North Suffolk Public Health Collaborative

06/30/2020

Don't let up on precautions or we will be back where we started. Continue to wear face coverings, keep social distance and avoid large gatherings. Keep Massachusetts safe!

The commonwealth's COVID-19 preparedness "meets or exceeds international standards," according to Covid Act Now.

06/03/2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qoZXuaDz2E&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1gUMvYljiAq60IHiCy0bDgLGkMdX6UovkQB9veqnjzry7kWs3kBokIBYw

Yosemite Park Ranger Shelton Johnson shares his thoughts on the importance of getting kids from all backgrounds out into nature and exposed to science. Keep ...

05/08/2020

Our letter in the Boston Globe today regarding Yvonne Abraham's recent column about the exacerbation of COVID-19's impacts on Chelsea residents due to existing high levels of pollution. We are working on strategies like getting HEPA filters for homes and schools and installing a network of air quality sensors across Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop to inform us of area pollution levels on a daily basis.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/08/opinion/ailing-areas-hit-with-one-two-punch-pollution-coronavirus/

04/23/2020

Town of Winthrop 4/22/20 Coronavirus Update
108 total cases confirmed since March 15th; 5 deceased, 49 recovered and 54 in isolation
Declaration of *Emergency Order* by Winthrop Town Council and Board of Health

Town Manager Austin Faison and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley would like to update Winthrop residents on the latest information involving the COVID-19 pandemic.
Town Manager Austin Faison and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley have received notification from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) of four additional residents affected by COVID-19. It is with great sadness that they report the loss of life of one additional Winthrop resident.

4/22/20 Updates
Declaration of an Emergency Order by the Winthrop Town Council and Board of Health
Please read this order carefully. Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is punishable by a fine of up to One Thousand Dollars ($1000) pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 122.
Pursuant to the declaration of a public health emergency on March 20, 2020, 310 CMR 11.05, 105 CMR 300.200 and all other authorizing statutes and regulations, acting by and through its agent authorized under MGL c. 111, §31 we, the Town Council President and Board of Health of the Town of Winthrop, Massachusetts, hereby order the following:
1. All members of the public over the age of five (5) entering any essential business as defined by Governor Baker’s Covid-19 Executive Orders, including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, home improvement stores, public transportation, taxis, ride shares, public self-service facilities (such as gas stations, ATMs) and the like must wear a cloth face covering, such as a fabric mask, scarf or bandana, over his or her nose and mouth. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which should be left for medical professionals and first responders. See this link for information on making a cloth face covering: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-fac....
2. All members of the public entering a restaurant for the purpose of picking up food for take-out must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth.
3. All employees of all essential businesses shall wear a face covering over their mouth and nose when interacting with the public and within six feet of a co-worker. Employers and employees must use previously prescribed protocols and guidelines for personal protective equipment such as gloves. If food is prepared at the establishment, a face covering shall also be worn by any employee handling food.
4. Any resident, staff or member of the general public entering or exiting a residential or commercial building complex of greater than one (1) unit must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while in common areas and communal spaces and must exercise social distancing in these spaces in accordance with CDC guidelines. See these guidelines at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-di...
5. Essential retail establishments as defined by Governor Baker’s Covid-19 Executive Orders must limit the number of customers and staff inside the establishment at any given time so that social distancing of six feet may be maintained. All retail establishments must establish maximum occupancy loads in accordance with the “Guidance for Grocery Stores” issued by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Health on April 7, 2020. See this order at: https://www.mass.gov/doc/order-grocery-stores-40-percent/download. Maximum occupancy shall be posted at each entrance to the establishment and shall be readily visible to members of the public.
1. An employee of the retailer shall be designated to ensure the maximum number of individuals inside of the store is not exceeded. Customers queued outside of the store must maintain a minimum of six feet distance.
2. Any portions of the store requiring extra staffing solely dedicated to services that are deemed nonessential pursuant to Governor Baker’s Covid-19 Executive Orders shall be closed.
3. Reusable shopping bags are prohibited. Single-use bags are permitted and shall be provided at no extra cost to customers.
6. Every store, workplace, or other facility providing essential services and open to the public is required to place a sign no smaller than 8.5 x 11 inches and clearly visible on all doors and any point of entry into the facility stating that the use of a mask or other facial covering is required of every person upon entry into the facility and at all times while in the facility. A facility may impose stricter guidelines as it sees fit.
7. Every store, workplace, or other facility subject to this order is authorized to refuse service to any person who fails or refuses to wear a mask or other facial covering while in such facility.
8. Operation of Ice Cream Trucks is prohibited. Ice cream trucks will not be permitted to operate in the Town of Winthrop until the Public Health Emergency declaration issued by the Winthrop Board of Health has been lifted. Brick and mortar establishments serving ice cream will be allowed to operate in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders if effective social distancing measures are implemented.
9. All members of the public are required to properly dispose of all gloves, masks and other personal protection equipment in appropriate disposal bins. Penalties for failure to properly dispose of these materials under the Town of Winthrop’s anti-littering and public nuisance ordinances shall be as follows: $50 for first offense; $100 for second offense; $300 for third or subsequent offense. Fines for violation of both ordinances will be imposed.
This Emergency Order does not apply to persons who are engaged in permissible outdoor physical activity, riding in a personal vehicle, alone in a separate, single space, or indoors with their own shelter group such as family or household members, although every such person is advised that the use of a mask or facial covering is encouraged.
This Emergency Order shall be effective beginning Thursday April 23, 2020 at 6:00 AM and remain in effect until notice is given, pursuant to the Board of Health’s judgement, that the Public Health Emergency no longer exists.

