MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND TO SUPPORT RESIDENTS MOST IMPACTED BY CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND TO SUPPORT RESIDENTS MOST IMPACTED BY CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC BOSTON - Monday, March 16, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the formation and launch of the  Boston Resiliency Fund, which will coordinate the City's fundraising and philanthropic efforts to provide essential services to Boston residents whose health and well-being are most immediately impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and assist first responders and critical care providers. The Fund is being launched together with the support of a growing number of private and philanthropic partners, including the Vertex Foundation, Partners HealthCare, Jack Connors, Liberty Mutual, Gross Family Foundation, Bain Capital, John Hancock, John & Cyndy Fish, Mass Mutual and Shah Family Foundation.  "In the face of big challenges, our city shows its true colors. We've been seeing incredible acts of kindness and generosity and the Boston Resiliency Fund is a perfect example of that," said Mayor Walsh. "Through this fund, we are coordinating Boston's philanthropic efforts to support families that are facing the greatest need right now. I want to thank everyone who has already contributed, and look forward to seeing how we will all come together during this critical time of need to support one another." The emerging and immediate priorities of the Boston Resiliency Fund are to provide food to Boston's children and older adults, technology to Boston Public Schools students for remote learning, and support to first responders and health care workers so they can effectively do their jobs. While the Fund is initially focused on basic needs and critical services, the priorities of the Fund will continue to evolve as the COVID-19 situation and the needs of Boston residents change. Over the course of its first day, nearly $10 million has been raised to support the Fund,initiated by a $1 million donation by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.  "While we are facing unprecedented circumstances, we will - through the strength and compassion of our communities and the resilience of our people - find ways to meet the challenges that lay ahead," said Vertex Chairman, President and CEO Jeffrey Leiden MD, PhD. "The Vertex Foundation is honored to support this important initiative, which will help provide local families with much-needed resources during this time of uncertainty and hardship. We are proud to be a part of a community  that has come together to make sure that families in need have somewhere to turn." Other individuals, foundations and corporations making commitments include: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Boston Foundation, Charles River Labs, Dunkin, Elaine Schuster, Gross Family Foundation, Highland Street Foundation, John Hancock, John Rosenthal, John W. Henry Family Foundation, Red Sox Family Foundation, Robert Kraft, The Lynch Foundation, Sarepta, and Steve & Roberta Weiner.  The funds raised will be awarded to nonprofit organizations who provide immediate support and relief to residents of Boston across a spectrum of different needs and priorities. In the coming days, the City will also build a governance structure to inform grantmaking. The City expects grants from this Fund to be made on a rolling basis, beginning within the next few weeks and will share more information about the funding process in the coming weeks, as the fund grows. Updates will be published on boston.gov/boston-resiliency-fund.  The Boston Resiliency Fund will exist within the Boston Charitable Trust, an existing 501(c)(3) designated trust fund managed by the City of Boston's Treasury Department. For more information on how to make a donation, please visit: boston.gov/boston-resiliency-fund. For general inquiries, please email brf@boston.gov.  To protect Bostonians and their families from the spread of the virus, residents are reminded to practice caution: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol; avoid shaking hands; cover your coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; and avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you think you might be sick, please call your doctor or 311 to be connected to the Mayor's Health Line. Residents are also reminded to practice social distancing: keep your distance from others (six feet apart); avoid crowded places.  Residents are asked to not call 9-1-1 unless you are experiencing a medical emergency. The City and BPHC will continue to provide updated information on bphc.org and boston.gov/coronavirus.

