May 25, 2022

Expanded Free COVID-19 Testing & Mask Advisory

February 24, 2022

City of Cambridge Mask Requirement for Indoor Public Places Will End on Sunday, March 13, 2022

The City of Cambridge has announced that due to the sustained improvement to the City’s COVID-19 metrics over the past month, Cambridge will lift its mask requirement for indoor public places effective at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2022. Cambridge has seen a steady decrease in reported cases, test positivity, and COVID-19 virus detection in the City’s municipal wastewater monitoring program. Additionally, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 92% of residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, 76% of residents are fully vaccinated, and 45% have received a booster dose.   Effective Monday, March 14, 2022, the City of Cambridge will follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s mask advisory for vaccinated and unvaccinated residents consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mask guidance and will not require the use of face masks in indoor public places in Cambridge.   The City encourages residents to follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and CDC recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, and businesses are reminded that they may continue to require the use of face masks inside their establishments if they wish.   Consistent with the City’s phased approach to reopening City buildings and programs, masks will continue to be required for all employees and visitors in municipal buildings, regardless of vaccination status, through Sunday, March 27, 2022.   The updated Emergency Order Requiring Use of Face Masks in Indoor Public Places is available here.   For more information and regular COVID-19 updates, visit www.cambridgema.gov/covid19 to sign up for daily City email updates.

January 5, 2022

The City of Cambridge today amended its emergency order requiring that face masks or coverings be worn in indoor public places to include common areas of residential buildings with at least four units as well as common areas of office and laboratory buildings. The order applies to everyone over the age of two years old, with exceptions in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines. This amended order takes effect on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 12:01 a.m.

For the purposes of the amended order, Indoor Public Places include, but are not limited to:

• Common areas of residential buildings with at least four units such as any lobby, hallway, elevator, stairwell, laundry room, garage, fitness center/gym, etc.
• Common areas in indoor office and laboratory buildings such as any lobby, hallway, elevator, stairwell, garage, fitness center/gym, etc.
• Retail establishments
• Restaurants & bars – except while actively eating or drinking
• Performance venues
• Social clubs
• Houses of worship
• Event spaces
• Municipal buildings
• Personal care establishments
• Fitness establishments

The City also announced temporary restrictions on City public meetings and indoor City events due to COVID-19. All public meetings of City committees, advisory groups, community meetings and the like shall be conducted as remote meetings, rather than in-person meetings. No City-sponsored community events or City-sponsored public gatherings shall take place indoors. Such events may continue when conducted outdoors if participants are masked and are able to physically distance. This does not apply to City-sponsored youth activities or youth sports, or other City-sponsored athletic programs, which may continue to take place indoors.

Additional information is available here: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/News/2022/01/maskandevents

December 14, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 13, 2021
CONTACT
Terry MacCormack
Terry.maccormack@mass.gov  

Governor Baker Signs $4 Billion Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding Spending Bill

BOSTON — Governor Charlie Baker today signed a $4 billion spending plan to support continued recovery across key priority areas, making substantial investments in housing and homeownership, healthcare, workforce development, premium pay for essential workers and infrastructure. The funding, first proposed by the Baker-Polito Administration in June of 2021, will put to work a portion of the Commonwealth’s direct federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“The pandemic has had a significant impact on Massachusetts workers, families, communities, and businesses for nearly two years, and today’s signing directs billions of dollars in relief toward those hardest hit across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “While this package falls far short of the investment I called for to address the housing shortage, the important investments included in this bill will help to accelerate Massachusetts’ economic recovery and provide long-lasting benefits to infrastructure, healthcare, education systems, and small businesses.”

“The funding allocated in this bill addresses critical areas of need across the

Commonwealth, from addiction services to housing availability to environmental infrastructure,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This relief will play a crucial role in the ongoing recovery of our residents and communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and we are eager to put it to work.”

The bill authorizes up to $2.55 billion in spending from the $5.286 billion ARPA Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds provided to Massachusetts in May 2021. This direct federal aid is intended to support urgent COVID-19 response efforts, replace lost revenue, support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses, and address unequal public health and economic challenges in Massachusetts cities and towns. After accounting for spending in this bill and previously announced commitments, approximately $2.3 billion of the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds will remain to be further appropriated. 

“The Commonwealth has worked diligently over the past two years to deploy billions worth of federal support to strengthen our economic recovery, support those in disproportionately impacted communities, and get people back to work,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael J. Heffernan. “We appreciate the collaboration of our colleagues in the Legislature on this bill to invest in healthcare, housing, and the Massachusetts workforce and look forward to even more critical investments in 2022 with the remaining ARPA funds.”  

Coupled with the authorized ARPA dollars, $1.45 billion in spending is appropriated from the Transitional Escrow Fund, made up of state fiscal year 2021 surplus funds. The bill assigns the Secretary of Administration and Finance the responsibility of matching expenditures to the most appropriate funding source, which provides important flexibility in recognition of the significant federal rules and regulations associated with federal funds.

Highlights of the plan include:

Housing

• $150 million to finance the statewide production of housing for various populations, including seniors and veterans;
• $150 million for public housing maintenance;
• $115 million for rental housing production and to provide increased housing options to residents of disproportionately impacted communities;
• $115 million to support housing production in disproportionately impacted communities through MassHousing’s CommonWealth Builder Program and similar efforts;
• $65 million to support expanded homeownership opportunities, focused on first-time homebuyers who are residents of disproportionately impacted communities.

Health Care

• $400 million for addiction treatment and related behavioral health services, workforce, and infrastructure;
• $260 million for fiscally stressed hospitals in disproportionately impacted municipalities;
• $200 million for local and regional public health, including local boards of health staffing, technology, and training;
• $50 million for workforce retention and capital improvements at nursing facilities and $30 million to support loan repayment, retention, and recruitment programs for human service workers;
• $37.5 million for grants to reduce juvenile delinquency, youth homelessness, and summer jobs.

Workforce Development

• $500 million to support the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund;
• $500 million for premium pay for low-income essential workers;
• $107.5 million for workforce and career technical skills training;
• $24.5 million for workforce development and capital grants to YMCAs and Boys & Girls clubs.

Economic Development

• $135 million to support cultural facilities and tourism assets throughout Massachusetts;
• $75 million for grants to small businesses, $50 million of which will go to businesses reaching underserved markets and minority, women, and veteran owned businesses. $25 million will be reserved for small businesses that did not qualify for prior programs.

Infrastructure Investment

• $100 million to fund grants for water and sewer infrastructure improvements;
• $100 million to improve culverts, dams, and other environmental infrastructure;
• $90 million for marine port development;
• $50 million to close the digital divide and increase broadband internet access;
• $44.8 million for food security;
• $25 million for greening gateway cities.

Education

• $105 million for a variety of education supports, including recovery grants to state universities and community colleges, workforce support for special education schools, and support for recruiting educators of color;
• $100 million for public school district HVAC grants;
• $100 million for capital grants to vocational high schools and career technical education programs.

The Governor vetoed language in seven line items containing requirements that would cause delays in putting funds to use.

Of 88 outside sections included in the bill, the Governor signed 86, including one that excludes federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) advances, Shuttered Venue Operators grants, Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants, and SBA loans from taxable income for individual taxpayers for all applicable tax years, creating parity with corporate taxpayers.

Governor Baker returned one outside section to the Legislature with proposed amendments and vetoed one outside section. Notably, while signing outside sections that establish and fund a $500 million COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Fund for one-time payments to frontline workers, the Governor vetoed a section setting up administrative obstacles that would interfere with the efficient distribution of payments, including the requirement to consult with an extensive 28-member advisory panel on program design.  Vetoing this section will allow the administration to immediately get to work on the process to distribute these funds.

To read the Governor’s signing letter, click here.

To read the Governor’s signed amendment letter, click here.

To read attachments to the signed amendment letter, click here.

###

June 2, 2021

Dear Licensee:

As you are aware, the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, including the requirement that tables and chairs be set 6 feet apart.  As you may have also seen from the Board’s vote of last week, we have committed to ensuring that the temporary extensions be extended through the date sought by the Governor’s pending legislation (November 29, 2021), or in the alternative through the end of the year, whichever is sooner. 

Since at least part of your currently approved temporary extension is on the public way, if you want to continue using it past August 15, 2021 (the current expiration date per the end of the state of emergency and your agreement with the City), then you need to complete the attached document and submit to extend the use through the date approved by the legislature (11/29/21) or December 31, 2021, whichever is sooner.  In addition, if you also want to rework your floor plan to add additional seats, then please make sure to select the proper portion of the agreement (3b) and attach an updated floor plan.  If you are NOT changing your currently approved floor plan, you must mark off 3a.

When you complete the agreement, upload it to your temporary extension agreement, or email to me and I will upload it for you.  If you plan to use the outdoor area past August 15, 2021, you must complete this process prior to that date. 

Any questions, please let me know.
Thank you, stay safe.
Nicole Murati Ferrer, Esq., ChaiCambridge License Commission
Pole and Conduit Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 349-6140
Website: www.cambridgema.gov/license
Application/Renewal Portal: https://cambridgema.viewpointcloud.com/

May 21, 2021

May 7, 2021

April 30, 2021

Dear All (long email, sorry, but please read through):

After consultation with public health officials, on Thursday, May 6, 2021, the City of Cambridge will advance to Phase IV, Step 1.  Attached are the relevant State and City orders as well as the summary of sector specific guidelines which must be followed (all of the sector protocols and checklists can be accessed at: https://www.mass.gov/resource/reopening-sector-specific-protocols-and-best-practices).  Below are some highlight of what moving into Phase IV, Step 1 entails:

1. Any licensee currently licensed for entertainment will be able to offer this amenity subject to sector-specific guidelines limitations.  Note that dance floors/dancing by patrons continues to be prohibited except at private events.  Some other required guidelines are: spacing limitations; separate areas; and no singing indoors.  Since some of you “eliminated” entertainment from your licenses during renewals, you must email me to confirm the amenity is in place. 
2. Gatherings Limits at indoor and outdoor events have increased to 100 inside, 150 outside.
3. “Bars” a/k/a drinking only establishments and “nightclubs” continue to be closed.
4. Indoor performance venues used for live performances and other indoor performance spaces not designated as Phase IV, Step 2 enterprises may commence operating; submission of a plan, post inspection by ISD are no longer required.  Alcohol only service continues to be prohibited.   

Reminders/Updates:

1. Face mask order is updated as of this Friday, April 30.  Although the City is adopting the State’s Order, it is requiring the use of face masks under additional circumstances.  For the businesses herein, face mask use continues to be as is – required at all times except when actively consuming food or beverages. 
2. Service of alcohol only is prohibited.  You must serve food with alcohol.  Table limitations remain at 6 people maximum, and service is capped at 90 minutes per table. 
3. 2021 Renewal Fee Balances for licensees who renewed in October-December 2020 are due May 31, 2021.
4. If you are in the process of re-opening and you license has not yet issued, contact me immediately to reactivate your record to ensure your license issues promptly.
5. The City continues to contract with local restaurants to provide food to the City’s homeless community during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Weekly requests for quotes are sent out to interested restaurants on Monday afternoons. Restaurants with additional questions or who are interested in participating in this initiative or should contact the City of Cambridge Purchasing Department at purchasing@cambridgema.gov.
6. SBA – Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens May 3, 2021, for information: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
7. The City continues to host multi-department virtual office hours for businesses.  To register, please visit: camb.ma/SmallBizHours.  Next meetings: May 4 and 18, 2021, 3:00-4:00 PM.

As always, if you have any questions, let us know. 
Thank you, stay safe.
Nicole Murati Ferrer, Esq., Chair
Cambridge License Commission
Pole and Conduit Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 349-6140
Website: www.cambridgema.gov/license
Application/Renewal Portal: https://cambridgema.viewpointcloud.com/
If you have any pronoun preferences, please let me know in your reply.