To the extent necessary, this Order shall be enforced by Board of Health officials, Winthrop Police Officers and Building Inspectors.
Public Health Updates
The Town of Winthrop Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is streamlining the COVID-19 response effort to ensure the continued delivery of services to residents. The EOC will remain operational until further notice. The EOC can be reached at 617-539-5848, Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or by emailing [email protected].
For residents that may be self-quarantined and require outside assistance or meal delivery, please contact the EOC at 617-539-5848 or [email protected]. All information will be confidential.
The COVID-19 Tip Hotline is available on the Winthrop Public Safety website at https://winthroppublicsafety.com/covid-19-tip-hotline/ for those self-reporting or for a concerned member of the community.
Federal and State Updates
The DCR has temporarily closed state coastal beach parking areas. For more information visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/dcr-coastal-beach-reservation-list
• Public access and parking is restricted at Deer Island until further notice.
• Vehicles displaying Town of Winthrop residential parking stickers are permitted to park along Winthrop Shore Drive. Residents can obtain a parking pass by calling (617) 539-5848 Monday through Friday to arrange for a parking pass to be dropped off.
The federal income tax filing due date has been automatically extended from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020.
Local Winthrop Updates
Municipal Services: Town Hall business offices remain closed to walk in foot traffic at this time. Residents can pay taxes, parking tickets and apply for resident parking stickers on the town website at https://www.town.winthrop.ma.us/ or by dropping payments and applications in the drop box located at the Town Hall front door.
Residents having difficulty completing a transaction online can email the following department's directly for further assistance.
• Assessor's Office - [email protected]
• Building Department - [email protected]
• Harbor Master - [email protected]
• Library - [email protected]
• Parks and Recreation - [email protected]
• Town Clerk - [email protected]
• Tax Collector - [email protected]
• Town Manager - [email protected]
Residents can contact the DPW to report safety issues on the town website at www.town.winthrop.ma.us or by the “See Click Fix” app on your mobile smartphone.
Residents can request bulk permit trash stickers from the DPW Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. by calling (617) 846-1341. Trash stickers will be delivered to your household.
Mooring permits and waterway fees applications can be mailed to Town Hall or dropped in the mail slot by the front door to Town Hall.
• Boaters must ensure your boat is properly registered/documented.
• Ensure boat excise tax is paid. (Include payment if needed.)
• Include payment of waterways fee: Residents pay $200, Non-Residents pay $250. If you were waiting for renewal forms but have not received them you can email the Town Tax Collector's Office or the Harbormaster at [email protected].
• Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for stickers to be returned.
The following link contains a public safety message to the Winthrop community from municipal, public safety and education leaders to remind residents that local government continues to operate and support the community during the COVID-19 public health crisis. https://vimeo.com/405927192
CBD Project Update: Center Business District Infrastructure Project construction updates and safety plans are available by clicking on the “CBD Project” tab located at the top of the town website.
A curfew has been established for all non-essential workers/residents, visitors, and businesses in the Town of Winthrop between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.
All public schools in Massachusetts are closed through the end of the academic school year.
All non-essential businesses are closed until May 4th.
All parks, playgrounds and beaches are closed.
No gatherings of any kind of more than 10 people at one time, in one place are allowed.
All bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.
The Winthrop Community Food Bank will be distributing food by delivery only. There will be NO in-person pick-up at the Cummings Elementary School. If you are in need of food, please email: [email protected]. Please provide your name, address, phone number and the number of people in your household. If your need is urgent, please call the Emergency Operations Center at 617-539-5848.
The Food Bank will continue accepting donations Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the FRONT loop of the Cummings School across from the Fire Station. The Food Bank is in need of non-perishable items such as cereals, canned goods, pasta, bread, peanut butter and jelly, toiletries and paper products. Items without an expiration date cannot be accepted.
Latest Health Guidance
As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician.
The Town is also advising residents to practice social distancing by keeping six feet between people to prevent the spread of infection, which includes handshaking and hugging. Residents are also encouraged to avoid group activities and events.
Other Guidelines Include:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
• Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
Stay Informed
The Town encourages everyone to stay informed regarding COVID-19 by accessing the following information:
• Town of Winthrop Official COVID-19 updates - https://www.town.winthrop.ma.us/home/urgent-alerts/covid-19-public-healt...
• Winthrop Public Safety website - winthroppublicsafety.com/
• Winthrop COVID-19 Tip Hotline - winthroppublicsafety.com/covid-19-tip-hotline/
• MA Dept. of Public Health - www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information
• MA 2-1-1 general COVID-19 information - https://mass211.org/ or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)
• MA COVID-19 text updates: Text "COVIDMA" to 888-777
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/
• COVID-19 symptom checker: www.mass.gov/how-to/check-your-symptoms-for-covid-19-online.
• MA resources for protecting identity and learning about employment rights and unemployment benefits: www.mass.gov/ma-financial-resources-for-covid-19
• Social distancing during COVID-19 leaves survivors of sexual and domestic violence particularly vulnerable. If you or someone you know in Massachusetts is at risk—you are not alone—help is still available. Please call 877-785-2020 or visit janedoe.org at https://janedoe.org/find_help/
https://www.town.winthrop.ma.us/home/news/town-winthrop-provides-latest-update-coronavirus-situation-4222020

