Below is a press release from State Rep. Dave Robertson:
BOSTON, MA — With another week passing us by, Massachusetts has seen some tentative good news. Despite reaching the 16,000 mark of diagnosed cases, indications point towards a plateau and even a slight drop with respect to the rate of infection. With continued vigilance and observation of safety, together we will continue to push this trend in the right direction together. The Governor’s reopening task force is also underway, and is compromised of leading health experts, municipal officials, and business leaders. Listed below, for easy reference, is a congregation of important policy changes and updates that may be of help for you. As always, my office is fully operational and will do our best to assist with anything from health insurance to unemployment to Small Business Loan Assistance.
This week, thanks to our local Small Business Administration office and Chamber of Commerce, we received important updates and information on the Economic Injury Disaster Loans. For those of you who have filed an EIDL loan, it will be processed as long as it was received before the deadline. If you run an agricultural or food-production business, applications have been reopened for you though they remain closed to all others. In the interim it is highly suggested to apply through your local lender for the Paycheck Protection Program as well, as business owners may apply for both the EIDL and PPP simultaneously. If you have applied for the PPP and are not receiving the help you need from your bank, or if you need a vendor that does not require a pre-existing relationship, please let us know so that we may request assistance from offices above your local branch or provide you a referral. It is also advisable to apply for PPP via multiple lenders, as while only one application will ultimately be approved multiple submissions are allowed through different vendors. Lastly, with thanks to Nancy Vallee of the Chamber of Commerce for publicizing this far and wide, it is advisable for anyone with an EIDL confirmation number beginning with a “2” to reapply. If your confirmation number begins with a “3” you should be in good standing with the SBA. The Chamber of Commerce is always a great resource for local businesses – and while their priority is their chamber members Nancy has graciously offered to help answer common question any local businesses with her expertise.
As many may have seen, the Governor has now mandated the use of face masks within grocery stores, pharmacies, and other areas within close proximity such as public transit. Studies across the US and around the world show that the use of such masks in severely curtailing the spread and protects those with high blood pressure, breathing complications, and diabetes who are in a higher risk category if infected. It is not expected of one to wear a mask when outside their own home or isolated, but we ask that you don protection before interacting with others regardless if it is only one other. By breaking the chain of infection you may be saving someone’s life.
Local industry has also stepped up with helping produce and distribute PPE across the state. One of the leading potential cures of the COVID-19 outbreak as well will be manufactured at the Pfizer facility in Andover. While previous vaccinations exposed the body to antigens, molecules present on viruses or bacteria, which caused the body to develop antibodies the proposed COVID-19 vaccination contains mRNA. MRNA, if successful, instead will instruct the body to manufacture COVID-19 antibodies without exposure to antigens required.
With rapid changes occurring daily I look forward to updating everyone with even more good news in the coming days. In the meantime please do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance, and be safe and healthy.
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