March 22, 2021

City of Cambridge Extends Restrictions on Public Events and Announces Cambridge will Remain in Phase III, Step 2 of Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan and Limit Gathering Sizes

The City of Cambridge announced today that it will not advance to Phase IV, Step 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan and will remain in Phase III, Step 2 until further notice. The City will also restrict gathering limits for event venues and in public settings to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Cambridge’s new gathering limits are more restrictive than the Commonwealth. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

In addition, the City of Cambridge announced that it is extending the current prohibition on City-sponsored community events, events permitted for the use of City parks, or other City-sponsored public gatherings through May 31, 2021. The City has not permitted events or gatherings through its special events process since March 16, 2020 and is continuing this prohibition as part of its overall COVID-19 prevention strategies.

“The City’s team considers many factors when making decisions, including available science and local, regional, statewide, and national data trends. Remaining in Phase III, Step 2 is aligned with our ongoing strategy,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “If public health data trends shift, the City will reevaluate Cambridge’s reopening status, just as we have done throughout the pandemic. The City’s conservative approach to its phased reopening balances our efforts to minimize the public health impacts of COVID-19 with providing vital support to our residents and local business.”

Read full text of the City of Cambridge Temporary Emergency Order Delaying Phase IV, Step 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan and Concerning Gatherings in the City of Cambridge Issued on March 22, 2021.

Read full text of the Amended Temporary Emergency Restrictions on City Public Meetings, City Events, and City Permitted Events Due to COVID-19.

The Emergency Order issued by the City on February 26, 2021 prohibiting live musical performances at restaurants remains in place, and indoor performance venues eligible to open under Phase III, Step 2 will need approval from the City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department prior to opening.

While the ongoing rollout of the Commonwealth’s vaccination plan is encouraging, the City of Cambridge will continue to take a cautious and measured approach to activities and industries permitted in Cambridge and will continue to closely monitor public health data as part of its decision-making process.

It remains critical for the public to continue to wear high-quality and properly fitting face masks, practice social distancing, regularly wash hands, and limit the size of gatherings with people outside their immediate household.

Residents are reminded that the City of Cambridge provides free daily COVID-19 testing at various sites across the City.  Appointments and additional information about this program are available at www.cambridgema.gov/testing.To stay up-to-date for the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine from the City and the state, visit www.cambridgema.gov/vaccine.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated COVID-19 information page: www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.

March 3, 2021

In September 2020, the City of Cambridge announced it would be extending outdoor dining in the City until 60 days after the end of the Commonwealth’s declared state of emergency.

The City met with the business and restaurant communities to plan for what a four-season outdoor dining experience would look like, including planning for winter weather operations and creating opportunities to make the dining experience as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible through things like the City’s Patio Heater Reimbursement Program.

While we cannot predict when the state of emergency will be declared over by the Governor, the City of Cambridge will work with affected businesses to find a way to support and assist them in identifying mechanisms to legally maintain their outdoor area and keep it operational through the end of the calendar year.

The following are some important information and reminders for restaurants related to Outdoor Dining Areas in Cambridge:

• If you were approved for a Temporary Extension of the Licensed Premises to an Outdoor Area Due to COVID-19 (“Temporary Premises Extension”) and provided proof of right to occupy the space after 11/1/2020, your permit expiration was amended and you remain permitted to use the temporary outdoor area up to 60 days after the Governor ends the state of emergency due to COVID-19.
  • You do not need to reapply to use the same area. You can confirm whether your permit is up-to-date by looking at the expiration date on it (should say: “Expires 60 days after the end of the state of emergency as declared by the Governor of Massachusetts”).
  • If you have an up-to-date permit, you can use your outdoor area.
    • If in the public way make, be sure you clear it with the Department of Public Works and the Traffic and Parking Department:
      • Email rlinke@cambridgema.gov at Public Works
      • Email bmckenna@cambridgema.gov at Traffic & Parking Dept.
• If you have a Temporary Premises Extension but the expiration date says 11/1/2020, upload the document(s) necessary for the extension as detailed on the attached to your record or by emailing them to license@cambridgema.gov to obtain approval for the expiration update.
  • If you have a Temporary Premises Extension but want to amend it, please submit an application at https://cambridgema.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1096/record-types/6771.
• If you did not get a Temporary Premises Extension, you can apply for one at: https://cambridgema.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1096/record-types/6771.
  • You can find information as to what documents you need to upload at: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/licensecommission.
• If you obtained a permit from the Fire Department to have propane heaters on the outdoor area, that permit has also been automatically extended through 60 days after the state of emergency ends (even though the expiration date on your permit does not reflect it).
  • If you did not get a permit to have propane heat on an outdoor area or have any questions regarding your permit, please contact the Fire Department by emailing ctowski@cambridgefire.org.
    • Restaurants have the ability to be reimbursed up to $250.00 per portable patio heater for up to a maximum of five (5) patio heaters per business. This reimbursement is subject to compliance with regulations and requirements of the Cambridge Fire Department.
    • For questions on heater reimbursement, contact Matt Nelson, Assistant to the City Manager, by email at mnelson@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4266.
  • To set up an alternate heat source in the outdoor area, please contact Inspectional Services Department by emailing ranjits@cambridgema.gov. 

February 26, 2021

City of Cambridge to Advance to Phase III, Step 2 of Commonwealth Reopening Plan on March 1, 2021, with Limited Exceptions

The City of Cambridge announced today that, effective Monday, March 1, 2021, the City will advance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Phase III, Step 2 of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan, with limited exceptions. An Emergency Order issued by the City is prohibiting live musical performances at restaurants until further notice and delaying the opening of indoor performance venues until March 22, 2021. Prior to opening, indoor performance venues will also need approval from the City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department.

Effective Monday, March 1, capacity limits across all sectors with capacity limits will be raised to 50 percent, excluding employees, and restaurants will no longer have a percent capacity limit. Restaurants in Cambridge will not be permitted to host live musical performances. They will be required to continue to enforce six-foot distance between tables, limit seating to six people per table, adhere to the maximum 90-minute time limit per table, and require that food be served with alcohol orders. As a reminder, restaurant customers may only remove face coverings in the actual act of eating and drinking. Face coverings are required at all other times while seated at tables and when wait staff are present at tables.  

Food court seating must remain closed during this phase of reopening.

The continued downward trend in COVID-19 metrics and the ongoing rollout of the Commonwealth’s vaccination plan allows the City of Cambridge to advance to Phase III, Step 2. While the economy continues to reopen, it remains critical for the public to continue to wear high-quality and properly fitting face masks, practice social distancing, regularly wash hands, and limit the size of gatherings with people outside their immediate household.  Additionally, current outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor gatherings at private residences remaining limited to 10 people.

Read full text of the City of Cambridge Temporary Emergency Order Advancing to Phase III, Step 2 the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan with Certain Exceptions Issued on February 26, 2021.

Residents are reminded that the City of Cambridge provides free daily COVID-19 testing at various sites across the City.  Appointments for March and additional information about this program are available at www.cambridgema.gov/testing

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19 and vaccine-related information, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.

https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/News/2021/02/cityofcambridgephase3step2

—

From: Murati Ferrer, Nicole <nmuratiferrer@cambridgema.gov>
Sent: Friday, February 26, 2021 2:14 PM
Subject: COVID-19: CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS ON RESTAURANTS LIFTED
Importance: High

Dear All:

Pursuant to the Governor’s announcement of yesterday, and after consultation with public health officials, effective Monday, March 1, 2021, City of Cambridge restaurants may operate at their maximum licensed seating capacity so long as there is a six foot distance between tables.  Please note the maximum seating capacity is listed on your license.  You must go off your seating capacity (not the total occupancy) as listed on your license (not your Certificate of Inspection); employees do not count towards the maximum seating capacity.  The sector specific guidelines and City-mandated limitations must continue to be followed, which include but are not limited to:

1. All tables and chairs must remain 6 feet apart from each other and high foot traffic areas, unless separated by a non-porous divider.
2. The maximum party size at a table or approved bar seating area is 6 patrons.
3. Maximum time per table/party is 90 minutes total.  Eat-in service is only approved to seating patrons, no standing service allowed.
4. Face masks must be worn by all employees, unless unsafe due to a medical condition or disability.
5. Patrons must keep their masks on at all times except when actively engaged in consuming food or beverage (if waitstaff is at table, patrons must wear their face mask).  Exceptions to this requirement are people under 2 years old and those who cannot wear a mask because of a medical condition or disability. 
6. No live music entertainment in restaurants is allowed.  We will continue to evaluate the trends and discern how this amenity can be safely added.
7. [Alcohol Licensees] Bar only service is not allowed; food must be served with alcohol.  You may seat persons at the bar for food and alcohol service only if you have been inspected and approved by Inspectional Services Department (see Cambridge Order dated September 25, 2020). 

Food court seating areas are not yet allowed to re-open.  Also, please note (although it may not affect your business/operations), the City of Cambridge is not opening indoor performance venues used for live performances and other indoor performance spaces not designated as Phase IV enterprises until March 22, 2021, and until they have been inspected by and received approval from the City’s Inspectional Services Department.

As a reminder, “restaurant” as defined by the reopening plan is “an establishment that provides food service that is prepared on-site and under a Food Service Establishment Permit, for food service establishments that cook, prepare and serve food, intended for immediate consumption, as permitted and issued by a municipal authority pursuant to 105 CMR 590.000. Potato chips, pretzels, and other similar pre-packaged, shelf stable foods, or other food prepared off-site, do not constitute food “prepared on-site.”

Finally, any restrictions placed by the City of Cambridge, which are more restrictive than the State’s, is controlling.  Attached for your convenience are the State’s Order, the City’s Order (including the September one regarding bar seating areas), the mandated Restaurant protocols, guidelines and checklists, and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission related advisory (for those who are licensed to serve alcohol).

Any questions, please let me know.

Thank you, stay safe.

Nicole Murati Ferrer, Esq., Chair

Cambridge License Commission

Pole and Conduit Commission

831 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02139

(617) 349-6140

Website: www.cambridgema.gov/license

Application/Renewal Portal: https://cambridgema.viewpointcloud.com/

February 12, 2021

Below and linked here is the City’s announcement for upcoming free workshops/info sessions on indoor ventilation best practices.

The City, working with Environmental Health and Engineering, Inc. will be providing sector specific Q&As and follow up small group sessions. Folks can register here or below for specific sectors.  

Please share with your networks!

We still have “Mask Up” materials. Let me know if you would like a stack (table tent image attached, also have cards).

Thanks and have a great weekend!
Lisa and Matt

Small Business Info Sessions on Indoor Ventilation Best Practices during COVID-19

2/12/2021

The City is working with Environmental Health and Engineering, Inc. to provide small businesses with information on common approaches to improve indoor ventilation designed to protect people during the current Pandemic.

This new program provides two opportunities for businesses to receive assistance. The first opportunity is sector specific question and answer info sessions. These sessions will provide Cambridge small businesses a chance to ask experts in public health and mechanical systems questions and receive information to assist in the safe operation of the business’ facilities. These sessions will be open and can include 100 businesses per session.

The second opportunity is small group follow-up sessions. These will be half-hour sessions that will provide a small group of businesses with time to ask questions that are specific to their location. These sessions will be limited six (6) businesses per session, and will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Sessions are free and only available to Cambridge businesses.

The materials and information provided at the sector specific question and answer info sessions and small group follow-up sessions are not created by the City of Cambridge and the City of Cambridge does not adopt any positions contained therein.  Any questions on the materials and information provided should be directed to EH&H and not the City of Cambridge.

Opportunity #1: Question and Answer Information Sessions

Session One: COVID-19 Control Strategies for Personal Services and Fitness Sectors

• When: Friday, February 26, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Where: Online. After registration, businesses will receive a link to access the online session and instructions on the platform.
• This session is for salons, barbershops, spas, gyms, and other personal service businesses that have questions related to COVID-19 control strategies for indoor operations.
• Click here to register.

