Topics

New This Week

Meetings and Elections
Public Meetings, Hearings, Operations
Municipal Finance
Emergency Declarations and Aid
PPE, Testing, Tracing and Enforcement
Vaccine
First Responders
Business Activities
Human Resources
Remote Work
Housing and Sheltering
Health and Human Services
Planning and Local Response
Education and Child Care
Municipal Services
Recreation and Summer Activities
Guidance Archive

Meetings and Elections

Guidance for Town Meetings to Address COVID-19, updated Nov. 23
– Dept. of Public Health

Election Advisory #20-01, Regarding Return of Ballots via Secured Drop Box
– Secretary of the Commonwealth

Recommendations for Election Polling Locations
– U.S. CDC

Public Meetings, Hearings, Operations

Instructions for Submitting Legislative Committee Hearing Testimony
– Massachusetts Legislature

Guidance on Gatherings and Community Events
– U.S. CDC

Municipal Finance

DLS Bulletin 2020-10 re FY2021 revenue and expenditure budgeting and related matters
– Division of Local Services

Emergency Declarations and Aid

Supplemental Guidance for the Coronavirus Relief Fund – Municipal Program (Feb. 19, 2021)
– Executive Office for Administration and Finance

Extended CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund Covered Period: Updated Definition of Eligible Uses (Dec. 29, 2020)
– Executive Office for Administration and Finance

Guidance for the Coronavirus Relief Fund – Municipal Program Reconciliation Period
– Executive Office for Administration and Finance, Federal Funds Office, Dec. 17

Application Template for Reconciliation Round, Coronavirus Relief Fund – Municipal Program

Coronavirus Relief Fund – Municipal Program Reconciliation Period FAQs
– Executive Office for Administration and Finance, Federal Funds Office, Dec. 15

Online Form for Submitting Questions to Executive Office for Administration and Finance About Coronavirus Relief Fund Municipal Program

PPE, Testing, Tracing and Enforcement

Supplemental Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for Child Care
– Dept. of Early Education and Care

COVID-19 Testing for Child Care
– Dept. of Early Education and Care

COVID-19 Testing Guidance
– Dept. of Public Health

Guidance for Travelers arriving in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
– Department of Public Health

Massachusetts Travel Form

COVID-19 Travel Order

Get Tested website

Vaccine

Senior Affordable Housing COVID-19 Vaccine Information
– Executive Office of Health and Human Services

Massachusetts Caregiver/Companion COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
– Executive Office of Health and Human Services

Trust the Facts, Get the Vax – Campaign Materials
– Executive Office of Health and Human Services

COVID-19 Vaccine for Individuals Ages 75 and Older

COVID-19 vaccine locations for individuals currently eligible to be vaccinated

When Can I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Report, updated each Thursday by 5 p.m.

COVID-19 Vaccine Locations for First Responders

COVID-19 Vaccine in Massachusetts

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
– Dept. of Public Health

First Responders

COVID-19 Vaccine Locations for First Responders

Business Activities

Resources for Small Businesses in Massachusetts

Changes Required When Moving From Step 2 of Phase 3 Back to Step 1 of Phase 3 (after three consecutive weeks designated as red community on DPH Community Level Data Map)

COVID-19: Communities Not Designated Lower-Risk

Human Resources

Quarantine Order and Guidance for Out-of-State Travel
– Human Resources Division

COVID-19 Travel Order

Resources concerning unemployment fraud
– Department of Unemployment Assistance

Remote Work

Telework cybersecurity advice for cities and towns
– By Stephanie Helm, Director, MassCyberCenter

Housing and Sheltering

Eviction Diversion Initiative: Services available and preview of upcoming expansions (Oct. 19)
– Dept. of Housing and Community Development

FAQs for Cities and Towns regarding FEMA Reimbursement for Quarantine/Isolation Solutions
– Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

Health and Human Services

Find Food Assistance
– Department of Transitional Assistance

COVID-19 Public Resources Map
– Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, MassGIS, Project Bread, Greater Boston Food Bank, Worcester County Food Bank, Massachusetts Communities

Planning and Local Response

Order advancing all communities to Phase 3, Step 2 of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan
– COVID-19 Executive Order #65

Further revised order regulating gatherings in the Commonwealth
– COVID-19 Executive Order #63

Order Extending Application of Additional Capacity Restrictions to Statewide COVID-19 Safety Rules
– COVID-19 Executive Order #60

Education and Child Care

State Coronavirus Prevention Fund Program FAQ
– Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act – Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund quick reference guide
– Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act – Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund quick reference guide
– Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Reporting Requirement for District/School Positive COVID-19 Cases and Mobile Response Overview (Revised Sept. 18)
– Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education

