MHAC is continuing to collect and share updates on COVID-19 from state government, federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control, and other key stakeholders. Please see the latest updates below:
- Massachusetts Issues Policies and Procedures Restricting Visitors to Nursing Homes and Rest Homes to Reduce Risk of Coronavirus
The Baker-Polito Administration released policies restricting visitors to nursing homes and rest homes in order to protect older adults at higher risk for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory illness.
Read the full press release here.
- Baker-Polito Administration Announces $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund
The Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses with a $10 million loan fund to provide financial relief to those that have been affected by COVID-19.
The $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 the fund and will administer it.
Read the full press release here.
- Mass. mandates insurers cover medically necessary telehealth services (Via BBJ)
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has mandated that insurers cover medically necessary telehealth services, to help keep patients with acute illnesses out of the hospital during the coronavirus outbreak.
See the full article from the Boston Business Journal here.
- Stop & Shop Grocery Stores Announce Special Hours for Older Adults
Beginning Thursday, March 19th, all Stop & Shop stores will open earlier in order to service only customers who are age 60 and over from 6:00a.m.-7:30a.m. daily.
The grocery chain is making the decision to offer this every day of the week to allow for community members in this age category to shop in a less crowded environment, which better enables social distancing. They’ll also be shopping prior to any other customers entering.
People ages 60 and up can use a designated entrance, which will be marked at their local store, from 6:00a.m.-7:30a.m. Although we will not be requesting ID for entry, we ask that you please respect the purpose of the early opening – and do the right thing for your neighbors. Store associates do reserve the right to ask customers to leave if they are not a member of this age group.
Read the full press release from Stop & Shop here.