Session Two: COVID-19 Control Strategies for Restaurants & Cafes

• When: Wednesday, March 3, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Where: Online. After registration, businesses will receive a link to access the online session.
• This session is for restaurants, coffee shops, and other food related businesses that have questions related to COVID-19 control strategies for indoor operations.
• Click here to register.

Session Three: COVID-19 Control Strategies for Retail & Small Office Establishments

• When: Friday, March 12, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Where: Online. After registration, businesses will receive a link to access the online session.
• This session is for retailers and small office-related businesses that have questions related to COVID-19 control strategies for indoor operations.
• Click here to register.

Opportunity #2: Small Group Follow Up Sessions

Dates coming soon.

For more information

Question and Answer Information Sessions will be recorded. If you are interested in receiving a recording to a session or have questions about the program, please contact Pardis Saffari at psaffari@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4654.

February 5, 2021

On February 4, 2021, the Governor of Massachusetts announced that as of Monday, February 8, 2021, the capacity limits for certain businesses will increase from the current 25% to 40%.  After careful consideration, the City of Cambridge has adopted the increase but will continue to monitor and amend if necessary in the interest of the public’s safety.  

Attached are the State’s updated mandatory guidelines and protocols for restaurants (hotels, entertainment venues as well as others have not yet been updated by the state).  In addition, for more information on the current capacity limits and the updated capacity limits, please visit the state’s website at: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/temporary-capacity-and-gathering-limits#limits-beginning-5:00-am-on-february-8,-2021-.  For those who are licensed to serve alcohol, attached is the corresponding Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission’s Advisory.

Important things to note:

1. On-Premises Consumption Licensees (a/k/a restaurants), as of Monday, February 8, you may seat up to 40% of your licensed seating capacity inside and 40% of your licensed seating capacity outside. 
   1. Even with the increase, tables must be positioned to maintain at least a 6 foot distance from all other tables and any high foot traffic areas.
   2. Do not count your employees towards the count.
   3. Do not combine the indoor and outdoor capacities.  
   4. Do not calculate the 40% off your total occupancy or standing capacity, there should be no standing service (only persons standing should be those coming in to pick up orders).  The 40% is calculated off the seating capacity only.
   5. In Cambridge the seating capacity as listed on your license is controlling.
   6. Maximum of 6 persons at a table remains in effect.
   7. Table/seating service 90-minute limitation remains in effect.
   8. If you are licensed to serve alcohol, it must be with food.

2. Off-Premises Consumption Licensees (a/k/a package stores), your 40% is based off the capacity as listed on your Certificate of Inspection.  If you do not have one, there is a limit of 5 persons per 1,000 square feet. 
   1. Do not count your employees towards the count.
   2. Please send questions as to the maximum capacity allowed in your space to ranjits@cambridgema.gov, sdaglian@cambridgema.gov, or atuccinardi@cambridgema.gov.

3. Hotels, the 40% applies to common areas only; you may lodge at full capacity.  Your restaurants must abide by the 40% restrictions as explained above.

4. Movie theaters, the 40% capacity applies as to each theater/room but with a maximum of 50 persons per theater/room.
   1. If you are licensed to serve alcohol, it must be in conjunction with food.

As always, you must abide and comply with all State Orders, City Orders and our Rules and Regulations.  In the event that any City Order is more restrictive, you must abide by the City Order.  Please be advised inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with the capacity limits. 

I also remind everyone that face masks are required to be worn by all persons, including employees, at all times.  Customers at any place of public accommodation must have their face masks on unless they are actively consuming food or beverages.  Please note there are medical exceptions to the face mask orders (also not required for children under 2 years old).

Finally, although the Patriots did not make the Super Bowl, there are many persons still interested in watching it this Sunday.  Make sure you are operating your businesses safely, responsibly and within the current 25% capacity limits. 

Thank you, stay safe.
Nicole Murati Ferrer, Esq., Chair
Cambridge License Commission
Pole and Conduit Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 349-6140
Website: www.cambridgema.gov/license
Application/Renewal Portal: https://cambridgema.viewpointcloud.com/

January 29, 2021

CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO RETURN TO PHASE III, STEP 1 BEGINNING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8

The City of Cambridge announced that it is extending its rollback to a modified Phase II, Step 2 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Massachusetts Plan for one week and will be returning to Phase III, Step 1 effective on Monday, February 8 at 12:00 a.m. 

Additionally, in-person appointments at City buildings will resume the week of February 8 with appointments available on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. Contactless holds pick-up at the Cambridge Public Library will also resume the week of February 8. Holds pickup will resume on Monday, February 8 at Central Square Branch and Valente Branch; Tuesday, February 9 at the Main Library; and Wednesday, February 10 at O’Neill Branch. The full schedule of hours and additional details will be posted on the library website at www.cambridgema.gov/cpl. 

While City buildings will remain closed to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, City offices will be open, and many City services can be accessed online or over the telephone. A complete listing of City departments as well as contact information and instructions on how to book in-person appointments can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/hours. 

Upon expiration of the City’s Temporary Emergency Order Requiring a Modified Rollback to Phase II, Step 2 of Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan in the City of Cambridge, the City will return to Phase III, Step 1 of Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan effective on Monday, February 8 at 12:00 a.m. unless further extended by subsequent order. 

In accordance with Phase III, Step 1, the following sectors will be allowed to reopen in Cambridge beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021 while following all state sector specific guidelines:

• Museums 
• Indoor historic spaces/sites 
• Movie theaters 
• Sightseeing and other organized tours 
• Indoor events spaces such as meeting rooms, ballrooms, and private party rooms 
• Indoor recreational activities such as batting cages, driving ranges, go karts, bowling alleys, rock-climbing walls 

The following additional City restrictions on fitness centers will continue to apply:

• Fitness centers and health clubs may only operate at 25% capacity and in accordance with the following requirements: 
• Locker room/changing room capacity at indoor fitness centers and health clubs shall be limited to 1 person per 200 square feet; 
• Customers of fitness centers and health clubs shall only utilize the facility for a ninety (90) minute time period, per day 

The City of Cambridge will continue to take a cautious and measured approach to activities and industries permitted in Cambridge and will continue to closely monitor public health data as part of its decision-making process. 

View full text of the City of Cambridge Order Extending Temporary Emergency Order Requiring a Modified Rollback to Phase II, Step 2 of Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan in the City of Cambridge that was issued on January 29, 2021. 

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19 and vaccine-related information, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19

January 22, 2021

Dear All:

As you may have seen, yesterday the Governor announced that on Monday, January 25, 2021, Sections 1 and 2 of COVID-19 Order No. 53 and Section 1 of COVID-19 Order No. 57 will be rescinded – these are the ones that mandated your businesses/events to close at 9:30 p.m.  As of Monday, January 25, 2021, you may operate pursuant to your licensed hours as stated on your 2021 License issued by the Board of License Commissioners.  The limitations on capacity (25% for most), however, remain in effect until February 8, 2021, unless further extended.  I have attached COVID-19 Order No. 62, which contains more details.  Also attached, for those who are currently licensed and approved to sell/serve alcohol, is the corresponding ABCC Advisory.

Please note, the City of Cambridge remains in Phase 2, Step 2 which means that regardless of the State Orders, there are certain businesses, or portions of your businesses, that must continue to be closed until February 1, 2021, unless further extended.  For your convenience, I have attached that Order too. 

We continue to work with public health officials to ensure the safety of all.  Please continue to abide by all Orders, and remember that the City of Cambridge’s Orders are controlling.  I also take this opportunity to remind everyone that at all times, employees and customers must wear face masks, except when in the active engagement of eating or drinking.

Any questions, please let us know.

Thank you, stay safe.
Nicole Murati Ferrer, Esq., Chair
Cambridge License Commission
Pole and Conduit Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 349-6140
Website: www.cambridgema.gov/license
Application/Renewal Portal: https://cambridgema.viewpointcloud.com/

January 15, 2021

This page on the Mass.gov website includes a map of COVID-19 vaccine locations with contact details and sign-up information for individuals currently eligible to be vaccinated. Sites will be added in the coming weeks and appointments will be released on a rolling basis. Individuals will need to provide proof of their eligibility at the site. Learn More.

What’s New

COVID-19 Case Count
A total of 3,722 Cambridge residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the coronavirus outbreak began. There are currently 834 active cases in Cambridge, with 54 newly reported case(s) today. There have been 111 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, with 0 newly reported death(s) today, and 2,128 recoveries in Cambridge residents as of January 14, 2021.

• Access Massachusetts COVID-19 data
• Access Massachusetts Weekly COVID-19 Health Report
• Access Harvard University COVID-19 data
• Access MIT COVID-19 data

Access Cambridge Public Schools COVID-19 data

View All Updates

December 29, 2020

Cambridge Begins Rollback to a Modified Phase II, Step 2 for Three Weeks

Temporary Emergency Order Requiring a Modified Rollback to Phase II, Step 2 of Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan in the City of Cambridge requires the following additional mandatory closures beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020 for a three-week period until 12:00 a.m. on January 16, 2021, or until further modified:
• Museums
• Indoor historic spaces/sites
• Movie theaters
• Sightseeing and other organized tours
• Indoor events spaces such as meeting rooms, ballrooms, and private party rooms
• Indoor recreational activities such as batting cages, driving ranges, go karts, bowling alleys, rock-climbing walls

In Cambridge, the following Phase III, Step 1 sectors will be allowed to operate, in accordance with capacity limits set forth in Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order # 59, with additional City restrictions beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020 for a three-week period until 12:00 a.m. on January 16, 2021, or until further modified:
• Fitness centers and health clubs may only operate at 25% capacity and in accordance with the following requirements:
• Locker room/changing room capacity at indoor fitness centers and health clubs shall be limited to 1 person per 200 square feet;
• Customers of fitness centers and health clubs shall only utilize the facility for a ninety (90) minute time period, per day;
• Indoor recreational and athletic facilities for general use (not limited to youth programs) may only operate at 25% capacity.
• Youth sports activities and programs are permitted in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Workplace Safety and Reopening Standards for Businesses and Other Entities Providing Youth and Adult Amateur Sports Activities – Phase III, Step 1, amended on December 9, 2020 and effective on December 13, 2020.
• Outdoor theatres and other outdoor performance venues not designated as Phase IV enterprises may continue to operate and do not have to close, however, may only operate with a capacity of twenty-five (25) people.
• Outdoor event spaces used for gatherings and celebrations including those in parks reservations, and other outdoor spaces not designated as Phase IV enterprises may continue to operate and do not have to close, however, may only operate with a capacity of twenty-five (25) people.
• Indoor non-athletic instructional classes art/education/life skills for persons 18 years or older may continue to operate and do not have to close, however, may only operate with a capacity of ten (10) people or at 25% capacity, whichever is less.

Learn More

November 5, 2020

Cambridge PD CITYWIDE Alert

Executive Order & Early Closure of Certain Businesses and Activities Please note this message is intended for Cambridge businesses, per the Cambridge License Commission:  As of tomorrow, Friday, November 6, 2020, certain businesses and activities must close by 9:30 p.m. (or at your licensed hour, if earlier than 9:30 p.m.).  Establishments may continue to provide take-out and delivery service of food and non-alcoholic beverages up to your licensed closing hour (if later than 9:30 p.m.), but no customer is allowed inside the premises after 9:30 p.m. Employees may remain on-premises after 9:30 p.m. if in the process of cleaning and/or preparing take-out and delivery orders. Customers/delivery services coming to pick up take-out or delivery orders must remain outside the premises (you may bring the food to them at the door).  If you are licensed to sell alcohol, you must cease selling and serving alcohol at 9:30 p.m. and cannot sell alcohol to go/for delivery after 9:30 p.m.  Contained in the below URL is the Governor’s Order with more information, including the full list of businesses impacted, and attached is the corresponding ABCC Advisory.  This is a state-wide curfew/Order and it must be adhered to as explained here.  Alert sent on 11/05/2020 at 1:46PM EST  Additional Information Link: New Orders & Advisories Attachment: Download ABCC Advisory    Submit an Anonymous Tip  To submit a tip via text message text TIP650 and your tip to 847411  Alert delivered to the following groups: Business Alerts, Private – Harvard Square Business Association, Private – Central Square Business Association, Private – Inman Square Business Association, Private – East Cambridge Business Association, Private – Kendall Square Business Association, Kendall Square Security Network Association, Private – Cambridge Public Safety Association, Private – Cambridge Hotels, Private – Cambridge Banks, Private – Cambridge Biotechs, Private – Porter Square Business Association, Private – Cambridge Security, Private – Cambridge Real Estate, Private – Cambridge Retail, and Private – CPSA Master  View Online | Translate | Share Alert Link to Agency

November 3, 2020

For specific questions please contact me directly at mirish@oneillandassoc.com or at 617-957-4403.