川普政府公佈抗疫新建議 撥420億元資助州市地方

The White House • March 16, 2020 15 days to slow the spread This afternoon, President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force issued new guidelines to help protect Americans during the global Coronavirus outbreak. 🎬 President Trump: Taking action now will keep America ahead of the curve The new recommendations are simple to follow but will have a resounding impact on public health. While the President leads a nationwide response, bringing together government resources and private-sector ingenuity, every American can help slow the virus’ spread and keep our most high-risk populations safe: Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.   If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.   If your children are sick, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider.   If someone in your household has tested positive for the Coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.   If you are an older American, stay home and away from other people.   If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition—such as a significant heart or lung disease—stay home and away from other people. Today’s guidelines build on the CDC’s recommendations to help prevent spread of the virus. Americans should continue practicing strict personal hygiene, including washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds at a time and wiping down surfaces in the home regularly. Even if you are young and otherwise healthy, you are at risk—and your activities can increase the risk of contracting the Coronavirus for others. Everyone can do their part. There’s no better way to protect your family and your community than by arming yourself with accurate, up-to-date information. A massive, unprecedented nationwide response President Trump declared a National Emergency in response to the Coronavirus on Friday, freeing up more than $42 billion in resources for states and localities. The emergency declaration will give healthcare providers on the front lines of this pandemic the flexibility they need to respond. President Trump continues to cut through every piece of unnecessary Washington red tape that may hinder response efforts, and he is continuing to make every Federal resource available to those who need it. “I know I speak on behalf of the President and our entire team when I say how grateful we are for governors all across the country and the seamless partnership that we have forged with them and with state health officials,” Vice President Mike Pence said yesterday. “We also want to express great appreciation to the American people. Not surprisingly, it is inspiring to see the way tens of millions of Americans are responding with compassion [and] with common sense.” Kay Coles James: President Trump’s declaration helps mobilize our nation 🎬 VP Pence: No higher priority than the health of the American people Photo of the Day President Trump, joined by Vice President Pence and members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, delivers remarks at a Coronavirus briefing | March 15, 2020

SBA To Provide Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) Up to $2 Million in Disaster Assistance Loans

 

WASHINGTON – SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza issued the following statement today in response to the President’s address to the nation:

“The President took bold, decisive action to make our 30 million small businesses more resilient to Coronavirus-related economic disruptions. Small businesses are vital economic engines in every community and state, and they have helped make our economy the strongest in the world. Our Agency will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the situation. Additionally, the SBA continues to assist small businesses with counseling and navigating their own preparedness plans through our network of 68 District Offices and numerous Resource Partners located around the country. The SBA will continue to provide every small business with the most effective and customer-focused response possible during these times of uncertainty.”

Process for Accessing SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Lending

·       The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.

·       Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

·       SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.

·       Once a declaration is made for designated areas within a state, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to all affected communities.

·       SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

·       These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.

·       SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

·       SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.

For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SUSPENSION OF REGULAR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY, UPCOMING CLOSURES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY CENTERS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SUSPENSION OF REGULAR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY, UPCOMING CLOSURES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY CENTERS

