Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #6

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #6

Tuesday, March 26, 2020

Friends,

I'm sure you've all heard by now that the Governor issued a "Stay at Home Advisory" yesterday, Monday, March 23. This advisory, in place for at least two weeks, encourages people to stay home as much as possible, decreases the maximum number of people at public gatherings to 10, down from the previous limit of 25, and includes an order to close all non-essential businesses. The advisory also provides for civil or criminal penalties if any of the terms are violated, which I hope conveys the seriousness of this pandemic.

This advisory, while important, should have come at least a week ago, if not more. Last week, I and more than 30 other elected officials (a number that eventually grew to 50) called on the Governor to issue a shelter in place order. The COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of life and death, and with the exception of essential personnel, we need people to stay home to the greatest extent possible.

Extensive social distancing is not an option; it's a necessity. We must do whatever we can to flatten the curve of infection. Given that there are still reports of people having in-person social gatherings and not taking COVID-19 seriously, we need an order, not merely a suggestion that people stay home. This is not a time to party or an extended snow day.

For those who remember the Marathon bombing in 2015 and the "shelter in place" order that followed, I know the trauma of that day is still with all of us. Please note there are a number of important differences between what happened then and what we're asking for now. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities will still be open. First responders, journalists, and those working to end the pandemic and make masks or PPEs are considered essential personnel and will continue to work. You can see a full list of essential services here.

It's critically important that all of us, to the greatest extent we can, practice extensive social distancing in order to help prevent COVID-19 from overwhelming our healthcare system. My team and I have compiled some resources below to help everyone get through this challenging time.

We will continue sending these updates and resources on Tuesdays and Fridays, so as to not overwhelm you and your inboxes. Please remember that my team and I are fully up and running remotely, and we are here to help you! Please call (617) 722-1555 or email me at Becca.Rausch@masenate.gov if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch


The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full content follow this link:   https://mailchi.mp/7e9a5745f5f1/covid19-update-12272098?e=0c2c9810fe

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #6

FHS' Lupien, Rudolph, Woelfel, Schirduan recognized as Hockomock League Gymnastics all stars

The Franklin High School selections for the Hockomock League Gymnastics all stars are shared here.

Below are the official 2020 Hockomock League Gymnastics All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP
Lindsay Robinson, North Attleboro

Hockomock League All Stars
Kate Rudolph, Franklin
Caroline Woelfel, Franklin
Lexi Lupien, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Elizabeth Schirduan, Franklin


For the full listing of gymnastics all-stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-gymnastics-all-stars/

FHS' Lupien, Rudolph, Woelfel, Schirduan recognized as Hockomock League Gymnastics all stars

FHS' Carlucci, Sauer, Sackley, Walker, Nawn recognized as Hockomock League Wrestling all stars

The Franklin High School selections for the Hockomock League Wrestling all stars are shared here.

Below are the official 2020 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP - Kelley-Rex
CJ Glaropoulos, Mansfield

Hockomock League All Stars - Kelley-Rex Division
Jake Carlucci, Franklin
Ken Sauer, Franklin
Dominic Sackley, Franklin
Matt Walker, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Dylan Nawn, Franklin

For the full listing of Hockomock League wrestling all-stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-wrestling-all-stars/

FHS' Carlucci, Sauer, Sackley, Walker, Nawn recognized as Hockomock League Wrestling all stars

Earth day clean up at DelCarte - April 25 - Canceled

"It is with mixed emotion I announce the cancellation of the Earth Day Clean Up at DelCarte scheduled for Saturday, April 25.  

The Conservation Commission fully understands the current situation with COVID-19 and the effect it is having on all in Franklin and around the world.

We will not place any resident at risk for the sake of any event.

We hope to celebrate Earth Day next year and will make best efforts in the meantime to keep DelCarte one of the Town's Crown Jewels.

We wish you all good health.


William Batchelor

Chairman
Conservation Commission

Shared from the Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2566887723581238/

the floating walkway at DelCarte recently

Once Upon A Town: Bob Catalano World War II Veteran (video)

Eamon McCarthy Earls interviews Bob Catalano 

"World War II veteran, Bob Catalano, recalls growing up in Franklin, Massachusetts, serving in the Navy, working for GM, and a fire in 2012 that nearly consumed his house--some of the key memories from a life spanning nine decades."