For additional information on COVID-19 including what’s happening in Massachusetts, Connecticut and the City of Boston please check out the dedicated section on our website URL:  https://www.oneillandassoc.com/sba-assistance-forms-fact-sheets including a review of passed federal legislation pertaining to the Covid-19 response.

If anyone on this distribution list would also like to receive regular updates specific on issues related to the Federal Government, Boston or Connecticut please contact me and we can add you to those lists.  The O’Neill and Associates website is also regularly updated with all of that information, the link is included above.

• As of Monday night, DPH reported a total of 156,385 cases of COVID-19. 
• The state has now confirmed a total of 9,797 deaths from the virus.
• The number of confirmed and probable deaths caused by COVID-19 surpassed 10,000 over the weekend as 2,431 new people tested positive for the virus and new daily cases detected continues to exceed 1,000 a day.
• The Department of Public Health reported 1,292 new confirmed cases of the deadly coronavirus on Saturday and another 1,139 on Sunday.
• The totals stemmed from 34,846 new individuals tested for COVID-19.
• With the 38 newly reported deaths of people confirmed to have had the virus, the toll in Massachusetts climbed to 10,013 confirmed and probable deaths from COVID-19, including 9,788 from confirmed cases of the virus.
• Daily counts of more than 1,000 new cases are now the norm in Massachusetts as the predicted virus resurgence has come to pass.
• Public health and government officials, however, say the state is better prepared to respond to the virus than in the spring when COVID-19 was a new disease and hospitals feared becoming overrun.
• Based on the ways the state calculates positive testing rates counting people who are tested frequently, the state’s rate dropped to 1.8 percent over the weekend from a high of 2 percent last week.
• In an attempt to make the publicly released COVID-19 data more useful, the Department of Public Health has reorganized the daily “dashboard” that reports on new cases, testing and other metrics, and the department on Monday will begin reporting on case growth by age group and the impact of university testing on broader state trends.
• Secretary Sudders said the new daily report will also allow researchers and members of the public view trend lines that go back to March and also for the past six weeks.
• The separating out of COVID-19 case growth by age coincides with recent warnings from the administration that spread among people under 30 has become more prevalent that among those over 60, which is a reverse from the early days of the pandemic.
• Too many people in Massachusetts have let down their guard when it comes to protecting against the coronavirus that has killed more than 10,000 people here since mid-March and the state must take steps now to slow the spread of the virus or else hospitals will be overrun with COVID-19 patients by the holidays, Governor Baker said Monday.
• Starting Friday, everyone above the age of five in Massachusetts will be required to wear a mask or facecovering indoors and outdoors in public, regardless of whether social distancing is practiced, and restaurants and entertainment venues will be subject to a 9:30 p.m. curfew, the governor announced.
• The state’s indoor gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people, down from 25, as well.
• The governor said his decision to put more restrictive measures in place was made after consultation with public health experts whom he said “are increasingly concerned about the virus’s spread and the uptick it creates in hospitalizations.”
• He said health care workers are becoming alarmed by the state’s recent resurgence.
• Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said Monday morning that he had spoken with Baker about the new orders and supports them “wholeheartedly.”
• The House sent legislation to the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee on Monday that would allow businesses to retain their alcohol licenses for up to a year after ceasing operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Representatives also approved local bills and an extension order for legislation related to Clinton’s police chief.
• No clues surfaced during Monday’s session about what the House might take up on Thursday, when Democratic leadership informed members of a potential full formal session.
• The House will meet in an informal session on Wednesday.
• In July, Senate President Emerita Harriette Chandler and emergency department doctor Rep. Jon Santiago filed a bill that would legislate mandatory face-covering usage during the current state of emergency in a manner similar to Governor Baker’s May 1 executive order.
• Four months later, the Senate on Monday sent the bill (SD 3005) to the Public Health Committee where lawmakers can begin to review it.
• The bill also contains elements similar to other orders from Baker including a quarantine period for interstate travelers.
• Governor Baker’s authority to institute those orders on his own is currently under legal challenge before the Supreme Judicial Court in Desrosiers v. Baker, on which the state’s highest court heard arguments in September.
• The rest of the Senate’s election eve agenda was mainly local bills and sick leave banks.
• The House has blocked off Thursday for a possible formal session, while the Senate plans to meet informally Thursday at 11 a.m.
• State lawmakers will take up legislation related to abortion and reproductive health care at some point in the next two months, Democratic leaders announced Monday, setting the table for a rare high-profile debate after elections are complete.
• With legislation governing abortion access hung up in committee since early 2019, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Karen Spilka said in a brief joint statement that they are “committed” to holding debate by the end of the current lawmaking session, though they offered few details on what shape the legislation will take.
• It is not clear if DeLeo and Spilka were referring to the so-called ROE Act (H 3320 / S 1209), which would eliminate parental consent requirements for teenagers seeking abortions, permit abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy in limited cases, and require insurance coverage of abortions for state residents who are not eligible for MassHealth.
• Those bills have been cosponsored by a majority of members in each branch, but they have been sitting before the Judiciary Committee for more than a year.
• The joint announcement expands the field of legislation in play for the lame duck stretch between Tuesday’s general elections and the start of the next two-year lawmaking session in January.
• Governor Baker activated up to 1,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard on Monday as one step in preparations to ensure Massachusetts “is positioned to maintain public safety following Tuesday’s election,” his administration said.
• Secretary of Public Safety Tom Turco said there is “no indication of any public safety risk in Massachusetts” but that the administration is making resources are available in case municipal officials request state assistance.
• The National Guard has been similarly activated a few times in recent months without its members being pressed into duty.
• Another 1.3 million people are projected to cast their ballots on Tuesday, and when added to the 2.3 million people who have already voted the anticipated turnout would set a new record during an intense and unusual presidential election cycle.
• Secretary of State William Galvin on Monday forecast that total turnout would surpass the 3.3 million record set in the 2016 presidential election, by more than 300,000 people.
• He said polling places, which will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, will be safe from a public health standpoint, with COVID-19 precautions in place, and that elections officials are expecting a “very orderly day.”
• More than 4.8 million people are now registered to vote in Massachusetts, according to Galvin, who said there has been “a consistent increase in voter registration” and a decline in the number of inactive voters.
• Several major property owners representing hundreds of thousands of rental units nationwide agreed Monday to pause evictions for failure to pay rent until 2021 and to work with tenants who are struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Boston Real Estate Board announced.
• By signing the board’s housing stability pledge, property holders and landlords said they would communicate with tenants experiencing financial hardship about emergency support programs that could help them cover rent.
• They also said they will pursue repayment plans and seek mediation as first steps before turning to formal eviction proceedings.

O’Neill & Associates

18 Tremont Street, Suite 600

Boston, MA 02108

Mobile – 617-957-4403

October 14, 2020

September 28, 2020

On September 22, 2020 Governor Baker put out some updated restaurant safety guidelines which become effective on Monday, September 28, 2020 (“State’s September 28 Restaurant Guidelines”).  On September 24, 2020, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (“ABCC”) put out a corresponding Advisory (“ABCC September Restaurant Advisory”).  Today, the City of Cambridge issued a related and corresponding Temporary Emergency Order Regarding Restaurant Operations (“Cambridge September 2020 Restaurant Order”).  All Cambridge licensees must abide by the Cambridge September 2020 Restaurant Order, which is the controlling order in the City of Cambridge.

Based on the Cambridge September 2020 Restaurant Order, restaurants are prohibited from seating any parties larger than 6 people.  In addition, based on the Cambridge September 2020 Restaurant Order restaurants are prohibited from seating people in the bar area at least until October 3, 2020 AND after an inspection and approval from the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department.  Please note the Cambridge September 2020 Restaurant Order is controlling and you must comply with it. 

Please note the State’s September 28 Restaurant Guidelines, ABCC September Restaurant Advisory, and Cambridge September 2020 Restaurant Order ALL prohibit congregation in bar areas, standing service, or the reopening of any business that is not a restaurant.  As always, there must be compliance with all orders, guidance, and rules.

Any questions as to the State’s September 28 Restaurant Guidelines, ABCC September Restaurant Advisory, Cambridge September 2020 Restaurant Order or any operational changes, please email me or send an email to license@cambridgema.gov.  Any questions on how to schedule an inspection with Inspectional Services Department for the approval of the reconfiguration of the bar area, please send to ranjits@cambridgema.gov, or call ISD at 617-349-6100.

www.cambridgema.gov/license

July 22, 2020

Dear All:

In an attempt to assist the restaurant business during this COVID-19 pandemic, yesterday the Governor signed into law the bill that allows restaurants such as yours to sell cocktails as a to go/delivery item when the customer is purchasing a food order to go or for delivery.  This is in addition to the previous law enacted allowing the sale of malt and/or wines with food to go/delivery orders. 

Please note that there are various limitations which are detailed on the attached Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (“ABCC”) Advisory, and with which you must comply.  Such limitations, include but are not limited to: cocktails can only be sold in conjunction with the purchase of food (business must keep copies of receipts and produce to licensing authority for inspection); the cocktail must be prepared with the same proportions as if being prepared for on premises consumption; the cocktail must be packaged in a sealed container and if such container has a hole for a straw/sipping, that hole must be further sealed (tape is allowed); the business must ensure the purchaser and recipient of the item is at least 21 years old; each customer is limited to a maximum of 64 fluid ounces of mixed drinks per transaction; and the drinks must be transported in the trunk of the vehicle or some other area which is not considered a passenger area. 

Regardless of this and other emergency laws passed due to this pandemic, all other laws, rules and regulations regarding the sale and/or delivery of alcohol continue to apply and will be enforced.  In addition, all licensees are expected to continue to abide and comply with all of the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, City of Cambridge Ordinances, and any rules, regulations, advisories and guidance issued by the Governor, ABCC, City of Cambridge and Board of the License Commissioners.

Click here to apply online

July 15, 2020

July 9, 2020

July 2, 2020

June 30, 2020

June 24, 2020

June 22, 2020

June 17, 2020

Please find below guidance for employers for communication with the Cambridge Public Health Department regarding employees suspected of or confirmed with COVID19.

June 12, 2020

The City has established procedures for restaurants that want to operate outdoor dining service in Phase II of the Commonwealth’s Re-Opening Plan. Restaurants that already have approval for outdoor dining areas on private property and are seeking temporary approval to extend the area/footprint: • You may commence outdoor dining service in the currently approved footprint area upon the Governor’s announcement that restaurants may open on June 8, 2020 for outdoor dining service in Phase II. • You must comply with all social distancing guidelines and safety measures released by the Governor’s Office on May 29, 2020. • To get temporary approval for the additional area, you must submit through your Viewpoint account an application for Temporary Outdoor Extension of Licensed Premises Due to COVID19. See below for the application requirements  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: (1) Copy of the floor plan showing the dimensions of the area (including the square footage), where the tables and chairs will be located, the distance (in dimensions) of the space between tables/chairs, the location of the hostess stand (if applicable), location of sanitizing station, the total capacity of the area, the barriers (including material and dimensions) proposed to be used to delineate and secure the outdoor area, any existing street furniture, infrastructure or tree grates, and if the proposed area is on a sidewalk, the dimensions of the remaining passable sidewalk, which must be no less than four feet (4’). The floor plan does not have to be stamped by an architect, but it must depict accurate dimensions. (2) For private property, copy of the lease/letter of intent showing that you have the right to occupy the area. (3) [If extending to public property] Indemnification Agreement. (4) [If extending to public property and seeking to serve alcohol along with food in outdoor area] Sidewalk/Street Restaurant Patio License, Maintenance and Indemnification Agreement completed by the Applicant. (5) [If extending to public property] $5000 Sidewalk Obstruction or Permit Bond. (6) [If seeking to serve alcohol along with food in outdoor area] Proof of liquor liability insurance. (7) [If extending to public property] Photo of sidewalk and/or street area of proposed patio location. (8) Photo of barriers being used to separate area from vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. (9) Any other document/information necessary and as requested by the City of Cambridge.

