|
COVID-19 Updates (newer submissions are at top)
|
|
COVID-19 Survey: Right now, even people who have not become sick with COVID-19 are managing stress, uncertainty, and isolation during this challenging time. People of color and other communities who have been historically underserved are being hurt the most. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is committed to better serving these communities by learning about their experiences directly through this COVID-19 Community Impact Survey, and using answers to create new solutions. This survey is intended for anyone 14 and older who lives in Massachusetts. MA-DPH specifically seeks to hear from communities who have suffered the most through this public health emergency. The survey is offered online at www.mass.gov/COVIDsurvey by computer, phone or tablet. It will take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You can choose to complete the survey in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese. All survey responses will be anonymous. For additional information please visit the Mass.gov COVID-19 website.
Outdoor gatherings are now limited to 50 people in a single space. For any gathering of more than 10 people from more than a single household, all individuals over the age of 2 are required to wear a face covering, unless they have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from doing so. According to the order, both the indoor and outdoor gathering limits apply to private homes and backyards. For more information, visit Mass.gov.
The Williamstown Affordable Housing Trust has raised the ceiling on grants offered by the new Williamstown Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Grant amounts have increased from $1,000 to $2,500. The criteria remain the same: applicants have to be at or below 100% of AMI (preference for 80% or below); adversely affected financially by COVID-19 and must be renting in Williamstown. Online applications are available from the Berkshire Housing website at berkshirehousing.com or by calling 413-499-4887 to leave a message.
The Baker-Polito administration has instituted a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all individuals entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, effective August 1. Certain exemptions apply, including travelers from lower-risk states or a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to arrival in Massachusetts. Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day. More details about this travel order are available on Mass.gov.
Governor Charlie Baker extended the pause on evictions and foreclosures until October 17, 2020. Read more about the extension at Mass.gov. Visit Mass Legal Help for information regarding the moratorium for tenants, homeowners and landlords. The statewide moratorium on evictions prohibits landlords from serving tenants with a notice to quit, which is the first step a landlord must take before proceeding to sue a tenant for eviction. The moratorium law expressly prohibits a landlord from "send[ing] any notice, including a notice to quit, requesting or demanding that a tenant of a residential dwelling unit vacate the premises." If you hear of a tenant receiving any such notice, they should speak with a lawyer before responding in any fashion. You may call, without charge, Douglas B. Mishkin, Esq. Of Counsel, Heisler, Feldman & McCormick P.C., 293 Bridge Street, Suite 322, Springfield, MA 01103 at dmishkin@hfmgpc.com or cell 202-361-8793.
Child Care of the Berkshires Inc. staff have returned to the office as of June 15.
Community Legal Aid is now assisting low-income families and students in Berkshire County with educational issues. Our education law attorney will provide advice and assistance with COVID-related and other education issues families face now and in the future as schools reopen, including accessing technological devices and internet connection for remote learning; accessing materials and information in the parent's preferred language (information, notices, and academic materials); accessing special education instruction, accommodations, and services for students who are struggling, whether or not they have been diagnosed with a disability; disciplinary proceedings (such as suspensions and expulsions) or other removals from learning time; bullying; and barriers to school enrollment (such as lack of necessary documentation). Families can apply for services by calling 855-CLA-LEGAL (855-252-5342) or applying online at communitylegal.org/get-help.
Governor Baker announced the Administration's comprehensive plan to safely reopen the Massachusetts economy, get people back to work, and ease social restrictions while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19. Visit www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts or get key takeaways here.
The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) has resumed normal hourly service starting June 1, 2020, for the following bus routes: Route 1, Route 2, and Route 21. For your health and the health of others, if you are sick, have a cough, fever, or other COVID-19 symptoms, do not ride the BRTA bus. All customers using the BRTA bus and/or paratransit must wear a mask or face covering over their mouth and nose, as recommended by the CDC, while onboard any BRTA vehicle. Also, practice social distancing while riding on the bus; maintain space when seating. For additional information, contact the BRTA at 413-499-2782 or visit www.berkshirerta.com.
Community Legal Aid (CLA) is offering an Unemployment Project to help people apply for benefits, especially if they are encountering technology or language barriers, or if they are otherwise having trouble getting approved. Call 855-CLA-LEGAL or visit communitylegal.org/get-help/ for help. Also, please contact us if your landlord is not following the new eviction moratorium law that prevents evictions in most cases. Click here for more information about the new law. Although CLA is closed to the public at this time, we are still open and taking cases involving public benefits, elder, housing, family, and immigration (through our subsidiary, Central West Justice Center). Please refer to our website at communitylegal.org for a full list of what we do.
The Williamstown Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) and Berkshire Housing Development Corporation (BHDC) are partnering to distribute emergency rental assistance funding for eligible Williamstown residents who have suffered financial setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for details.
The Brien Center has formed a COVID-19 response team comprising Brien leadership and medical staff. They are meeting daily to respond to staffing, clinical and programmatic needs as they unfold. Their work is guided by our Continuity of Operations Plan, and the Department of Public Health regulations that they operate under. Managers are also attending state-wide meetings with BSAS and other stakeholders to ensure an informed and coordinated response to the pandemic. Click here to see the updates (current as of August 13).
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berkshire County has announced the addition of a Warm Line, 413-445-1136, a phone number that people can call to talk to either a NAMI BC staff or a community trained volunteer having lived experience with mental health issues, trauma, and/or to assist individuals through a difficult time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. NAMI Berkshire County will provide support over the phone as well as resources as available. Calls will be accepted during the day and evening until 8 p.m. Callers experiencing isolation, fear, stress can speak to someone so they will not feel as isolated and find some coping strategies that have worked for the operators staffing the phone. If operators are not available callers can leave their phone number and first name and they will be called back within 24 hours or sooner. The information is strictly confidential.
SafeLink is Massachusetts' statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline. SafeLink hotline advocates are multilingual, and all calls to SafeLink are free, confidential and anonymous. Anyone can call for information, support and resources at 1-877-785-2020. For more resources, visit here.
The Northern Berkshire COVID-19 Operations Center serves as a centralized hub for the communities of North Adams, Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Savoy, New Ashford, Florida, and Williamstown; Stamford, Vermont; as well as for MCLA and Williams College. The purpose of this Center is to coordinate efforts, resources, and information within the region. If individuals become aware of resources, needs or there are individuals who would like to volunteer, please call the Command Center at 413-662-3614 or email at nbcovid@gmail.com to share information.
BHS Helpline. People should contact their primary care physician if they have concerns. Testing must be authorized through the primary care. The Berkshire Health Systems helpline can answer many questions regarding finding a primary care, testing, or other health related issues. The Nurse Triage line has reduced its hours to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, still available seven days a week. The number remains 855-BMC-LINK, or 855-262-5465.
Northern Berkshire Adult Education has gone virtual! All classes are offered online, even the PCA class. Free to all adult learners. Brush up your skills to get your GED or to prepare to return to college from the comfort of your home. Contact Bob or AnnaMaria at 413-662-5330 or 413-662-5386.
nbCC Changes to Open Hours and Programs - The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC), in an effort to help combat the spread of COVID-19, has made the following changes to open hours and programs:
-
nbCC remains committed to serving the community and the nbCC office will remain open, by appointment only. are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm with no Saturday hours. Call (413) 663-7588 to schedule an appointment, with any questions, or for support.
-
The UNO Community Cen
|
|
|
