or have been sick. Visitors will be prohibited if they have traveled internationally in the last 14 days or are residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring. Visitors will not be allowed to visit long-term-care facilities if they currently feel sick or exhibit symptoms.

Regarding K-12 schools, the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) is providing local schools with relief from attendance and school-year requirements so that schools have the flexibility to make decisions on temporary closures due to coronavirus.

Specifically, the longest any school district will be required to go is its already-scheduled 185th day. No schools will be required to be in session after June 30. For accountability purposes for school year 2019-20, DESE will calculate chronic absenteeism as of March 2 and disregard all attendance data for the remainder of the school year.

In addition, DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley is strongly urging all districts to cancel all out-of-state travel at this time. This is in addition to the administration’s existing request for schools to cancel international trips.

The Department of Public Health will be issuing updated guidance to superintendents on how to address cases that arise at a school, including potential school closures.

Bulkley Richardson Launches COVID-19 Response Team

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COVID-19 Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As developments surrounding COVID-19 continue to escalate daily, concerns beyond personal health and safety have quickly emerged. The virus has already made a significant impact on the global economy, altering the way businesses operate, as well as potentially seismic shifts in consumer activity.

To address issues critical to businesses and their employees, Bulkley Richardson has launched a COVID-19 response team comprised of seasoned attorneys in the areas of business, finance, employment, schools, healthcare, and cybersecurity. In this time of great uncertainty, businesses are seeking legal counsel to help navigate this fluid landscape and prepare as we enter a period of uncertainty and rapid change.

Bulkley Richardson understands that each business will be affected differently and that taking proactive measures may help to minimize the risk of business interruptions. This COVID-19 response team has prepared an initial catalog of issues to be considered by each business owner or manager and has posted this information at bulkley.com. In the upcoming days, we will be expanding on this list and providing further detailed guidance. If you have specific questions, contact a member of the COVID-19 response team below or call (413) 272-6200.

The team consists Scott Foster (business, cybersecurity), Mark Cress (business, banking and finance), Mary Jo Kennedy (employment), Ryan Barry (business, banking and finance, healthcare, schools, colleges, and universities), Judge John Greaney (strategy), and Christopher St. Martin (employment, teleservices).