June 11, 2020

June 6, 2020

The following businesses will be eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase II on June 8, with contingencies:

• Retail, with occupancy limits;

• Childcare facilities and day camps, with detailed guidance;

• Restaurants, outdoor table service only;

• Hotels and other lodgings, no events, functions or meetings;

• Warehouses and distribution centers;

• Personal services without close physical contact, such as home cleaning, photography, window washing, career coaching and education tutoring;

• Post-secondary, higher education, vocational-tech and occupation schools for the purpose of completing graduation requirements;

• Youth and adult amateur sports, with detailed guidance;

• Outdoor recreation facilities

• Professional sports practices, no games or public admissions;

• Non-athletic youth instructional classes in arts, education or life skills and in groups of less than 10;

• Driving and flight schools

• Outdoor historical spaces, no functions, gatherings or guided tours;

• Funeral homes, with occupancy limits

The following businesses will be eligible reopen in Step Two of Phase II at a later date to be determined:

• Indoor table service at restaurants

• Close-contact personal services, with restrictions, including:

• Hair removal and replacement

• Nail care

• Skin care

• Massage therapy

• Makeup salons and makeup application services

• Tanning salons

• Tattoo, piercing and body art services

• Personal training, with restrictions

June 3, 2020

May 19, 2020
As of Monday May 18^th,  the DPH reported a total of 87,052 cases of COVID-19.  The state has now confirmed a total of 5,862 deaths from the virus.

• Governor Baker released his economic re-opening plan at a Monday press conference and DPH issued an updated “Safer at Home” advisory.
• The new Safer at Home Advisory instructs everyone to stay home unless they are headed to a newly opened facility or activity. 
• It also advises those over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions to stay home with the exception of trips required for health care, groceries, or that are otherwise absolutely necessary. 
• All residents must continue to wear a face covering in public when social distancing is not possible, and individuals are advised to wash their hands frequently and be vigilant in monitoring for symptoms. 
• Restrictions on gatherings of more than 10 people remain in effect.
• The administration plan calls for a phased re-opening with a goal of full operations in a “new normal”.
• Key public health metrics will determine if and when it is appropriate to proceed through reopening phases. They include:

• COVID-19 positive test rate

• Number of individuals who died from COVID-19

• Number of patients with COVID-19 in hospitals

• Health care system readiness

• Testing capacity

• Contact tracing capabilities

• Manufacturing, construction and houses of worship are able to open immediately, provided they meet health and safety criteria.
• Hospitals and community health centers that attest to specific public health and safety standards can also begin to provide high priority preventative care, pediatric care and treatment for high risk patients.
• A number of other industries can open in Phase 1, next Monday, May 25^th, including limited retail, office and lab space, recreational marijuana, barber shops, salons and pet groomers.
• The plan did not address childcare, K-12 or higher education.
• Restaurants are slated to re-open in phase 2, meaning a minimum of 3 more weeks, but possibly longer based on health and safety criteria.

May 18, 2020

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Governor Charlie Baker reveals details of Reopening Massachusetts Plan   

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts#sector-specific-protocols-and-best-practices-

May 15, 2020 

Grants and Loan Programs available to businesses through the City of Cambridge

• Information about the grants and loan and general business updates are here: www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/business

• There’s also a dedicate page at https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/mayorsfundbusinesses for the mayor’s fund/CRA applications

• The information about the Recovery Grant is at https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/News/2020/05/smallbusinessrecoverygrant

• And there’s a new, dedicated page for small business funding opportunities at https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/business/funding that has a table with all the different programs and eligibility requirements. 

If you have any questions regarding these programs, please contact:  

Pardis Saffari
Senior Economic Development Manager
Economic Development Division
Cambridge Community Development Department
(617) 349-4654 

May 11th, 2020

Update on re-opening process from Governor Baker’s press conference Monday, May 11, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

Announcement: In order the help businesses prepare for reopening, we are announcing the Four-Phased Approach that Massachusetts will use to reopen, as well as the Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards that all businesses will need to adopt.

• Phased Planning: Massachusetts will follow a four phased approach to reopening. Non-essential businesses and activities with a lower risk of COVID-19 transmission will open in earlier phases. Riskier activities will open in later phases. We will have additional information in the coming days about which industries and activities will open in each phase

• Framework: There will be three levels of guidance from our administration that each sector, industry, and business will need to follow.The first is general social guidance about how people should conduct themselves. We are announcing the second level, which is Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards that all businesses must adopt upon reopening. We will later provide industry specific guidance.  

• Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards: All workplaces in Massachusetts that are allowed to operate will be required to implement these Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards. The standards were developed by the Reopening Advisory Board, in consultation with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the COVID-19 Command Center.

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As of May 8th, DPH reported a total of 75,333 cases of COVID-19.  The state has now confirmed a total of 4,702 deaths from the virus. EOHHS Secretary Sudders and Hilltown Health Center CEO Eliza Lake joined Governor Baker at his Friday press conference to highlight a new public awareness campaign with the message that community health centers are open and people should come in for the care they need. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced the city will not hold large events like parades and festivals through Labor Day. The Boston Pops also announced that it was canceling its annual Fourth of July concert. New figures published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics further confirm the economic devastation of the pandemic. With the widespread job losses, the national unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent last month. Both the 20.5 million lost jobs and the 10.3 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate were the largest one-month jumps since the Bureau of Labor Statistics launched those data series in 1939 and 1948, respectively. The largest impact came in the leisure and hospitality sector, where April employment dropped 7.7 million, or 47 percent of the industry’s entire job force. Nearly two dozen MBTA projects will be delayed as a result of the pandemic. Massachusetts will receive $28M in fisheries assistance under CARES Act allocations announced late this week. Only Alaska and Washington, which will receive $50M in aid are receiving larger allocations than Massachusetts. Maine is slated to receive $20M.The Senate on Thursday passed a short-term borrowing bill to bridge the impending gap in state revenues, and also approved a remote voting system to facilitate a final vote on the bill, which may come next week. As amended during Thursday’s session, the temporary remote voting rules will allow senators to submit a letter expressing how they wish to vote on the enactment of the borrowing bill, and their votes would be announced in the chamber by the presiding officer. Senate leadership is working on a longer-term rules package, targeted for implementation in early June, to conduct emergency-era formal sessions beyond the governor’s borrowing bill. The House on Thursday adopted a clause to Governor Baker’s short-term borrowing bill that would set it into effect immediately after the governor signs it into law. The House and Senate both plan to meet again on Monday at 11am for informal sessions. A federal judge will temporarily lift a Governor Baker executive order requiring firearm retailers to close their physical businesses during the COVID-19 state of emergency. U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock issued a preliminary injunction Thursday in a case that Massachusetts residents, gun shop owners and gun rights groups brought against the Baker administration. The online case docket indicated the order will take effect at 12 p.m. Saturday.

May 4th, 2020

The CIP Group Considerations for Reopening for Business
What to consider while you plan to reopen for business Post COVID return

The CIP Group extends well wishes to everyone in our extended community amid this unprecedented period of time. We are writing to let you know The CIP Group continues to provide services that will help reopen your doors and restore operations to our new post-COVID-19 normal. From the start, it has been our goal to be a stabilizing, informational force, leveraging our resources and connections to best support you during these trying and unprecedented times. Prior to re-opening, every business – regardless of size – must identify and implement reasonable coronavirus precautions. These steps will help protect the well-being of customers, vendors and employees. We have included a Post COVID Return to Work Planning guide on our website we hope will provide value as you begin your planning. You can download it by following this link.   Of course, every business also must have the ability to clearly and effectively communicate these safeguards with external audiences, including regulators.

The CIP Group has partnered with a leading Risk/Crisis Communications expert, to offer clients a complimentary Business Recovery Communications plan. This comprehensive guide will help clients share their coronavirus safety measures with customers and the public at large. To receive a complimentary Business Recovery Communications plan, please email our Rapid Response team at rapidresponse@askcip.com or just reach out to your trusted CIP Contact.

The CIP Group
799 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141 

• Governor Baker on Monday gave florists, as well as many other “non-essential” businesses, a green thumbs up to bring back a limited number of employees to fulfill online and phone orders for delivery, as long as they follow proper safety measures and keep the doors locked to customers.
• The updated guidance comes just ahead of Mother’s Day, which is a major event on the calendar for many garden and flower businesses.
• Retailers Association of Massachusetts President Jon Hurst has been making a hard push over the past week to get the Baker administration to relax its essential businesses order to allow fulfillment centers and other retailers categorized as non-essential, including bookstores and jewelers, to work in locked store fronts.
• The administration quietly updated its essential services guidance to allow a limited number of employees of florist shops and other businesses to reenter closed stores and warehouses to fulfill and ship orders taken over the phone and online.
• The new guidelines require these stores to remain closed to the public and limit operating hours to allow for sufficient off-hour cleaning. Employees must wear face coverings and stay at least six feet apart from one another, and all deliveries must be “no-contact” deliveries to consumers.
• The guidelines also limit the number of employees that can work at a given time, starting with three in a business smaller than 10,000 square feet and growing to seven in a facility with more than 30,000 square feet.
• Employers must also require workers to self-administer temperature checks before their shifts, and not report to work if they have a fever over 100 degrees.
• The updated essential business guidelines also made new allowances for car dealerships, allowing for sales to resume over the phone or online and for dealerships to follow the same remote fulfillment rules as other retailers.
• Test drives of vehicles are not permitted, and all processing of documents should be done electronically, if possible, the rules said.
• Dealerships must remain closed to walk-in customers, but transfer, delivery and return of new and leased vehicles or trade-ins can be conducted in person by appointment.

May 1st, 2020

Mask and Face Covering Order: The Baker-Polito Administration has ordered all residents over the age of two to use a face covering or mask in public places where maintaining proper social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are not possible. This statewide order goes into effect on May 6^th and supersedes previously issued guidance relative to mask use. 

This order applies to all workers and customers of businesses and other organizations that are currently open to the public and permitted to operate as COVID-19 Essential Businesses, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail stores. Residents are also required to wear a mask or face covering at all times when using any means of transportation service or public mass transit.

A face covering may include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including a mask, scarf or bandana. Health care masks should not be used and should be preserved for health care workers and first responders. Cloth masks should not be worn by young children under the age of two, persons with difficulty breathing, or those who are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Instructions on how to make a cloth mask are available from the CDC here.

April 27th, 2020

This morning at 10:30am, the second round of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is going live. The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has created a web page with resources for smaller businesses including nonprofits to aide them in applying to this program.

The Resource Page Includes:

– An info sheet describing the program
– Links to other resources including program information and loan applications in 19 languages
– A list of technical assistance providers indicating they can help small businesses/nonprofits apply for the PPP
– A list of financial institutions that can process PPP loans for non-customers

You can visit the page here: https://www.bostonfed.org/in-the-region/covid-19-resources/paycheck-protection-program.aspx

April 16th, 2020

April 6th, 2020

WHERE DO I GO NEXT?

FREE and confidential counseling services are available across the Commonwealth. 

Virtual education, training and networking sessions are happening daily.