Additional Information for School Health Offices (updated Sept. 3)
– Dept. of Education

Protocol for Requesting Mobile Rapid Response Units
– Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Municipal Services

Safety Standards and Checklist for Libraries
– Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development

Reopening Your Library: Guidelines, Roadmap and Plan Template
– Massachusetts Library System

Recreation and Outdoor Activities

Safety Standards and Checklist: Golf Facilities, effective Nov. 6
– Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development

Safety Standards and Checklist: Arcades and Other Indoor and Outdoor Game and Recreation Businesses, effective Nov. 6
– Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Safety and Reopening Standards For Businesses and Other Entities Providing Youth and Adult Amateur Sports Activities – Phase 3, Step 2 (amended Nov. 6, effective Nov. 7)
– Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

New This Week

Order advancing all communities to Phase 3, Step 2 of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan
– COVID-19 Executive Order #65

State Coronavirus Prevention Fund Program FAQ
– Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Supplemental Guidance for the Coronavirus Relief Fund – Municipal Program (Feb. 19, 2021)
– Executive Office for Administration and Finance

Senior Affordable Housing COVID-19 Vaccine Information
– Executive Office of Health and Human Services

Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act – Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund quick reference guide
– Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act – Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund quick reference guide
– Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Round 2 of Coronavirus Relief Fund explained in webinar hosted by MMA, administration Oct. 1

Management Association discusses state of COVID pandemic Aug. 27

Select board group discusses open meeting and public records laws July 15

MMA Human Services Council discusses elder care during COVID-19 July 1

Select board group discusses economic recovery in downtown business districts June 24

MMA holds COVID-19 briefing for MSA and MMCA June 12

MMHR webinar covers re-entry planning for municipalities June 11

STAM webinar discusses reopening town buildings and operations June 5

Local leaders discuss town meetings and elections during COVID June 3

STAM holds webinar to explore one-twelfth budget process May 29

State agencies explain state, federal programs to help communities mitigate COVID impacts May 28

Select board group discusses meetings, records, social media and other challenges May 20

In webinar, top administration officials explain CARES Act funding process May 14

MMHR webinar covers furloughs, unemployment during COVID emergency May 14

MMCA webinar looks at municipal budgeting in COVID era May 13

MSA/MMCA COVID-19 briefing webinar May 8

STAM webinar covers range of municipal finance topics during COVID crisis May 5

ATFC holds webinar exploring municipal budget implications of COVID April 29

Experts discuss cybersecurity for municipalities during COVID emergency April 26

MSA/MMCA COVID-19 briefing webinar April 10

Town managers, MMHR discuss supporting employees during COVID emergency April 9

Cities and towns across Massachusetts have been responding aggressively and swiftly to inform the public about the implications of the coronavirus emergency in their community and to share the status of local preparedness and response.

The following are some of the measures being implemented locally:

Communications
• Maintain an online portal for up-to-the-minute information for residents and businesses, including links to key outside resources. These online resources indicate the date and time of the most recent updates. Many communities have established an easy-to-remember web address for these information centers (such as LexingtonMA.gov/COVID19), and feature a prominent link on their homepage.
– City of Somerville Novel Coronavirus Preparedness and Information
– Town of Andover Information on Coronavirus
– Town of Natick Information on Coronavirus
– Town of Danvers Information on Coronavirus
• Urge residents to like and follow municipal social media channels for breaking news updates.
• Encourage residents to sign up for municipal alerts, such as reverse 911, Code Red, or other local communication systems.
• Use a form to gather and update resident email addresses.
• Send daily (or regularly scheduled) emails to update residents and businesses on the local response.
• Have the public works department post signs at heavily travelled intersections promoting easily identifiable online resources.
• Encourage the use of a local 311 service for non-emergency services and questions, and promote the Commonwealth’s 211 number for non-emergency questions about coronavirus issues.
• Consolidate key resources concerning coronavirus with a dedicated website.
– Salem Together includes a directory – in English and Spanish – of more than 80 linked resources, including food programs, housing support, child care providers, health information, programs for employers, unemployment assistance, and more.
• Use traditional methods to raise awareness about COVID-19 precautions.
– Boston deploys “sound trucks” to broadcast rolling public service announcements in neighborhoods, in seven languages depending on the community.
• Use multi-lingual texting to reach all residents, regardless of their first language.
– Boston sends daily text alerts in 11 languages, updating residents about local spread of coronavirus, preventive measures, and available city resources.
• Warn residents about coronoavirus-inspired door-to-door, telephone, and internet scams seeking to take advantage of people’s generosity or prey on their fears.
– Braintree officials warn residents about scams