Town Manager Austin Faison and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley would like to update Winthrop residents on the

04/23/2020

City of Chelsea, MA
Coronavirus Updates / Actualización sobre Coronavirus
Last Updated: April 22, 2020 - 5:47pm
Ver la versión en español

> Call for Volunteers <
> Donate to the One Chelsea Fund <

Please check this page regularly. It is updated on an ongoing basis.
> Sign up for urgent updates via city text, email, and phone alerts.
> Sign up for our city newsletter
> Check the City of Chelsea page.
> Call 3-1-1 from within Chelsea (or 617-466-4209 outside the city) for assistance signing up for alerts.
Resources and Information

Public Health Information

Assistance for Residents in Need

Information for Businesses and Residents

Changes to City Services

Chelsea Public Schools
Latest Announcements: April 22nd, 2020

COVID-19 Status in Chelsea
There are now 1,054 confirmed COVID-19 patients in Chelsea. All of these fellow residents are now in isolation. Our prayers are with them for a full and quick recovery. 242 patients have now recovered but 84 have died. The City is terribly saddened by the loss of life occurring as a result of the COVID-19 virus, here and among our neighbors. Unfortunately, we know the virus is widespread, and for at least the foreseeable future, these numbers will continue to grow daily. Our best weapon against the spread of this virus, and the terrible toll it is taking, is compliance with physical distancing rules. We urge you to comply.

Moratorium on Evictions
Yesterday (April 20), Governor Baker signed a moratorium on evictions. This means that your landlord CANNOT evict you.

If you are a tenant affected by the pandemic, all stages of eviction are halted. Landlords cannot send you eviction notices or file new eviction cases. Sheriffs cannot have you evicted. Courts must stop scheduling non-emergency hearings and making eviction decisions. Exceptions are only for emergencies where conditions or conduct endangers the health and safety of others. The moratorium also prevents late fees and negative credit reporting.