Video link = https://youtu.be/FIhQVt5OTVg

In the News: college refund plans monitored; delay of local elections due to COVID-19

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

Monitoring of college refund plans amid coronavirus underway

"With many college students now learning remotely off-campus or while living with their families, refunding the room and board payments for those students while they’re away is going to be a “huge issue,” according to the House chair of the Higher Education Committee.

But, state Rep. Jeffrey Roy said, it’s not one where there’s necessarily an across-the-board solution.

The new online learning surge is one of the cascading effects flowing from the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s being driven by the fact that thousands of students were abruptly sent packing from campuses mid-semester.

Massachusetts is home to more than 100 colleges and universities, including the state’s 15 community colleges, which do not have on-campus housing, nine public universities and the five-campus University of Massachusetts system.

Dorm and meal payments are unique to each school, and campus officials will need to consider the needs of their student populations as well as their own budgetary dynamics as they make unprecedented decisions around whether and how to reimburse room and board for off-campus time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200324/ag-roy-healey-monitoring-college-refund-plans-amid-coronavirus

MA allows delay of local elections due to COVID-19

"Towns can postpone local elections this spring to help residents avoid the coronavirus, thanks to a law signed Monday night by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Spring is local election season for towns throughout Massachusetts, and town officials have been keeping a wary eye on the trajectory of the pandemic as the time to cast ballots – not typically an action associated with worldwide social distancing recommendations – looms closer.

Elections scheduled on or before May 30 may be postponed, according to a notice from the Secretary of State’s Office, and ballots printed with the original date may be used. Elections must be held by June 30.

Several voting rights activists praised the idea, but criticized the law for not going far enough."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200324/massachusetts-allows-delay-of-local-elections

Business & Employee Support during COVID-19 Restrictions

The Town of Franklin recognizes the impact the COVID-19 restrictions and closures are having on businesses and their employees. We have compiled a list of resources to guide you through the changing landscape. This document will be updated as new information and updates become available.

● Department of Unemployment Insurance (Department of Labor Relations). Read all of the information, latest updates and apply for unemployment assistance here
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

Find the unemployment application here
https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online

● Guidance and Directives for Businesses & Employers: Updated information regarding unemployment resources can be found here:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-guidance-and-directives#businesses-&-employers-


● The Rapid Response Program works closely with companies to avoid layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry. To find out more about how the Rapid Response Team can help businesses visit this link: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rapid-response-layoff-aversion

● SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available statewide. Massachusetts received approval for the disaster declaration for small businesses and private non-profits to apply for the SBA EIDL loan program. Visit the SBA’s Disaster guidance web page: www.sba.gov/disaster Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications to mail in forms here https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

● MA Growth Capital Corporation:$10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. Loans are immediately available to eligible businesses with no payments due for the first 6 months. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has capitalized on the fund and will administer it. Here is a link:
https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/emergency-loan-funds/covid-19-loan-fund
How to Apply: Please complete the application found on MGCC’s website, EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org.

● The IRS extended the tax deadline to July 15, 2020. Find details here
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed

● The Center for Disease Control: CDC’s Guidance for Business during the
COVID-19 Outbreak  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.htm

● Massachusetts Department of Revenue COVID-19 Information: Important updates from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/important-covid-19-coronavirus-response-update-from-dor

● The Federal Reserve Board announced a Market Mutual Liquidity Fund
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200320b.htm

● Bulletin 2020-05; Flexibility in the Issuance and Administration of Insurance during COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Public Health Crisis; Issued 3/23/2020
https://www.mass.gov/news/bulletin-2020-05-flexibility-in-the-issuance-and-administration-of-insurance-during-covid-19

● Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office: Resources during COVID-19 Outbreak https://www.mass.gov/guides/resources-during-covid-19

● National Grid Information for Business customers regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak https://www.nationalgridus.com/COVID-19


Shared from the Town of Franklin page:  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Business & Employee Support during COVID-19 Restrictions