Please schedule a virtual session with any of our Resource Partners below…

Subscribe to SBA email updates
Subscribe to E-Newsletter

Resource Partner Network

Check out our class calendar

Self-Paced Workshop Partners

Request for Counseling

Eastern Massachusetts Center – Boston
44 School St., Suite 200
Boston, MA 02108
info.EasternMA@cweonline.org

Central Massachusetts Center – Westborough
69 Milk St., Ste. 217
Westborough, MA 01581
info.CentralMA@cweonline.org

Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England (VBOC of NE)
132 George M. Cohan Blvd.
Providence, RI 02903
info.VBOC@cweonline.org

WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS! Staff are working remotely and can be reached via email or telephone. MSBDC is committed to supporting entrepreneurs during these very challenging times.Request for CounselingMSBDC advisors can assist businesses with disaster loan applications.If you are not currently a client and would like to speak with a counselor, please find your region and reach out to the REGIONAL OFFICE SERVING YOU.Berkshire Regional Office 33 Dunham Mall, Suite 103 Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-499-0933 | Fax: 413-499-3005 www.msbdc.org/berkshireCentral Regional Office Clark University The Carriage House, 125 Woodland Street Worcester, MA 01610 508-793-7615 | Fax: 508-793-8890 www.clarku.edu/offices/sbdcNortheast Regional Office Salem State University 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 310 Salem, MA 01970 978-542-6343 | Fax: 978-542-6345 www.salemstate.edu/sbdcProcurement Technical Assistance Center Scibelli Enterprise Center 1 Federal Street, Building 1 Springfield, MA 01105 413-545-6303 | Fax: 413-737-2312 https://www.massptac.orgSoutheast Regional Office 200 Pocasset Street Fall River, MA 02721 508-673-9783 | Fax: 508-674-1929 www.msbdc.org/semassWestern Regional Office Scibelli Enterprise Center One Federal Street, Building 101 Springfield, MA 01105-1160 413-577-1768 | Fax: 413-737-2312 www.msbdc.org/wmass Request for CounselingCounseling Sessions with BOSTON SCORE CHAPTER: If you want to speak with a counselor, SCORE is doing tele-consults. Just pick a date and time to schedule a session and enter your contact info, mentors are doing sessions by phone and Zoom video app.  Reach out to other SCORE CHAPTERS throughout the state below.SCORE Boston ChapterSCORE Worcester Chapter SCORE Northeastern Massachusetts Chapter SCORE Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter SCORE Western Massachusetts Chapter SCORE Cape Cod Chapter SCORE Rhode Island (Serving Fall River, New Bedford) UPCOMING Virtual EventsTuesday 4/7/20 at 10am Current Information on SBA Economic Relief for Small BusinessesThursday, 4/9/20 at 10am CARES Act: What’s in it for Startups?Thursday, 4/9/20 at 11AM BECMA: Virtual Conversation with SBA Bob and NadineThursday  4/16/20 at 10am Intellectual Property for Small BusinessesWednesday  4/29/20 at 10am Funding Options – What to consider and Where to Find It.Disclaimer: The SBA does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked websites, and does not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.  All programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

April 3rd, 2020

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April 2nd, 2020

March 31st, 2020
Important Message for Small Business from Eversource

Important Message on Eversource Measures to Lessen Financial Hardships for Customers

During this challenging time for all of us, Eversource is providing several measures that will lessen the financial hardship on all our customers, including small businesses—the backbone of our communities. In addition to postponing customer disconnections for non-payment and assisting customers with financial programs to help pay their bill, Eversource is also providing extended payment arrangements for small business customers.  In normal operations, small business customers get up to three months for bill payment arrangements. To support small business customers through the COVID-19 crisis, Eversource is offering a $0 down payment and a 12-month payment arrangement, with the first payment not due until June 1. The reliability of our essential service has never been more important than it is today during these uncertain times. With many people working from home, and students studying remotely, customers are increasingly relying on electronic devices to accomplish their goals. Throughout the health crisis, be assured that Eversource is taking strict personal and public safety measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 while also performing essential tasks to ensure all our customers have a safe and reliable energy system. Essential work is that which maintains or improves the condition of our energy system to ensure safe and reliable service to customers. Examples include replacement of electrical lines, poles, and other equipment; installation of automated switches that speed restoration of customers following an outage; new utility connections; vegetation management along electric lines; repair of natural gas leaks; replacement and upgrade of natural gas lines and other equipment; and work mandated by law or regulation or as required by regional electric grid operator ISO-New England. During this time, we are rescheduling all planned outages, as well as routine non-outage, service-related work inside residence or business. We are also reducing non-critical field work in our gas operations that requires access to homes or businesses. Eversource is proud to be part of the communities we serve, and we are committed to serving all our customers during this difficult and uncertain time.

March 30th, 2020
The following links provide important notices and updates on the COVID-19 emergency, changes in business practices, resources, some relief options, and other important items. 
City of Cambridge: www.cambridgema.gov/covid19       
*Specific business resources: www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/Business
*Small Business Relief Grant: www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/News/2020/3/smallbusinesscovid19reliefgrant
*Sign up for City-specific email alerts/updates: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/xdOL2Ta/COVID19
City of Cambridge Department of Public Health: www.cambridgepublichealth.org
Commonwealth of Massachusetts: www.mass.gov/covdid19
*Sign up for text alerts by texting COVIDMA to 888777
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

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March 27th, 2020
Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program (City of Cambridge)

• The Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is a special program helping Cambridge’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (or HUD) eligible retail, food, personal services, and creative for-profit businesses with a grant up to $6,000 per brick and mortar business. The program provides short-term working capital assistance to help the viability of businesses and the retention of jobs during the severe interruption of business related to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and resulting social distancing. 
• Grant applications are only available starting March 26, 2020 until May 1, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. EST. This program is first come, first served. There is no guarantee that you will receive a grant. 

• Click here to check your business’s eligibility for the program.

• Grant Overview: The COVID-19 Relief Grant Program must help contribute to a small business’s ability to remain open and with employee retention. Each completed grant application will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Grant applicants may apply for one or more of the following eligible working capital assistance:
• Paying for mortgage, rent and other bills (utilities, accounts payable)Employee wages. Resources to get business established online (for example, a business needed to revamp website to make e-commerce or delivery available to customers)Perishable inventory that was lost due to an interruption of business.
• Other items may be allowed upon review by city staff and HUD.
• Click here for more information on the program, including the application.
• Questions? Contact Pardis Saffari.

March 26th, 2020

March 25th, 2020

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March 23rd, 2020

COVID-19 Executive Orders Issued by Gov. Baker

Details Govern What’s Acceptable in Public Health Crisis

Colin A. Young 3/20/20 4:07 PM

BOSTON, MARCH 20, 2020…..In the last week and a half, state government has taken steps unprecedented in recent times to attempt to staunch the spread of the highly-contagious coronavirus and those efforts have resulted in a dramatic departure from daily life for most Massachusetts residents.

Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered all schools closed until April, mandated that restaurants close their dining rooms and shift to delivery and take-out only, eased licensing rules to bulk up the health care workforce, banned gatherings — first of 250 people or more, then more than 25 people — freed public boards and commissions of some Open Meeting Law requirements, and gave pharmacies the green light to make and sell their own hand sanitizer.

Starting with the March 10 declaration of a state of emergency around the coronavirus, here are the executive and emergency orders issued by Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel and the governor:

March 10 —
Executive Order No. 591: Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19

March 11 —
New licensure policy from the Board of Registration in Nursing

March 12 —
Order of the Public Health Commissioner restricting visitor access to nursing homes and rest homes to protect higher-risk populations from COVID-19

Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law

March 13 —
Order prohibiting gatherings of more than 250 people

March 15 —
Order temporarily closing all public and private elementary and secondary schools

Order expanding access to telehealth services and to protect health care providers

Order prohibiting gatherings of more than 25 people and on-premises consumption of food or drink

Order authorizing the registrar of motor vehicles to temporarily extend licenses, permits, and other identification cards

Order of the Public Health Commissioner mandating that hospitals must cancel non-essential elective procedures

Order of the Public Health Commissioner permitting licensed pharmacies to create and sell hand sanitizer over the counter

Order of the Public Health Commissioner restricting visitor access to assisted living facilities

Order of the Public Health Commissioner restricting some visitor access to hospitals

March 17 —
Order extending the registrations of certain licensed health care professionals

Order expanding access to physician services

Order of the Commissioner of Public Health providing for continuity of emergency medical services care

Order of the Commissioner of Public Health implementing emergency credentialing and licensed staff transferprocedures for medical facilities in the commonwealth

March 18 —
Order of the Commissioner of Public Health regarding the administration of certain medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder

Order of the Commissioner of Public Health regarding the flexible reassignment of physician assistants

Order temporarily closing all child care programs and authorizing the temporary creation and operation of an emergency child care program

Order of the Commissioner of Public Health regarding the sharing of critical information with first responders

March 20 —
Order authorizing actions to reduce in-person transactions associated with the licensing, registration, and inspection of motor vehicles. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said during a Friday afternoon press conference that the order “allows the registrar to extend vehicle registrations, and modify the conditions of registrations, plates and titles, and it also allows the registrar and the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection the authority to waive certain inspection requirements.”

Order permitting the temporary conditional deferral of certain inspections of residential real estate

Others —
The Baker administration this week also issued guidance for executive branch workers regarding remote work policies and the designation of essential employees. On Friday, the Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services sent a bulletin to local officials with guidance on emergency expenditures related to COVID-19.

March 20th, 2020

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced new actions to support the ongoing COVID-19 response, including new financial support for health care providers, expanded relief for small businesses, and a new federal waiver request to give the state expanded flexibility to respond to the public health emergency. The Administration also joined life sciences leaders to highlight a new partnership aimed at providing additional supplies for hospitals.

The Administration also announced new tax penalty relief for businesses, further action to limit the need for customers to visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles in person, and other initiatives to support the Commonwealth’s residents and communities throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

Financial Support For Health Care Providers: The Administration’s COVID-19 Response Command Center continues to identify and prioritize efforts to ensure the Commonwealth’s health care system has the resources it needs to support the response to COVID-19. Today, the Administration announced a $200 million infusion in cash at MassHealth for critical, acute care and safety-net health care providers, as well as for certain health care providers required to help ensure that our members receiving care in the community or nursing facilities do not need to go to the hospital. These will be accelerated payments and cash advances for immediate, stopgap relief to ensure the front-line health care system is able to provide necessary resources to patients.

Emergency Supply Hub: Life sciences industry leaders joined the Administration today to highlight the new Massachusetts Life Sciences Emergency Supply Hub. MassBio, in partnership with MassMEDIC, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, and the Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals, launched the Supply Hub to help coordinate efforts aimed at bringing additional supplies and resources to the Commonwealth’s health care institutions as they test and treat patients with COVID-19. The initiative calls on life sciences and health care organizations in the state to donate supplies needed to combat COVID-19. MassBio will share information with the Department of Public Health to triage and connect supplies with those healthcare providers that need them.

New Drive-Through Testing Site: On Thursday, the Commonwealth’s first large-scale drive-thru COVID-19 testing site launched at CVS in Shrewsbury. The new site is the result of an ongoing partnership between the Baker-Polito Administration, the federal government, local health authorities and CVS. The site is designated for emergency personnel and first responders, expanding testing access to front line workers. Currently, this site is one of over 40 sites launching throughout the country over the next week, with test kits supplied by the federal government.

MassHealth Waiver & Other Requests: Massachusetts is filing a waiver request today with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will give the state and its Medicaid program, MassHealth, more flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 public health crisis. If allowed, the waiver would enable the Commonwealth to fast-track MassHealth enrollment, streamline administrative requirements for providers, and deliver critically needed health care services easier during the COVID-19 emergency. Through the waiver request and other federal requests, the Commonwealth is seeking flexibility to address key areas of need:

• Allow for non-traditional sites of care to expand surge capacity, such as use of testing tents and overflow hospital sites

• Allow new providers, including out of state providers, a streamlined pathway to practice in the state including caring for MassHealth members

• Allow physician assistants to practice independently

• Provide flexibility to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to meet increasing demand

• Expand MassHealth Hospital-Determined Presumptive Eligibility to all individuals – which MassHealth already expanded through a public health order last week – including children, older adults, and individuals who have received MassHealth benefits within the past 12 months

• Allow medications to be delivered to members, and waive a signature requirement for these prescriptions

• Waive face-to-face requirements for certain services, including Home and Community Based Services, and behavioral health evaluations for Schedule II-IV prescriptions

In addition, the Administration announced that MassHealth and the Health Connector will protect coverage for all individuals who have Medicaid coverage as of March 18, 2020 and for all individuals approved for coverage during the national emergency.