Public health and safety
• Declare a state of emergency at the local level.
• Promote the practice of physical distancing by posting guidance and recommendations online and robo-calling residents with information.
• Urge residents to follow CDC and Mass. DPH recommendations for wearing cloth face coverings in public. Some communities are requiring face coverings for entry into essential businesses, particularly grocery stores and pharmacies. Municipalities are advising residents, however, that they are responsible solely for their own face coverings, not for reporting or confronting others for not wearing a face mask or for wearing a different type.
– City of Somerville message to residents regarding face coverings
– City of Boston do-it-yourself face mask video
• Create “grab-and-go” meal pickup centers or meal delivery services for students and families who qualify for free lunches and breakfasts or who need assistance.
• Partner with local hotels and motels to provide temporary housing for residents who are recovering from COVID-19 but don’t require hospital care and need a place to quarantine without risking further spread of the virus.
– Cities of Revere and Chelsea open The Inn through a partnership with Quality Inn in Revere, Partners HealthCare, and a third-party management company
• Adopt a zero-tolerance policy for employees who demonstrate or report COVID-19 symptoms, and encourage employers to verify wellness by checking workers’ temperatures.
– City of Haverhill Executive Order
• Declare a curfew to further encourage people to stay home. Several cities have overnight curfews (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.), including Boston, Melrose, Lynn and Everett. Chelsea has issued a 24-hour curfew.
• Institute civil fines or other penalties for those who ignore rules against gathering in close-knit groups. Examples include fines for violators in Cohasset and Haverhill, and criminal trespassing summonses in Marshfield.
• Routinely disinfect municipal vehicles, particularly public safety, to help stem the spread of COVID-19.

Municipal operations
• Hold board and committee meetings virtually.
• Encourage online payment of municipal bills and/or set up a secure onsite bill payment drop box. Offer bill payment extensions, particularly for property taxes.
• Establish a by-appointment policy for other municipal business that may be necessary.
• Increase online availability of public library books and resources, and publicize through local community news sites. Ideas include videotaped story hours, puppet shows, and other activities for children.
– Auburn Public Library Stay Connected program

Helping others
• Create a volunteer signup form for individuals seeking to lend a hand to others. (Volunteers who register are contacted once assignments are identified.)
– City of Revere Coronavirus Volunteer Signup
• Use the local Community Preservation Act trust fund to create emergency housing/rental assistance programs.
– Lenox
– Chelsea
• Create programs to help tenants affected by the crisis pay their rent.
– North Andover set aside $100,000 from the town’s Affordable Housing Trust for emergency rental assistance.
• Establish charitable funds to support the essential needs of community members most impacted by the pandemic, including residents, businesses, employees, and first-responders.
– Newton Covid-19 Care Fund
– Somerville Cares Fund
– Lynn COVID-19 Community Care Fund
– Worcester Together Fund
– Boston Resiliency Fund
– One Chelsea Fund
• Support remote learning for low-income students.
– Greenfield’s GCET Equity Access Program offers free 25 Mbps internet connection for the rest of this school year.
• Publicize phone numbers for local domestic and sexual assault organizations and resources, and the recent expansion of SafeLink, the Commonwealth’s 24/7, toll-free and confidential domestic violence hotline, which now includes resources and support for survivors of sexual assault as well as domestic violence. (877-785-2020; TTY: 877-521-2601).
• Collect and publish race and ethnicity data to indicate COVID-19’s impact on various segments of the community.
– City of Boston Health Inequities Task Force (examining issues such as testing, community action, and understanding economic impact)
• Solicit local companies and individuals to donate or sell personal protective equipment for essential frontline workers through the Baker-Polito administration’s online portal.
• Encourage residents who are healthy and able to donate blood through the American Red Cross.

Related news
MassDOT awards $1 million in Shared Streets & Spaces grants – July 28
Municipal adaptations, collaborations are key to community resilience – July 28
Summertime brings more senior programs, but continued caution – July 23
In face of COVID, towns use creativity to conduct annual spring business – July 16
Libraries innovate through COVID emergency, seek funding support – July 8
Cities and towns rush to aid of their business communities – June 26
The many new looks of town meetings during COVID emergency – June 24
COVID puts damper on some summer traditions, but creative solutions arise as well – June 8
With time running short, towns pursue range of town meeting and election options – May 29
Local leaders work to boost morale and keep employees connected – May 29
City, town halls allowed to reopen under new rules, but most proceeding with caution – May 28
With a different look, farmers markets march on amid COVID crisis – May 14
Town meetings, elections rescheduled, but wait-and-see continues – April 30
Cities and towns act on urgent need to shelter homeless, first responders – April 22
Essential water, sewer services uninterrupted during COVID emergency – April 13
Local governments shifting gears to continue operations during COVID crisis – April 8
In midst of pandemic, towns scramble to change meetings, elections – March 30

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