If you are a homeowner in a 1-4 family owner-occupied property affected by the pandemic, any foreclosures are temporarily stopped. Your lender must offer mortgage forbearance, with payments added to the end of the loan. The moratorium also prevents negative credit reporting. Landlords do have access to last month's rent in order to cover expenses.

If you own a small business, the moratorium pauses small business evictions and makes it easier to access reverse mortgages.

The moratorium will remain in effect for either 120 days (August 18) or 45 days following the end of the state of emergency, whichever is sooner.


Schools Closed Through End of School Year
On April 21, Governor Baker ordered the closing of all Massachusetts schools through the end of the school year. Chelsea Public Schools will continue to be closed but will continue with remote learning. You can visit the Chelsea Public Schools' website for more information.


Getting Food to Everyone In Need: Updates
Pop-Up Food Pantries are continuing to serve the people of Chelsea, providing boxes of food every weekday beginning at 11am. We are increasing our food supply daily so that everyone who needs food can get it. With this in mind, please be patient and mindful of your neighbors in need. Some families have more immediate need than others and we want to make sure that everyone gets to eat. Soon there will be enough for everyone.

Pop-up Pantry Locations:
Mondays:
Quigley Park, 25 Essex Street
Ruiz Park, 141 Washington Avenue

Tuesdays:
Luther Place, Cherry Street, between 5th Street and 4th Street
Bellingham Hill Park, 115 Bellingham Street

Wednesdays:
Washington Park, at Washington Ave and Hancock Street
Bosson Park, 43-56 Bellingham Street

Thursdays:
Chelsea Square, near 2 Second Street
Highland Park, in front of 30 Willow Street

Fridays:
City Hall Parking lot, 500 Broadway
Mary C. Burke Complex, 300 Crescent Avenue


There are additionally other options to get food:

IF YOU ARE NOT SICK AND NEED FOOD

Monday-Friday: Hot lunches and kids lunches at 11:30am at Salvation Army (258 Chestnut Street)
Tuesdays and Thursdays: Grocery pick-up 10 am-12 pm at the Salvation Army (258 Chestnut Street).
Tuesdays and Thursdays: Grocery pick-up at 5 pm at the Chelsea Collaborative 318 Broadway).
Thursdays and Fridays: Mass General Hospital Food For Families Pantry (151 Everett Avenue). Available 2X per month to MGH patients by referral. Please call (617) 887-3575.
Saturdays: Grocery pick-up 8:30am-1pm at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church (201 Washington Avenue, Chelsea); no appointment necessary.

IF YOU ARE IN ISOLATION AND NEED FOOD
Do not wait in line for food. Call 311 (617-466-4100).

IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN WHO NEED FOOD
Your children can receive free lunch and breakfast every weekday. Pick-up is 11:30 am-1 pm at these locations (pick the location closest to your home):

Early Learning Center
MCB Complex
Williams School
Clark Ave School
Voke Park

IF YOU ARE 65 YEARS OR OLDER
Contact the Chelsea Senior Center for grocery deliveries. Call 617-466-4377 or 617-466-4370.

Here's a map of all locations providing food assistance.

Extension for All Tax Bills, Excise Bills, Water/Sewer Bills, and Parking Tickets
The due date for ALL city payments and applications has been extended to June 1. This applies to all bills with a due date on or after March 10 – even if you received a bill that said the due date is earlier. The June 1 extension applies to:

Real property (land, buildings, and related improvements) tax bills
Personal property tax bills
Applications for property tax exemptions
Parking stickers applications and renewals
Parking tickets and appeals
Excise tax bills
Water and sewer bills

If you have another bill and you are unsure if the deadline is extended, please call 617-466-4209 to confirm. To pay bills, you can pay through the City of Chelsea website (go directly to www.chelseama.gov and click on "Online Services") or by mail.

Additionally, the City will extend a grace period for late payments. Payments made after June 1 but on or before June 29 will be accepted without penalty or interest. Payments made on or after June 30 will incur a full month of interest (from June 1).

Deadlines for Statutory Tax Exemption Requests: The deadline for statutory tax exemptions is now also June 1. However, the property tax abatement deadline, which was February 3, has NOT changed.