Expanded Small Business Resources: Earlier this week, the Administration announced a $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund to provide financial relief to small businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19. Today, the Administration announced that MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors will meet next week to vote on a partnership that will make an additional $10 million available for the Small Business Recovery Loan Fund.

The state-level emergency loan fund is aimed at providing crucial resources for small businesses that will supplement important federal relief. Governor Baker on Tuesday formally requested disaster relief from the federal Small Business Administration, and with this week’s announcement that that request had been granted, Massachusetts businesses impacted by COVID-19 may now apply for low-interest loans.

Tax Relief for Businesses: The Baker-Polito Administration is announcing tax penalty relief to support businesses affected by COVID-19. The Department of Revenue today announced that it will waive any late-file or late-pay penalties for returns and payment due for meals and room occupancy taxes between March 20 and May 31, 2020.

Limiting Need For In-Person RMV Visits: The Administration today is taking further action to limit the need for customers to visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles in person. Today, Governor Baker issued an order allowing the Registrar to extend vehicle registrations and modify the conditions of registrations, plates and titles. It also enables the waiver of certain inspection requirements.

Workforce Guidance For Schools: Earlier this week, Governor Baker ordered all elementary and secondary schools to close for educational purposes until April 6. Recognizing that local school districts employ a significant number of hourly employees, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education today is issuing guidance to local school districts recommending they continue paying hourly employees, while suggesting they continue to engage in professional development.

Smoke Alarm Inspections: Governor Baker today issued an order making a change to the inspection statutes that require a smoke and carbon dioxide alarm inspection prior to a residential real estate transaction. The Order would permit the inspection to be deferred if the buyer contractually assumes responsibility for installing the detectors and the subsequent inspection happens within 90 days of the conclusion of the COVID-19 emergency

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Please note that this information is current as of the date of this update, based on the available data. As an evolving and fluid situation, there are likely more updates forthcoming as regulatory guidance is expected.

FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS LEGISLATION

Employers will be provided refundable tax credits against their employer portion of Social Security taxes for 100% of the qualified sick leave and family leave wages paid in accordance with the Act. EMPLOYERS MAY PAY MORE than the mandated compensation, but they will not receive tax credit relief for this additional compensation.

For non-governmental employers with less than 500 employees, this is a credit equal to 100% of the qualified sick/family leave wages paid, subject to those limits. The credit is further increased by specified health expenses (e.g. employer paid health premiums), plus the 1.45% employer Medicare tax.

This applies to federal employment taxes usually due within a few days of each payroll. This provides the funds needed to pay sick and family leave benefits.

Payments received under these benefits are considered wages but exempt from Employer Social Security taxes. They are subject to Medicare taxes, but the tax credit is increased by the tax amount.

As stipulated within the bill, the mandate is effective until December 31, 2020, which means benefits cannot carry over into the next year, 2021.

The bill which ultimately became law has some clarifications and differences from the original legislation passed by the House.

Emergency Sick Leave:

All eligible employees may use paid sick time beginning on April 2 for the following reasons:

A. The employee is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;

B. The employee has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19;

C. The employee is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking a medical diagnosis;

D. The employee is caring for an individual who is either (1) subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19 or (2) has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19;

E. The employee is caring for a son or daughter of such employee if the school or place of care of the son or daughter has been closed, or the child care provider of such son or daughter is unavailable, due to COVID-19 precautions;

F. The employee is experiencing any other substantially similar condition specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor.

Employers may not require eligible employees to first use other paid leave provided by the employer before using paid sick leave under the Act, so this leave is in addition to any paid sick leave or PTO currently provided by employers. 

Employers may require employees to follow reasonable notice procedures to continue receiving such paid sick time after the first workday (or portion thereof) an employee receives paid sick time under this Act. 

In other words, employers may not require employees to provide advance notice prior to the first workday on which the employee takes paid sick leave under the Act.

An employer may not require, as a condition of providing the paid sick time, that an employee search for or find a replacement to cover for the hours during which the employee is using the paid sick time. This is also true under Massachusetts sick leave law.

The payment is calculated based on the employee’s “required compensation” (i.e. the employee’s regular rate of pay or the federal, state or local minimum wage, whichever is greater) and the number of hours the employee would otherwise be scheduled to work. Pay standards differ in certain situations, such as if an employee is using the time to care for a family member.

Employers must post a notice that advises employees of their rights under the Act. The Secretary of Labor is required to create a notice by March 25. We will update you when this becomes available.

There is language allowing regulations to exclude emergency responders and/or businesses with less than 50 employees where the requirements would jeopardize that business as a going concern. But at this time, no such exclusions apply.

Emergency Paid Family Medical Leave:

On a temporary basis, the Emergency FMLA Expansion Act amends the FMLA and creates a new leave entitlement. Even though this is an expansion of the FMLA, the Act’s paid leave requirements do not to apply to employers with 500 or more employees. Only those employers with fewer than 500 employees are impacted. 

Under normal circumstances, the Family and Medical Leave Act applies only to employers with 50 or more employees, applies only to employees who have worked for at least 12 months and who had worked at least 1,250 hours during that preceding 12 months, and provides unpaid leave for designated reasons, such as the employees own serious health condition, to care for a family member with a serious health condition, or to care for a newborn infant or an adopted child or foster child placed with the employee. 

For FMLA Covered employers, this EFMLA leave would run concurrently with standard FMLA – these leaves are not stacked and do not create a potential for 24-weeks of leave.

For purposes of the new entitlement only, the Act alters the definition of employer to include all employers with fewer than 500 employees, and expands the definition of a covered employee to include all employees who have worked for covered employers (i.e., those with less than 500 employees) for at least 30 days.

Quarantine will not trigger the Emergency FMLA leave provisions, although there may be traditional, unpaid FMLA leave rights available, as well as unemployment insurance. 

Emergency FMLA Leave Only for Child Care Disruption.

Earlier versions of the Act provided for additional qualifying situations including an employee’s quarantine, and did not provide for telework,

The revised text only provides for one qualifying condition: An eligible employee may take up to 12 weeks of leave if he/she is unable to work (including telework) because the employee must care for his/her child who is under 18 years of age and whose school or place of care has closed due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

The Secretary of Labor has the authority to exempt from the Emergency FMLA Expansion Act certain health care providers and emergency responders, and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees if the Act would jeopardize a business’s viability, but at this time, no such exclusions apply.

Calculating Emergency FMLA Pay

Part-time: Average hours the employee works over a 2-week period

Variable work schedules: Average hours the employee was scheduled per day over the 6-month period ending on the date on which the employee takes such leave including hours for which the employee took any type of leave. If less than 6-month of work history, a “reasonable expectation of the employee at the time of hiring.”

For employers with 25 or more employees, an employee returning from expanded FMLA leave is entitled to reinstatement to the same or an equivalent position. 

For employers with fewer than 25 employees, an employee returning from expanded FMLA leave is entitled to reinstatement to the position held by the employee when the leave commenced unless that position does not exist due to economic conditions or other changes in operating conditions caused by the public health emergency. In such case, the employer must make reasonable efforts to restore the employee to an equivalent position, and if those efforts fail, make reasonable efforts for at least a year to contact the employee if an equivalent position becomes available.

TRACKING PAID LEAVE:

if you are setting up your own earnings codes related to H.R.. 6201 “Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” we would recommend you use the following pay code names:

FF-PSL (Families First Paid Sick Leave) or FF-FMLA (Family First FMLA)

You should avoid using COVID or COVID-19 for privacy reasons as these codes do show on employees pay statements.

IRS Response to COVID-19:

Payment Deadline Extended to July 15, 2020. The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak.

The filing deadline for tax returns remains April 15, 2020. The IRS urges taxpayers who are owed a refund to file as quickly as possible. For those who can’t file by the April 15, 2020 deadline, the IRS reminds individual taxpayers that everyone is eligible to request a six-month extension to file their return.

More at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-2020

Massachusetts

HB 4502  Appropriates $95,000 for the Executive Office of Education to contain, treat and prevent the coronavirus. This bill requires a report to the legislature by June 1, 2020, with recommendations if additional funds and action are needed. Enacted.

HB 4561  Makes appropriations for the fiscal year 2020 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for other activities and projects. Includes a reserve of $15,000,000 to support the commonwealth’s monitoring, treatment, containment, public awareness and prevention efforts against COVID-19. Enacted.

SB 2599  Authorizes waiver of the one week waiting period for unemployment benefits. Enacted.

SB 2602  Provides any public safety official and 1st responder, who contracts, has symptoms of, or otherwise becomes affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), that results in a period of hospitalization, quarantine, or require self-quarantined measures as a result of being infected or coming into contact with someone who is infected with this virus, shall have their medical condition or incapacity to work presumed to be work-related. Public safety official shall not be required to use sick time, vacation time, or personal time to cover said period of incapacitation or inability to perform regular duty work. Pending.

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Alert:  Do I Have Coverage For Coronavirus-Related Income Losses To My Business?

Businesses are in crisis over the Coronavirus.  Many have been shut down, whether by lack of employees and customers or by governmental order.  Some of our business clients have asked whether they have coverage for income losses (a/k/a “Business Interruption Insurance”) resulting from business closures and/or supply chain disruptions during the pandemic. 

The short, not particularly helpful answer is “It Depends.” The slightly longer answer is: “There’s probably no coverage for general income losses under most policies, but there are potential exceptions under some policies and for some categories of income loss.” 

In this alert we address the slightly longer answer and identify some of the potential exceptions.  This alert may be helpful in understanding where your options lie, or in evaluating loss of income coverage options for your business in the future. However, there is no substitute for a specific evaluation from your counsel. 

One reason for the inability to be definitive is that Business Interruption Insurance comes in many different forms. The insuring provisions, exclusions, and other provisions are not standardized and require careful analysis.

Historically, the most common form of insurance for business property (buildings and contents) was so-called “Fire Insurance.” This kind of coverage became largely standardized by state statute, with Massachusetts leading the way in 1873.  Such fire policies originally only provided coverage for a single peril – fire — and the insurer paid the cost to repair or replace the physical property (building and contents). Eventually property insurance expanded to cover other perils and other damages, including the economic losses suffered by a business under defined circumstances. 

Today most businesses carry either a standalone property insurance policy, (providing coverage to the property owner for buildings and contents and, in many instances, loss of business income) or a commercial package policy (which includes those coverages and third party liability coverage). The limits of each coverage, including for principal loss of business income coverages, will usually be listed at the front of the policy (the Declarations pages), although a number of additional or supplemental loss of income coverages and their applicable limits may be included in the body of the policy. Each such coverage should be considered separately against your current circumstances to determine the existence and extent of any coverage.
Most principal business income coverages are limited to income losses that result from a fire or other covered physical loss to the insured building or contents.  Typical language imposing such a physical loss requirement for business interruption looks like this:

We will pay for the loss of Business Income you sustain due to the suspension of your operations during the period of restoration. The suspension must be caused by direct physical loss of or damage to property at the described premises. The loss or damage must be caused by or result from a covered cause of loss.

These two requirements (caused by direct physical loss to covered property and caused by a covered cause of loss) make it unlikely that many business income losses resulting from coronavirus impacts will be covered, because such impacts — closures due to government orders and/or for business reasons — do not ordinarily involve a physical loss or damage to the insured’s property.  Even if these requirements are met, many (but not all) business interruption coverages in property policies have applicable explicit exclusions for losses caused by viruses, and/or closures ordered by the governments. 