BOSTON - Monday, March 16, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a series of updates relating to construction activity, the Boston Public Library system, and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF). As a reminder, all Boston Public Schools will be closed starting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17 until Monday, April 27, 2020. Should the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency improve on a faster timeline than expected, Mayor Walsh and BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius will look into reopening schools before April 27 if that is what is best for Boston's school communities. "COVID-19 is one of the greatest public health challenges our city has ever faced, and the steps that we take now to mitigate its spread are critical for the wellbeing of our residents," said Mayor Walsh. "We understand these steps are disruptive for our daily lives, and I want to remind everyone that this is a citywide effort that requires everyone to do their part to help us keep our city strong and resilient. I thank all of our residents, especially our first responders and medical staff, our educators, and everyone who is making a difference."  CONSTRUCTION SITES Effective tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, 2020 the City is suspending all regular activity at construction sites in Boston. Employers should maintain the necessary crews to keep their sites safe and secure, keep any materials from blowing away, and prevent trespassing. This work needs to be completed in the next week, by Monday, March 23, 2020. After sites have been secured, skeleton crews will be permitted for the remainder of this suspension to ensure safety. The only work that will be permitted moving forward will be emergency work, which will need to be approved by the City of Boston's Inspectional Services Department.  That essential work includes: Emergency utility, road or building work, such as gas leaks, water leaks and sinkholes; New utility connections to occupied buildings;  Mandated building or utility work; Work at public health facilities, healthcare facilities, shelters, including temporary shelters and other facilities that support vulnerable populations;  Work which ensures the reliability of the transportation network;  Other work necessary to render occupied residential buildings fully habitable. In addition to the list of essential construction projects, the City will, on a case-by-case basis, review requests for exceptions to the temporary construction moratorium.  These may be granted by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services for building-related work or the Commissioner of Public Works for street-related work. These will be granted if they support increased public health and safety.   This policy is effective as of March 17 and will be reviewed at regular intervals. New projects cannot be started at this time, unless they meet the criteria above.  Any currently permitted and active construction project must be in a secure situation by Monday, March 23. This policy only applies to projects permitted by the City of Boston.   BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY As of 6:00 p.m. today, all branches of the Boston Public Library (BPL) system are closed until further notice including the central library in Copley Square. During this time, BPL will expand automatic renewals, and allow people to keep their books and other materials for an additional 15 weeks, instead of the standard three weeks.  All late fines will be waived until May 1, 2020 and library patrons will have until October to renew their library card if it is set to expire. In the coming days and weeks, BPL will increase online services, including ebooks, downloadable movies, audio books, and other information resources. As a part of the City's school closure plan, Chromebooks are being distributed to every student who needs them. Students will be encouraged to make use of the BPL's vast collection of resources during this time.  BOSTON CENTERS FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES All BCYF pools, gyms and fitness centers are closed. By this Wednesday, March 18, 2020, all BCYF programming will be suspended. Only select BCYF centers will be open for youth meal distribution during school closures. For a list of meal distribution locations, go to boston.gov/coronavirus. To protect Bostonians and their families from the spread of the virus, residents are reminded to practice caution: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol; avoid shaking hands; cover your coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; and avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you think you might be sick, please call your doctor or 311 to be connected to the Mayor's Health Line. Residents are also reminded to practice social distancing: keep your distance from others (6 feet apart); avoid crowded places.  Residents are asked to not call 9-1-1 unless you are experiencing a medical emergency. The City and BPHC will continue to provide updated information on bphc.org and boston.gov/coronavirus.  ###

麻州設立1000萬元小企業復原貸款金 最高可貸75,000

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)與參眾議會議長連袂宣佈
撥款1000萬元支持小企業。(州長辦公室提供)

(Boston Orange編譯)查理貝克政府今(16)日下午4點多宣佈，撥款1000萬元，設立小企業復原貸款基金(Small Business Recovery Loan Fund)，支持受新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)打擊的小企業。

這筆1000萬元的小企業復原貸款基金，將為在麻州經營，全職及兼職員工總數在50以下，受COVID-19影響的小企業或非牟利機構，提供最高75,000元的緊急費。

符合資格的小企業可立即獲得貸款，首六個月不須還款。麻州成長資金公司(MGCC)已取得這筆經費，並將負責管理。

查理貝克表示，政府在採取措施保護州民的健康，安全之際，也體認奠定麻州經濟基礎的小企業面對經營困難。這復原貸款基金是幫助受COVID-19影響小企業因應急需的新資源。

  該貸款申請辦法如下:

到MGCC網站(EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org)，填寫申請表。

把填妥的申請表用電子郵件寄到mgcc@massgcc.com，在寄件主旨欄註明: 2020小企業復原貸款基金(2020 Small Business Recovery Loan Fund)。

向MGCC查詢，可發電郵到mgcc@massgcc.com。

            貸款基金細節:  

                         誰符合資格:在麻州經營，受COVID-19影響，全職及兼職員工人數低於50的小企業或非牟利機構。(受到的負面影響須經證實)

                         貸款條件:首六個月不須還款，然後分30個月攤還本金及利息，提前繳付不罰款。

            小企業可申請最高75,000元貸款。

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund

Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 will have access to capital assistance

BOSTON – Today, 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.

“As our administration continues to take steps to protect the health and safety of residents, we recognize the hardships facing the small businesses that create the foundation of the state’s economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This recovery loan fund is a new resource to help small businesses address emergency needs due to the disruption caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Small business owners and their employees are our neighbors and our friends, and their enterprises play vital roles in our communities, and we are committed to helping them cope with the impacts of COVID-19,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As we announce this small business recovery loan fund, we will continue to work with the Legislature and our federal partners to find ways to effectively provide assistance during this public health emergency.”

