Important and Frequently asked questions

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Answers

Information

1. What’s the latest on coronavirus?
   • The infection case counts and mortalities are increasing in our city, state, and country.
   • Advisory: Stay 6-feet away from others; avoid shared surfaces and objects — wash your hands thoroughly if you touch either; stay home if you’re sick; if it gets difficult call your doctor; if you think it may be COVID-19 (the disease that results from Coronavirus infection with the following symptoms: dry cough, shortness of breath, fever) call 2-1-1
   • More…
2. Any advice from EBNHC?
   1. Yes. Here’s the advice from EBNHC.
3. Is the T running?
   • It is, on reduced schedule.
4. Official City of Boston update
   • All schools shut down till April 17. Restaurants, bars, clubs, closed (except for takeout & delivery. More…
5. Official State of Massachusetts update
   • Check out the state’s Coronavirus response website.
6. Official US update
   • Check out the US Coronavirus Response.
7. What am I required to do?
   • Nothing. (That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything though)
8. What should I do if I develop symptoms?
   • if you think it may be COVID-19 (dry cough, shortness of breath, fever) call 2-1-1
9. We are taking the advice to quarantine voluntarily. Any idea what we can do when we are at home?
   • Join Eastie Care Network. Lots of ideas there.
10. I see price-gauging. Where do I report?
Report to Better Business Bureau
11. How can I help?
    1. Sign up on Mutual Aid Eastie.
    2. Donate to local non-profits
    3. Donate to Coronavirus-specific funds that are city or region-wide:
       1. CaronaVirus Rapid Response Fund by New England Grassroots Environment Fund
       2. Boston Resiliency Fund
       3. Relief Fund by Union Capital
12. Does my documentation status matter when I go for Coronavirus test or treatment?
    1. No. Here’s more information from USCIS.
13. Are certain races more vulnerable to coronavirus? Can people who completed isolation transmit the virus to others?
    1. Glad you asked. Here are somefacts about Coronavirus that you should definitely know
14. What’s the status of civil rights in this situation?
    1. Here’s the answer from the Lawyers for Civil Rights

Food

Note all sites for serving school students are also serving adults.

1. Where can school children get food, since the schools are closed?

Any Massachusetts resident of any age can call Project Bread’s Food Hotline.

Food Service Locations (3/17/2020 onwards) for school-aged children and youth

Map of Meal Sites in Boston

FOOD FOR ALL SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN (GRAB AND GO)

Public School Students

Orient Heights Community Center	38 Vallar Road East Boston, MA 02128	8:00 AM – 12:00PM
Martin Pino BCYF	86 Boardman St. East Boston, MA 02128	9:00 AM – 3:00PM
Salesian Boys/Girls Club	150 Byron St, East Boston, MA 02128	8:00 AM – 12:00PM
East Boston High School	86 White St, East Boston, MA 02128	8:30AM – 11:30AM
YMCA @ East Boston – Bremen Street From 4/20 serving adults (vegetarian) From 4/27 serving more adult meals (meat + veg)	215 Bremen St. East Boston, MA 02128	8:00 AM – 12:00PM
Paris Street BCYF	112 Paris St, East Boston, MA 02128	9:00 AM – 3:00PM

Charter Schools Students

For Brooke Charter school students in East Boston, meals can be picked up from the Salesian Boys & Girls Club at 150 Byron Street from 8am-12pm. More information can be found on their website.

For Excel Academy students in East Boston, meals can be picked up from Excel Academy High School at 401 Bremen Street on the following schedule:

• Last names A – I pick up from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Last names J – Q pick up from 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
• Last names R – Z pick up from 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

Students must be present for pickup. Families who are unable to pick up meals may text “EXCEL” to 617-466-9384 for delivery logistics. Parents may also reach out to Rita Andrade or Estevan Puerta at 617-970-5355.

Families:
Crossroads Family Shelter: Sun and Wednesdays 3-4pm
Grace Church Food Pantry: Saturday 10-12

Childcare

1. What should we do with the children all day?
   • There are quite a few ideas being discussed on Eastie Care Network. Join to get ideas and share ideas.
2. How do I talk to my children about coronavirus?
   • The CDC has some guidance

Financial

1. Can I get paid sick time off?
   • Most of us can.

1. Can I claim unemployment insurance?
   • Yes. There is no wait period. You can apply now.
2. Since my business has been asked to close, is there any relief I can get?
   • Relief is on its way. Boston has set up a Resiliency Fund. The state and federal governments are likely to provide their own solutions in the coming days/weeks.
   • Also fill and submit this form if your business has been hurt by the Coronavirus (or by any government actions in response to the virus). If enough businesses submit this form, it will trigger the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program of the US Small Business Association. You will be contacted once the program is activated.
3. Can I get an urgent business loan and not have to pay for the first 6 months?
   • Yes. Apply to the 2020 small business recovery loan fund, if you have fewer than 50 full- or part-time employees. No payment due for the first 6 months.
4. My employer has closed shop as required by the government. Will I get paid?
   • This is a question for the employer based on your existing contract and any insurance policies you and/or the employer has. If not, perhaps you can claim unemployment benefits.
5. What’s the city’s plan to financially support people suffering due to income loss?
   • The city has set up a fund.

Resources

1. I need something/I can offer something. Whom should I tell?
   • Neighbor-to-Neighbor Support System: Mutual Aid Eastie
2. Can I chat with neighbors to ask questions or brainstorm some ideas with?
   • Neighbor-to-Neighbor communication: Eastie Care Network on Slack
3. Anything for families?
   • Yes, there is a family resource guide.
4. Additional Resources
   • These resources are from Representative Madaro’s office
   • Basic information on CoronaVirus (multilingual)
   • Apply for a discounted communication service through the Lifeline program