Virtual Services Available from MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center:
MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center will be providing virtual services via phone and email beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
https://masshiregreaternewbedford.com/masshire-greater-new-bedford-career-center-open-for-virtual-services/

UPDATE: Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance Announces Guidance On CARES Act Implementation:
The Department of Unemployment Assistance is moving swiftly to implement three new public benefit programs that will expand unemployment eligibility; temporarily increase weekly benefits for all claimants; and allow additional categories of people to claim unemployment benefits.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/update-massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assistance-announces-guidance-on-cares

Massachusetts DUA Multilingual Services:
Information from the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) available in other languages.
https://www.mass.gov/dua-multilingual-services

Employer Unemployment FAQ for COVID-19:
In order to assist you and your employees, and in order to address the many drastic impacts the current COVID-19 emergency is having on Massachusetts employers and workers, DUA enacted emergency regulations on March 16, 2020, and has taken a number of other steps to assist you and your employees during the current COVID 19 emergency. Additionally, this week Governor Baker signed new legislation waiving the waiting week for unemployment benefits in cases related to COVID-19.

These questions and answers explain the recent changes at DUA and clarify some other questions employers may have regarding DUA during this difficult time.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/employer-unemployment-faq-covid-19

Employee Unemployment FAQ for COVID-19:
In order to assist unemployed workers, and in order to address the many drastic impacts the current COVID-19 emergency is having on Massachusetts employers and workers, the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) enacted emergency regulations on March 16, 2020, and has taken a number of other steps to assist you during the current COVID-19 emergency. Additionally, this week Governor Baker signed new legislation waiving the waiting week for unemployment benefits in cases related to COVID-19.

These questions and answers explain the recent changes at DUA and clarify some other questions you may have regarding DUA during this difficult time.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/employee-unemployment-faq-covid-19

COVID-19: Department of Unemployment Assistance Contact Request:
Individuals who fill out and submit the form below will be placed on a list to receive a telephone call from the DUA. Filling out the form is not filing a claim. The fastest way to process a claim for payment is online here.
https://www.mass.gov/forms/covid-19-department-of-unemployment-assistance-contact-request

Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Returning to Work: Guide for Employers:
The DUA’s guide for employers on Unemployemnt Insurance benefits and returning to work.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/unemployment-insurance-benefits-and-returning-to-work-guide-for-employers

WorkShare Program:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ WorkShare is a program that offers a smart alternative to layoffs. Employees work reduced hours while collecting unemployment benefits to supplement their lower wages.
https://www.mass.gov/topics/workshare-program

A Guide to Benefits and Employment Services for Claimants:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development handbook containing general information regarding UI benefits, steps to take in order to receive and maintain those benefits, and how to apply for and request weekly benefits by establishing a UI Online account. This guide will help you understand eligibility requirements and your responsibilities while receiving UI benefits, and assist you in your efforts for re-employment.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/a-guide-to-benefits-and-employment-services-0

Important COVID-19 Response Update from Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR):
Filing and payment extensions, penalty relief, extended due dates and tax or dept resolutions available from the DOR as a result of COVID-19.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/important-covid-19-response-update-from-dor

MassHire Workforce Association (MHWA):
A one page sheet of resources for businesses from the MHWA. Updated 5/13/2020.
https://masshiregreaternewbedford.com/wp-content/uploads/MWA-Business-Resources-COVID19-5.13.2020.pdf

COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses:
The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to partnering with the business community to navigate the outbreak of COVID-19.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-resources-and-guidance-for-businesses

SBA Funding Options:
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s web page of traditional funding and temporary programs established by the CARES Act to address the COVID-19 outbreak.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options

These include:

• • Are self-employed and have no employees; OR
  • Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR
  • Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19, and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%.
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. On May 28 the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent cleared the House-passed bill to extend the Paycheck Protection Program. The bill was signed by the President.
  • Extends to Dec. 31 from June 30 a period in which loans can be forgiven if businesses restore staffing or salary levels that were previously reduced. The provision would apply to worker and wage reductions made from Feb. 15 through 30 days after enactment of the CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27.
  • Maintains forgiveness amounts for companies that document their inability to rehire workers employed as of Feb. 15, and their inability to find similarly qualified workers by the end of the year. Under the modified measure, companies would be covered separately if they show that they couldn’t resume business levels from before Feb. 15 because they were following federal requirements for sanitization or social distancing.
  • Extends the deadline to apply for a PPP loan to Dec. 31 from June 30.
  • Requires at least 60% of forgiven loan amounts to come from payroll expenses.
  • Repeals a provision from the CARES Act that barred companies with forgiven PPP loans from deferring their payroll tax payments.
  • Allows borrowers to defer principal and interest payments on PPP loans until the SBA compensates lenders for any forgiven amounts, instead of the current six-month deferral period. Borrowers that don’t apply for forgiveness would be given at least 10 months after the program expires to start making payments.
  • Establishes a minimum loan maturity period of five years following an application for loan forgiveness, instead of the current two-year deadline set by the SBA. That provision would apply to PPP loans issued after the measure is enacted, though borrowers and lenders could agree to extend current loans.

More information on PPP.
https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form-3508-paycheck-protection-program-loan-forgiveness-application

Frequently ask questions about the PPP from the SBA.
http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200408/b6/25/f0/03/6575ff8ebc9b9f6a8d668d14/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequenty-Asked-Questions.pdf

On June 19th the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, posted a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020, signed into law by President Trump on June 5, 2020. In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, SBA also published a new EZ version of the forgiveness application that applies to borrowers that:

The EZ application requires fewer calculations and less documentation for eligible borrowers. Details regarding the applicability of these provisions are available in the instructions to the new EZ application form.

Both applications give borrowers the option of using the original 8-week covered period (if their loan was made before June 5, 2020) or an extended 24-week covered period. These changes will result in a more efficient process and make it easier for businesses to realize full forgiveness of their PPP loan.

View the EZ Forgiveness Application

View the Full Forgiveness Application

• SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application
  Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.
  https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-and-treasury-release-paycheck-protection-program-loan-forgiveness-application
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance (EIDL)
  This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.
  https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program has begun funding advances up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) on applications that were submitted at the end of March/early April. Please note, this is NOT the Payroll Protection Program.There is a 2-3 week delay in processing, and businesses may not receive notification by phone or email that an advance has been approved. Please check your business bank account to see if the advance has been deposited without notification!Businesses can also call the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center number (800) 659-2955 or email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for a status of applications.

SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources:
The U.S. Small Business Administration web page of coronaviris resources for funding options, business and employer guidance, local assistance and more.
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

SBA Local Assistance
Find a U.S. Small Business Administration office near you.
https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/

New Bedford Economic Development Council Provides SBA Loan Application Forms:
In response to reports of difficultly setting up accounts, logging in, and submitting applications in the SBA Disaster Loan Portal web page due to high volume traffic, the NBEDC is now providing the Disaster Loan Application and associated documents for the SBA Loans Application mentioned above on their website. These documents can be completed and submitted by mail, or simply completed in draft so that they are more easily completed and submitted when you are able to login to the SBA Portal.
http://www.nbedc.org/covid-19-resources-and-information/

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for an SBA Disaster Relief Loan by the US Chamber of Commerce:
If your business is struggling in the wake of COVID-19, this guide from the US Chamber of Commerce will help you through the application process for a low-interest small business loan.
https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/applying-for-sba-disaster-relief-loan

MassHire Department of Career Services Rapid Response:
Rapid Response is a federally mandated, pre-layoff service designed for companies and employees experiencing a layoff or closing.
https://www.mass.gov/prevent-layoffs-with-rapid-response

A presentation of  resources from Rapid Response for businesses that includes contact information for their regional staff who can help businesses with WorkShare, layoff aversion and other opportunities.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/rapid-response-covid-19-employer-information

WorkShare Program:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ WorkShare is a program that offers a smart alternative to layoffs. Employees work reduced hours while collecting unemployment benefits to supplement their lower wages.
https://www.mass.gov/topics/workshare-program

National Small Business Town Hall Presented by Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
Find out what the federal government’s coronavirus stimulus programs mean to your small business in this presentation from Inc. in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
https://www.uschamber.com/co/events/national-small-business-town-hall-inc-us-chamber

Coronavirus Small Business Guide by the US Chamber of Commerce:
The US Chamber of Commerce complete coronavirus coverage, updated daily with new resources to assist businesses.
https://www.uschamber.com/co/small-business-coronavirus

