We are continuing to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and will continue to work closely with local, state, and federal officials. We have developed a list of resources for municipal officials, businesses, workers, and Island community members regarding COVID-19. The information is to assist and support Island towns, businesses, workers, and members of the public who have been impacted by the Coronavirus. We will continue to provide updates as the situation changes and new information becomes available. Please bear in mind that COVID-19 Global Health Crisis is constantly changing.
The MVC is monitoring the situation and information provided by the World Health Organization, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and the Centers for Disease Control.
To sign up to receive text alerts with the latest information from the MA Department of Public Health, text COVIDMA to 888-777.
All Island towns have issued Stay In Place Orders:
If you need help to navigate the many state and federal resources and programs that have been rolled out in response to the COVID -19 Pandemic, please contact Christine Flynn, Economic Development & Affordable Housing Planner.
Public Press Releases:
- Latest Massachusetts Info on COVID-19
- Governor Baker's STAY AT HOME ORDER This order takes effect at noon March 24th and continues to noon, April 7th.
- Additional Info related to the Stay at Home Order: Assemblage Guidance and Essential Services List
- Dukes County COVID-19 Information
- Martha's Vineyard Emergency Response Team Press Releases
Call 2-1-1 (landline or cellphone) for latest info on prevention, symptoms, testing, treatment, and travel guidance. 150 Languages are supported thru this call line. Live chat 2-1-1 chat is available online.
Public Health Information:
- MV Boards of Health -- Island Town's Health Department Contact Info:
- Aquinnah: [email protected]
- Chilmark: [email protected]
- Edgartown: [email protected]
- Oak Bluffs: [email protected]
- Tisbury: [email protected]
- West Tisbury: [email protected]
- Massachuesetts Department of Public Health
- Guidance on Preparing Workplace for COVID-19 provided by OSHA
- The CDC Center for Disease Control
- American Red Cross: Safety Tips and Blood Drives (search by zip code)
- The World Health Organization
Business and Workforce Information (unemployment assistance, business loans, tax payments etc)
Local
- MV Chamber of Commerce
- MassHire Cape & Islands Worforce Board - get answers to how to file for unemployment
State
- Small Business Recover Loan Fund
- State's COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses
- COVID-19 Loan Fund thru the MA Growth Capital Coorporation
- Tax Relief for Local Businesses
- State program assisting with unemployment insurence payments for employers and employees
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans per the MA Small Business Development Center Network
Federal
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans per the US program. Two Millilon Dollars in emergency loan capital is available; Rates capped at 3.75%
- IRS Guidance on deferring tax payments due
- Artists, Musicians, and Performers impacted by COVID-19: Resource Guide Complete the Survey
- Additional assistance resources for Artists, Musicians, & Performers
Housing - Mortgage Payments & Rentals
- IRS Guidance on deferring tax payments due
- MA State's proposed legislation to defer mortgage payments for 90 days and rental payments for 60 days without fear of eviction.