These limitations will preclude coverage of business income for many, if not most, insureds. However, it is critical to carefully examine the applicable provisions of your policy to confirm that the limitations exist and are applicable to your specific circumstances. Other more general exclusions, such as for losses resulting from pollution, may also be asserted by insurers. Moreover, while virtually every business is already impacted by coronavirus, the nature and precise causes of business income losses are evolving and such causes must be carefully considered before ruling out a viable business interruption claim. 

A final word about principal business interruption coverages:  In the past few decades, with the rise in globalization, the length of supply chains has expanded, and the impacts of a disruption to one business on other businesses have become important and insurable.  Such coverages are sometimes known as contingent business interruption, and in the recent years of “soft” markets for insurers, many competed by expanding coverage, and narrowing or eliminating exclusions. This heightens the need for a careful review of your policy and your circumstances.  

This same competitive environment has led many insurers to include additional or supplemental coverages for specific circumstances.  Such coverages are often subject to a sub limit well below the principal business income coverage. They may not require physical injury to covered property or be subject to exclusions applicable to the principal business income coverage.  These specialty coverages include event cancellations insurance, coverage for income losses you suffer because of your business depends on another business, and coverages for government-ordered closures in limited circumstances.  While the limits of such specialty coverages may be a fraction of the principal business income limits, (e.g. in the tens of thousands vs. hundreds of thousands or millions), they may provide a valuable source of income to buffer some of the impacts of the coronavirus on your business.

Please contact Joseph Sano in our insurance and reinsurance practice group at jsano@princelobel.com if you have any questions.  

March 19th, 2020
City of Cambridge COVID-19 Daily E-Newsletter and Key Resources

As has always been the case, Citizen Observer/Tip411 will be used to update you on crime and other public safety issues. However, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, we are contacting you to make you aware of the ability to sign up for Cambridge-specific COVID-19 email updates, which will be sent nearly each evening, with the latest news and resources. If you are interested, please subscribe at http://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19emails. 

If you are proactively seeking updated information throughout the day, the best source is the dedicated Cambridge COVID-19 website: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.

Contact: pio@cambridgepolice.org Submit an Anonymous Tip

To submit a tip via text message text TIP650 and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Cambridge PD Citywide, Business Alerts, Press Releases, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 1 – East Cambridge, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 3 – Inman/Harrington, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 4 – The Port, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 5 – Cambridgeport, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 6 – Mid-Cambridge, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 7 – Riverside, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 8 – Agassiz, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 9 – Peabody, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 10 – West Cambridge, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 11 – North Cambridge, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 12 – Cambridge Highlands, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 13 – Strawberry Hill, Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 2 – M.I.T., Private – Harvard Square Business Association, Private – Central Square Business Association, Private – Inman Square Business Association, Private – East Cambridge Business Association, Private – Kendall Square Business Association, Kendall Square Security Network Association , Private – Cambridge Public Safety Association, Private – Cambridge Hotels, Private – Cambridge Banks, Private – Cambridge Biotechs, Private – Porter Square Business Association, Private – Cambridge Higher Ed, Private – Cambridge Gov’t, Private – Cambridge Security, Private – Cambridge Real Estate, Private – Cambridge Retail, Private – CPSA Master, and Private – Cambridge Charter and Private Schools

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City of Cambridge Announces Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund

Dear All:

We hope you and yours continue to be well, healthy and safe.

We just received the attached from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (“ABCC”) regarding an automatic extension of the delinquency reporting period for those who qualify (see attached).  The ABCC has also informed us that as it continues to publish documents related to the COVID-19 emergency, they will be published at: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/covid-19-abcc-advisory-information.  Any questions relating to this ABCC Advisory should be directed to them via email to: rsacramone@tre.state.ma.us or rmelville@tre.state.ma.us. 

Thank you, be well.
Nicole Murati Ferrer, Esq., Chair
Cambridge License Commission
Pole and Conduit Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 349-6140
www.cambridgema.gov/license

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March 18th, 2020
Cambridge public health department to implement take out and food market guidance. A MIT biomedical research scientist (Cambridge resident Jill Crittenden) who has expertise is in the spread of virus via food handling led the initiative with Sam Lipson.

March 17th, 2020
A loan fund of $10 million has been created to provide financial relief to Massachusetts businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will receive and process all applications for this fund. Applications can be found on our website at empoweringsmallbusiness.org

General Terms and Conditions

Open to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by the COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits
Negative impact must be verifiable
Loan amounts up to $75,000
Loan amount not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the 1st quarter of 2020
No payments due for first 6 months, then 30-months of principal and interest payments (direct debited)
Annual interest rate 3%
Personal guarantee required of all owners with 20% or more interest in the company
Personal credit score under 575 will require an exception
All asset lien on business
No prepayment penalty
Ineligible businesses include companies involved in real estate investment, multi-level marketing, adult entertainment, cannabis or firearms. Companies with past due tax liabilities or tax liens or currently in bankruptcy (Corporate or Personal) are not eligible.
Approval contingent on business being profitable prior to 3/10/20 and no adverse personal credit reports 60 days past due for the last six months.

How to Apply

Please complete the 2020 Small Business Recovery Loan Fund application found at empoweringsmallbusiness.org
Attach the following required information
· 2018 business and personal tax return

· Internally prepared 12/31/19 financial statements

· YTD 2020 internally prepared financials

Completed application and attachments can be sent to MGCC at mgcc@massgcc.com with the subject line “2020 Small Business Recovery Loan Fund”

2020 SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY LOAN FUND APPLICATION

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• Information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts loan recovery program
• Upcoming SBA webinars

Massachusetts Small Business Recovery Loan Program

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”.

MGCC can be reached by email: mgcc@massgcc.com

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.

#2 – Update from the SBA – SBA Coronavirus Special Topic Conference Call Series in collaboration with U.S. Commercial Service

There is a whole series of conference calls that the SBA is hosting in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service, one of which is next Tuesday about the SBA Disaster Loan Program.

For series and to register: http://www.ctexporters.com/special-topics-conference-calls/ 

March 16th, 2020
As a follow-up to this evolving national emergency, we will continue to be here as a resource for our members and the greater Harvard Square community.

I am sure you have been inundated with information, but just in case, here are important links to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and city of Cambridge websites with the latest updates:

https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

https://www.cambridgema.gov/COVID19

Last year we recommended that you all sign up for the City of Cambridge Code Red Alerts. If you have not done so, we encourage you to do so; here is a direct link: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/F8C030CDD4FF

HSBA member Tom Crowley has shared the following guidance for businesses in efforts to help alleviate financial burdens that many businesses will face in the coming days and weeks ahead. “At the moment, there is a potential for programs to be created by the government to offer short term loans to hopefully offset the reduction of business you all may face. I recommend immediately calling your bank and beginning the conversation to see what your options are. This early contact may allow you to react quicker when and if these programs are made available.” Please call Tom with any questions you may have. Tom Crowley, CFP® Financial Advisor, 1692 Mass. Ave, Office. 617-491-1190 www.edwardjones.com/tom-crowley

Below please view this Human Resources Update information assembled by HSBA member, Comprehensive Insurance Providers. We hope you find it useful to you and your employees.

Over the weekend, the House of Representatives passed the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” (H.R. 6201) with implications to employers of fewer than 500 employees. The Senate is likely to pass the bill in the next week.

Paid Family Medical Leave

The bill provides 12 weeks of job-protected paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave—of which the first 14 days may be unpaid—for employees of employers with fewer than 500 employees.

Employees may use accrued personal or sick leave during the first 14 days, but employers may not require employees to do so.

This leave benefit covers employees who have been working for at least 30 calendar days.

Among other uses, employees may use the leave to respond to quarantine requirements or recommendations, to care for family members who are responding to quarantine requirements or recommendations, and to care for a child whose school has been closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the first 14 days, employers must compensate employees in an amount that is not less than two-thirds of the employee’s regular rate of pay. These pay requirements apply to only the COVID-19-related leave reasons listed above.

The provisions will go into effect 15 days after the date of enactment and expire on December 31, 2020. The bill would provide those who qualify with two-thirds of their average monthly earnings, with a cap of $4,000, for up to 12 weeks. The benefits could be paid retroactively and would be available for those who had to leave work starting Jan. 19.

Paid Sick Leave

Employers with fewer than 500 employees will be required to provide full-time employees 2 weeks (80 hours) of paid sick leave for specific circumstances related to COVID-19 (e.g., self-isolating, doctors’ visits, etc.).

Part-time employees are entitled to the number of hours of paid sick time equal to the number of hours they work, on average, over a 2-week period.

Employers must compensate employees for any paid sick time they take at their regular rates of pay.

Employers will be required to post a notice informing employees of their rights to leave.

As currently drafted, the bill expressly provides that it does not preempt existing state or local paid sick leave entitlements.

Small businesses (defined as having 50 employees or less) would be reimbursed for providing the 14 days of additional paid sick leave.

For employers who already provide paid sick leave, the additional leave made available under the House bill should still be provided, and employers would not be allowed to make changes to their existing policies to avoid offering additional paid leave.

The provisions will go into effect 15 days after the date of enactment and expire on December 31, 2020.

Unemployment Insurance

The bill provides $1 billion in emergency unemployment insurance (UI) relief to the states: $500 million for costs associated with increased administration of each state’s UI program and $500 million held in reserve to assist states with a 10 percent increase in unemployment. Besides the necessary increase in unemployment, in order to receive a portion of this grant money, states must temporarily relax certain UI eligibility requirements, such as waiting periods and work search requirements.

To this point in time, the following has taken place to respond to the crisis:

According to guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on March 12, 2020, states can pay benefits when:

An employer temporarily closes due to COVID-19 and employees can’t work.
An employee is quarantined but expects to work when the quarantine is over.
An employee leaves his or her job due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member.

Federal law doesn’t require employees to quit their jobs in order to receive unemployment insurance benefits related to COVID-19. Though, the department noted, employees who are receiving paid sick leave or paid family leave are generally not considered unemployed because they are still receiving pay. So they would likely be ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits while receiving such pay.

Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance.

The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA), in coordination with the US Department of Labor (USDOL) is taking a series of actions to assist workers and employers. These actions were begun in advance of the House passage of the Coronavirus Response Bill.

For current unemployment claims:

All requirements regarding attending seminars at the MassHire career centers have been suspended.
Missing deadlines due to effects of COVID-19 will be considered good cause, and lateness will be excused.
All appeal hearings will be held by telephone only.

The Department of Labor issued guidance to the states instructing state agencies to apply existing law flexibly. Under the DOL guidance, DUA may now pay unemployment benefits if a worker is quarantined due to an order by a civil authority or medical professional or leaves employment due to reasonable risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member and does not intend to or is not allowed to return to work. The worker need not provide medical documentation and need only be available for work when and as able.

To assist individuals who cannot work due to the impact of COVID-19, the Administration is filing emergency legislation that will allow new claims to be paid more quickly by waiving the one week waiting period for unemployment benefits.

The state is filing emergency regulations that will allow people impacted by COVID-19 to collect unemployment in the following circumstances:

The workplace is shut down and expects to reopen in four or fewer weeks. Workers must remain in contact with their employer and be available for any work their employer may have for them that they are able to do, but do not otherwise need to be looking for work.
An employer may extend the period of the shut-down to eight weeks, and the employees will remain eligible for the longer period under the same conditions described above.
If necessary, DUA may extend these time periods.

Employers who are impacted by COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day grace period to file quarterly reports and pay contributions.

The pending federal legislation note above proposes further relief including additional money for unemployment benefits and relief to employers for charges related to unemployment benefits paid due to COVID-19.

We are pleased to report that MEMA has collected enough small business loss data to prepare a request for EIDL to be submitted by Governor Baker to the SBA. The City of Cambridge is in the process of assisting Governor Baker with requesting the SBA EIDL program. More info: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/small-business-assistance-for-covid-19

March 12th, 2020
An Important Message From Harvard Square.