Latest COVID-19 Policies and Options for Small Businesses:
A list of financial resources for businesses from Main Street Alliance.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e6a768131c8f538ad00b294/t/5e7e7ef3971cba01a84a9c92/1585348339837/What%27s+In+the+Stim+3+Package+032720_0615+ET.pdf

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)Small Business Recovery Grant Program for Massachusetts:
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Citizens are pleased to announce the LISC Small Business Recovery Grant Program which will provide grants to hard-hit small businesses in Massachusetts to weather the immediate financial impact of closures and social distancing measures required to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
https://www.lisc.org/boston/covid-19/small-business-recovery-grant-program/

COVID-19 Worker Relief Funds, Company Actions, and Impact on Frontline Workers:
The Good Job Institute’s posting resources for workers—emergency funds and more—by city and by profession.
https://goodjobsinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Good-Jobs-Lens-on-COVID-19-Responses-3.17.2020.pdf

Disaster and Emergency Relief Resources:
A list of disaster and emergency relief resources in response to COVID-19 from across the state by Philanthropy Massachusetts.
https://philanthropyma.org/grantmakers-philanthropic-advisors/resources/disaster-and-emergency-relief-resources

Coronavirus and Massachusetts Nonprofits:
A list of resources for non-profits across the state in response to COVID-19 from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.
http://massnonprofitnet.org/nonprofit-resources/coronavirus-massachusetts-nonprofits/

Skilled America podcast by the National Skills Coalition
MANUFACTURING A RESPONSE
The leaders of the Baker-Polito Administration’s Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative established the Manufacturing Emergency Response Team (M-ERT) to assist in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As skilled workers find themselves on the front lines of the national response to COVID-19, host Rachel Unruh talks to manufacturers Traci Tapani and Mike Tamasi about how their companies have adapted in the age of social distancing, how they’ve shifted production to contribute to the fight against the pandemic, and what they think about the sudden attention their essential work has brought on the industry.

https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS85MTQ3MzQucnNz&episode=QnV6enNwcm91dC0zMjA3Mjky

MassMEP
All the states’ Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, including the one in Massachusetts, have formed a national network to offer supply chain solutions to the manufacturers disrupted by the efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus.

https://massmep.org

CDC – Manufacturing Workers and Employers During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Interim guidance for the manufacturing industry from C the DC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) during reopening phases.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-manufacturing-workers-employers.html

OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19:
This guidance from OSHA is intended for planning purposes. Employers and workers should use this planning guidance to help identify risk levels in workplace settings and to determine any appropriate control measures to implement.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

360 Training.com – OSHA CAMPUS Free COVID-19 Awareness Training:
The training is based on the OSHA Guidance. Learn all the basics of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention methods, so you’ll be able to identify coronavirus and stop it from spreading. The cours includes 8 Modules and a certificate upone completion. There are 5 links at the end of the presentation that may prove useful for companies.
https://www.360training.com/course/coronavirus-awareness

The Manufacturing Leadership Council, National Association of Manufacturers COVID-19 Operational Resources and Shared Practices:
Critical and timely information about manufacturers’ pandemic response plans focusing on the operations aspects of response and recovery, including production, leadership, and technology integration.
https://www.manufacturingleadershipcouncil.com/covid-19/

Reopening Massachusetts – First Phase of Four-Phase Approach – May 18, 2020:
The Massachusetts Reopening Advisory Board’s report, which details a four-phased strategy to responsibly reopen businesses and activities while continuing to fight COVID-19.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/reopening-massachusetts/download

Reopening Massachusetts – When can my business reopen?:
This detailed commentary provides guidance for industries on the reopening plan as of May 18, 2020.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-when-can-my-business-reopen

Reopening Massachusetts – What Businesses Can Expect in Phase 1:
https://www.mass.gov/doc/reopening-massachusetts-phase-one-summary/download

Reopening Massachusetts – Specific Protocols and Best Practices for Reopening:
Mandatory safety standards and recommended best practices for sectors that are eligible to open in Phase 1.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts#sector-specific-protocols-and-best-practices-

Reopening: Purchasing Hygienic or Protective Supplies for the Workplace:
These resources are provided to help inform employers and employees about supplies needed to return to workplaces, and connect businesses with manufacturers and distributors. In order to operate in Reopening Phase 1 and all future phases, certain supplies are required.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-purchasing-hygienic-or-protective-supplies-for-the-workplace