“Our office remains in regular contact with the state’s business community to provide updates and receive feedback as the administration continues to expand its comprehensive COVID-19 response,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “These new recovery loans complement other resources like the state WorkShare program and federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, as well as legislative efforts by the administration to support impacted workers.”

“MGCC is committed to helping support the Commonwealth’s small businesses through this time,” said Lawrence Andrews, President and CEO of MGCC. “We are proud to offer this fund as it serves our mission to save jobs and promote economic development. All processing and funding will take place online through MGCC staff.”

How to Apply:

Please complete the application found on MGCC’s website, EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org. 

Completed applications can be sent via email to mgcc@massgcc.com with the subject line “2020 Small Business Recovery Loan Fund”.

MGCC can be reached by email: mgcc@massgcc.com

Loan Fund Details:

·        Who Qualifies: Open to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits (negative impact must be verifiable).

·        Terms and Conditions: This fund is being offered with no payments due for the first 6 months, then 30-months of principal and interest payments and no prepayment penalties.

·        Businesses can apply for loans up to $75,000.

About Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation:

MGCC is a quasi-public corporation of the Commonwealth that saves and creates jobs at small businesses, often minority and women-owned businesses, by providing financial services and managerial assistance. MGCC also promotes economic development throughout the state, focusing on Gateway Cities and low- to moderate-income communities. MGCC works with traditional financial institutions to make challenging loans bankable, working with community development corporations and other non-profits to provide financing for job-producing projects, and assisting a wide range of small businesses to find the growth capital they require. Since 2010, MGCC has served over 7,400 small businesses, and positively impacted more than 19,200 jobs with customized working capital financing commitments totaling over $122,000,000. For more information, visit EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org

MBTA17日起縮減服務班次 渡輪停航

            (Boston Orange 編譯)餐館之後，輪到地鐵。MBTA宣佈3月17日起，渡輪停航，地鐵及大部分巴士將縮減班次，照週六時刻表營運。

MBTA表示，縮減服務的安排，將在減少群聚狀況和容許必須上班者仍有交通工具可用的情況中找平衡點。

繼續搭乘地鐵的人，可以預估從Braintree和Ashmont發車的紅線每14分鐘開出一班，因此每7分鐘有一班經過JFKUMass站，橘線每9到11分鐘一班，藍線每13分鐘一班，綠線各分線大約每7到13分鐘一班。和Ashmont紅線車站相連的麥特潘(Mattapan)電車，將每12到26分鐘一班。

巴士的班次會更少些，包括銀線巴士，不過遠程快車路線將保持平日的服務班次。渡輪服務將停止，所有通勤火車(commuter rail)也將縮減服務班次。查詢相關資訊可上網 mbta.com/coronavirus。

紅線仍將為殘障人士及耆英提供正常的到府接送服務。

國際學生最多的東北大學 一學生感染新型冠狀病毒

(Boston Orange 編譯) 東北大學校方週日晚發信通知學生及教職員，一名學生新型冠狀病毒檢測呈陽性，成為該校首名COVID-19推定陽性患者。

該名學生在春假結束後，於3月9日回到波士頓，從3月12日起已在校外住所開始隔離。波市衛生局人員在他的醫院檢測結果呈陽性後，現正尋找有哪些人在這段期間和他接觸過。

是否算是COVID-19確診，得等聯邦疾病防治中心(CDC)確認，可能還要好幾天才知道。

            東北大學是全美國際學生最多的大學之一，全校約有學生22.000名，其中約14,000名為大學部學生。2018年時，該校約有國際學生7,059人，來自至少50個不同國家，中國大陸約3,000人，印度約2,100人，台灣約166人。

校方表示週四起，所有課程將轉網授。學校也正在不斷的消毒所有學校場地及公共空間。

麻州COVID-19病例增至164宗 45宗確診 108宗和Biogen會議有關