Pandemic-EBT
Pandemic-EBT, or P-EBT, has recently been approved for Massachusetts and things are underway to implement the program in the state. For households with students who would have received free and reduced price schools meals, P-EBT provides extra money to buy food. Eligible households will receive $5.70 per student for each day of school closure, which will be paid in a lump sum of $199.50 to cover the 35 days that schools have already been closed. If you already have an EBT card, then the funds will be added to your card.

P-EBT benefits can be spent in the same way as SNAP, and they're available to households regardless of immigration status. However, they do not make you eligible for SNAP and they cannot be used to receive HIP benefits. They also do not replace the existing School Food Program, which continues to serve grab-and-go meals on weekdays for students.


Apply Today for $5K in Small Business Grants
If you own a Chelsea business with 3-20 employees, take 10 minutes today to apply for a $5,000 grant from the US Chamber Foundation. Applications open at 3pm on www.savesmallbusiness.com. You will need a copy of your W-9 to apply. Grants will be awarded every week to small businesses in vulnerable communities throughout the country. After you apply, your business will be considered for each week's grant (no need to re-apply).

Grants for Downtown Businesses
If you own a small business in Downtown Chelsea that is struggling during this time, you may be able to apply for financial assistance from the Chelsea Business Foundation. Grants are from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be used to cover rent, keep employees, and other critical needs. To apply, your business must:

Be in Chelsea's TDI District (see map here)
Have less than 50 employees
Need financial help due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Fill out this form to apply. You must apply by 6pm Friday (April 24th).

Week of the Young Child
This week is the Week of the Young Child, an annual celebration of early learning, young children, and their teachers, families, and communities. While schools may be closed, everyone is welcome to participate virtually in fun online activities and learning opportunities! From Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24, children ages 0 to 5, parents, and teachers can join daily virtual events. There will also be a daily diaper giveaway during 11am events! Click here to see the schedule.



Temporary Housing for Residents Who Need to Safely Recover from COVID-19
Beginning tomorrow (April 16), the Quality Inn in Revere will be used as temporary housing for Chelsea and Revere residents sick with COVID-19 who are in need of a safe, non-overcrowded place to recover. Eligible residents are:

confirmed by testing to have the virus,
confirmed by a doctor that they do not need hospital care,
and living in overcrowded housing where it is difficult to self-quarantine (stay separated from others).

Those meeting these qualifications will be further evaluated by healthcare professionals to determine if the Quality Inn will provide appropriate temporary isolation housing for their unique circumstances. Isolated individuals at the Quality Inn will receive care from Partners HealthCare medical professionals, along with food and hygiene supplies provided by MEMA. There will also be mental health support services from North Suffolk Mental Health Association. This safe housing option will be available for the next 60 days.

One Chelsea Fund
Chelsea residents face an incredibly difficult time right now. Many need urgent help. People and families who have been struggling with limited income, food insecurity, immigration-related challenges, and language barriers are now dealing with financial emergencies. The One Chelsea Fund was created to distribute funds to help cover basic needs.

CAN YOU HELP? If you can, please consider donating to the One Chelsea Fun through United Way. None of the dollars raised will go to any organization. Your gift will go entirely to families and will distributed as $250 payments to households. Click here to donate.

DO YOU NEED HELP? If you or someone you know is in financial need, please fill out this form.

Mandatory Face Coverings in Chelsea
Chelsea has the highest rate of COVID-19 infection in Massachusetts. For the safety of everyone in our community, it is mandatory to wear face coverings. Even people with no symptoms can still carry COVID-19, which means you can infect others by speaking, coughing, or sneezing near others. Wearing a mask helps to prevent you from accidentally passing the virus to others, and it helps to keep you being infected.

When should I wear face coverings?
Face coverings are mandatory whenever you are in an Essential Business. If you work at an Essential Business, you and all employees must wear a covering. If you visit an Essential Business, you must wear a face covering to enter. A store can stop you from entering if you are not wearing one.

How do I wear a face covering?
To put on a face covering, 1. Wash your hands. 2. Place covering over your nose and mouth. Do not wear on your chin or head! 3. Always wear your covering with the same side facing outward. 4. Do not touch the covering without washing your hands first.

To take off a face covering, 1. Wash your hands. 2. Remove by touching only the outside of the covering. 3. Store in a clean, breathable container like a paper bag. Dispose of the container next time you wear your covering. 4. Wash your hands again.