Reopening Massachusetts – Workplace Posters:
Employer mandatory safety standards for workplaces poster.
https://files.constantcontact.com/1ae59e37001/3c1b15bb-1b1e-43e2-a998-3e24b4ecefca.pdf

Worker mandatory safety standards for workplaces poster.
https://files.constantcontact.com/1ae59e37001/6ec5d040-37f0-4576-8b14-e86527ad790a.pdf

This workplace compliance attestation poster should be completed and displayed in an area within the business premises that is visible to employees and visitors.
https://files.constantcontact.com/1ae59e37001/de36d6d5-884d-406c-956c-b3548138fa3e.pdf

All businesses in the state of MA must develop a written control plan COVID-19 Workplace Control Plan outlining how its workplace will comply with the mandatory safety standards for operation in the COVID-19 reopening period. This template may be filled out to meet that requirement.
https://files.constantcontact.com/1ae59e37001/590b50e6-2070-4a2a-a24f-00bc500eb252.pdf

Massachusetts Guidance Regarding the Operation of Essential Services:
Guidance and strategies to implement certain practices and procedures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 for businesses that have been deemed essential and are open to the public.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-regarding-the-operation-of-essential-services/download

Massachusetts Guidance for Fulfillment of Remote Orders By Retail Businesses:
Under this guidance, non-essential businesses are allowed to bring in a small number of employees in order to remotely fulfill online or phone orders, provided they can meet safety protocols. This guidance is available in the COVID-19 Essential Services FAQs.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-essential-services-faqs

Massachusetts Reopening Advisory Board Prestenation:
The Reopening Advisory Board’s PowerPoint presentation about the four-phased reopening approach.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/reopening-advisory-board-presentation-may-11-2020/download

Massachusetts Reopening: Mandatory Safety Standards for Workplaces:
These new standards will apply universally to all workplaces that are open in Phase 1, and are designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to employees and customers.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-mandatory-safety-standards-for-workplaces

Massachusetts High Tech Council Coronavirus Back-to-Work Strategy:
An Executive Summary from the Massachusetts High Tech Council for a back-to-work strategy, informed by McKinsey & Co. data and insights.
http://www.mhtc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/RRTW-Executive-Summary-Slides-for-Media-Statement-4.23.20.pdf

CDC – General Business FAQs During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
The CDC’s web page of frequently ask questions for general business during reopening phases.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/general-business-faq.html

CDC – Manufacturing Workers and Employers During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Interim guidance for the manufacturing industry from C the DC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) during reopening phases.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-manufacturing-workers-employers.html

New Bedford – City Guidance on the Reopening of Dining Establishments:
City of New Bedford information on dining establishment reopening guidance and permitting.
https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/city-guidance-on-reopening-of-dining-establishments/

US Chamber of Commerce – Ready to Reopen: A Playbook for Your Small Business:
A guide to helping businesses of all types and in all regions navigate the complex process of reopening and evolving post-coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/small-business-coronavirus-reopening-guide

AIM – Return to the Workplace Guide For Massachusetts Employers:
The Return to the Workplace Guide is a free 80-page handbook for employers containing guidance, templates and checklists on inviting employees back to work, workplace safety guidance and compliance with state and federal regulations from Associates Industries of Massachusetts.
https://my.aimnet.org/Product-Details?productid=%7bBAE113F4-5C99-EA11-8109-000D3A0DE1A1%7d

AIM Protective Equipment / Re-opening Services Marketplace:
Companies in need of protective equipment and services can turn to the AIM member companies who provide it.
https://aimnet.org/resources/aim-protective-equipment-re-opening-services-marketplace/

American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP):
The ASSP’s website provides information geared towards safety professionals, however many of our small business owners do not have dedicated safety personnel and need to act as their own safety officer. This website has articles, webinars and podcasts available to assist.