What types of face coverings can I wear?
You can use a store-bought mask, homemade cloth mask, or a clean, cloth covering that you can secure over your nose and mouth. If you use a medical mask, throw away after using. If you use a cloth covering, wash and dry after every use.


Testing Is Available in Chelsea for Anyone with COVID-19 Symptoms
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, then you can be tested in Chelsea at Beth Israel and MGH. You do not need to be a patient of Beth Israel or MGH. You do not need insurance, and your immigration status is irrelevant. Walk-ins are accepted at both locations but appointments are strongly encouraged.

Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare - drive-thru testing service
1000 Broadway (near the Chelsea/Revere city line)
Open 10am-6pm Mon.-Fri.; 9am-5pm Sat.-Sun.
If you have a Beth Israel primary care physician, call 617-975-6262 to make an appointment.

MGH Chelsea HealthCare
151 Everett Ave
Open 8:30am-8pm Mon.-Thurs.; 8:30am-5pm Friday; 8:30am-12pm Sat.
If you have a Partners Healthcare primary care physician (P*P), call your P*P’s office. Otherwise, call 617-724-7000.

IF YOU NEED RESPIRATORY CARE:

MGH Chelsea Respiratory Illness Clinic (RIC)
Open 8am-8pm daily
Call 617-724-7000 to make an appointment.

Beth Israel Respiratory Emergent Evaluation Service (REES)
Call 617-975-6060 to make an appointment, or you can schedule online.

Funds Available for Businesses through Small Business Grants
If you own a small business that is struggling during this time, you may be able to receive up to $10,000 through the LISC Small Business Recovery Grant Program. Grants are given to avoid layoffs, maintain employee benefits or insurance, and generally help the business survive. The Small Business Recovery Grant Program is part of the LISC Rapid Relief & Resiliency Fund for Massachusetts. Businesses can also get technical support and may even be able to receive long-term funding.

Applications will be accepted between Monday, April 20, to Friday, April 24, on the LISC website, and will be available in English, Spanish, and other languages. Please prepare to apply by clearly describing what problems your business faces, prioritizing those problems, and thinking about how financial support could stop or avoid risks to your business.

COVID-19 Email Scams
Sadly, fake websites and emails are spreading from scammers trying to take advantage of people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Protect your finances and personal information by staying cautious and informed.

Fake IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief sites
There are now many websites that look similar to the US IRS Government website but are in fact fake. Only trust the official IRS website. Their tax relief webpage is: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

Email Scams
Scammers are sending emails that appear as if they are from a community organization, such as a local charity or nonprofit. Look carefully at emails for inaccurate information or suspicious requests. look carefully at emails for inaccurate information or suspicious requests. If you receive an email from an unfamiliar person or organization, do not click on any links in the email or reply. For official communication on COVID-19 response initiatives and fundraising, check these trustworthy sources:
> Websites
https://www.chelseama.gov/coronavirusupdates
https://www.chelseaschools.com
https://www.chelseapolice.com
> Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/cityofchelsea
https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaPublicSchools/
https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaPoliceDept
> Twitter
https://twitter.com/ChelseaGov_MA
https://twitter.com/CPS_Chelsea
https://twitter.com/cityofchelseapd

Apply for Free Internet from Comcast Internet Essentials
Comcast Internet Essentials is offering 60 days of free internet service to low-income households. You can apply if:

You are eligible for public assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, HUD Housing Assistance, National School Lunch Program, and others (see full list here)
You are not a current Comcast Internet customer
You do not have debt to Comcast that is less than one year old (if you have debt older than one year than you may still be able to apply.)

Apply by May 13th at Comcast Internet Essential’s website (scroll down and click “Apply”). After the 2 months of free internet service, Comcast Internet Essentials will charge its regular low-income rates.

Blood Donations Needed
With the increase in people needing medical assistance during the pandemic there is a critical need for blood as well. If you are able, please contact the Red Cross to make an appointment or look for upcoming opportunities to donate at MGH-Chelsea.

Call for Volunteers
The Chelsea Pandemic Response Team is looking for volunteers to help with food distribution, elder and neighbor wellness check-ins, supplies, mental health supports, covid-19 updates/education, and more. Learn more and sign up here.

https://www.chelseama.gov/coronavirusupdates