Articles
https://www.assp.org/resources/covid-19/articles

Free Webinars
https://www.assp.org/resources/covid-19/webinars/covid-19-safety-in-essential-manufacturing-operations

The COVID 19 Challenge: Managing Sick and Exposed Employees at Work and Returning to Work
ASSP President-Elect Deborah Roy shares insight on how to managing employees who have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it at work and reviews guidelines for their return to work.
https://www.assp.org/resources/covid-19/webinars/covid-19-safety-in-essential-manufacturing-operations

How to Scenario Plan for COVID-19:
A scenario planning guide and tool for COVID-19 from the Management Center.
http://www.managementcenter.org/resources/how-to-scenario-plan-for-covid-19/

A Five-Layered Defense for Workplace Reopening:
A lower-cost, five-layered approach for employers and building managers as they consider how to safely reopen their establishments from Harvard’s Chan School of Public Health.
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/04/looking-at-covid-19-through-healthy-building-eyes/

COVID-19 Update: June 15, 2020:
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will join Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders to provide an update on Coronavirus.

City of New Bedford COVID-19 Information and Resources:
Latest updates and resources on COVID-19 from the City of New Bedford.
https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/coronavirus/

COVID-19 and the American Workplace Temporary Rule: Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act :
The U.S. Department of Labor’s action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, both part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic

Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Employer Paid Leave Requirements:
DOL webpage regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave

U.S. Department of Labor Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Questions and Answers:
DOL web page for questions and answers regarding paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 – Employee Rights and Employer Obligations:
General guidance to frequently ask questions about employee rights and employer obligations from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division (FLD). Available in English, Portugese, Spanish and Chinese.
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19-employee-rights-and-employer-obligations

COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers
If your business has a shortage of workers and is looking to “volunteers” to help out, be aware that the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has stringent requirements with respect to the use of volunteers. In general, covered, nonexempt workers working for private, for-profit employers have to be paid at least the minimum wage and cannot volunteer their services.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa/pandemic

COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers
If your business has a shortage of workers and is looking to “volunteers” to help out, be aware that the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has stringent requirements with respect to the use of volunteers. In general, covered, nonexempt workers working for private, for-profit employers have to be paid at least the minimum wage and cannot volunteer their services.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa/pandemic

OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19:
This guidance from OSHA is intended for planning purposes. Employers and workers should use this planning guidance to help identify risk levels in workplace settings and to determine any appropriate control measures to implement.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

360 Training.com – OSHA CAMPUS Free COVID-19 Awareness Training:
The training is based on the OSHA Guidance. Learn all the basics of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and prevention methods, so you’ll be able to identify coronavirus and stop it from spreading. The cours includes 8 Modules and a certificate upone completion. There are 5 links at the end of the presentation that may prove useful for companies.
https://www.360training.com/course/coronavirus-awareness

Travel Health Notices from the CDC:
The CDC’s Travel Health Notices inform travelers and clinicians about current health issues that impact travelers’ health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters, in specific international destinations.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices

Massachusetts Safety Standards and Checklist: Restaurants:
Reopening Phase III mandatory safety standards, recommended best practices and a checklist for restaurants. Updated: August 10, 2020 (updated standards take effect August 11, 2020)
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-restaurants

New Bedford – City Guidance on the Reopening of Dining Establishments:
City of New Bedford information on dining establishment reopening guidance and permitting.
https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/city-guidance-on-reopening-of-dining-establishments/

How to Manage Your Restaurant During the Coronavirus (COVID-19):
A page from Toast’s website that assists restaurant operators in interpreting the ever-evolving CDC guidelines for how to run their businesses.
https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/covid-19

The Restaurant’s Act:
Restaurants Act, the restaurant industry’s grassroots  center for local, state and federal resources for the restaurant industry – a one-stop hub for restaurants, employees, customers, and industry partners.
https://restaurantsact.com/

Your Guide to Restaurant Relief in America:
Toast’s guide to restaurant relief and recovery will walk you through utilizing the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund that is modeled after the Restaurants Act and designed to specifically support the recovery of small and medium-sized food and beverage businesses.
https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/relief-programs-and-helpful-assets-available-during-covid-19

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program:
Bartender Emergency Assistance Program is a financial assistance grant program from the USBG National Charity Foundation.
https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap

Restaurant Strong Fund:
The Greg Hill Foundation has teamed up with Samuel Adams to support those from the Massachusetts restaurant industry who have been impacted by the Covid-19 closures. Their goal is to provide $1,000 grants to as many qualifying grantees as possible.
https://thegreghillfoundation.submittable.com/submit/163383/restaurant-strong-grant-application