Question 1

Will I get a break on my rent payments if I lose my job in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

The {local_full_state} Housing Court has suspended eviction proceedings in the state. In addition, the Department of Housing and Community Development has posted a page of resources, including rental assistance programs on its website. If you are unable to pay rent for reasons related to the pandemic, start by calling your landlord. They may be willing to make rent arrangements with you. Additional help may be available from a housing office in {local_city} or nearby.

Question 2

Will I get a break on my mortgage payments if I lose my job in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

The {local_full_state} Division of Banks has issued guidance directing all lenders to work with borrowers to defer mortgage payments. Borrowers with federally-backed loans may qualify for forbearance. In addition, the Housing Court has suspended foreclosure actions in {local_full_state}. Contact your lender if you are unable to make your mortgage payments for COVID-19-related reasons.

Question 3

If my landlord is trying to evict me in Massachusetts, will that process move forward?

Accepted Answer

The {local_full_state} Housing Court has suspended eviction proceedings in the state, as has a bill passed by the legislature. If you are unable to pay rent for reasons related to the pandemic, start by calling your landlord. They may be willing to make rent arrangements with you. Additional help may be available from a housing office that serves {local_city} or your community.{local_ab_cv_state_hud_local_ha}

Question 4

Are Massachusetts public schools planning to reopen for fall 2020?

Accepted Answer

Officials in {local_full_state} are making plans for a return to classroom education this fall—with signifacant mitigation measures in place.

Question 5

Will Massachusetts public schools still offer distance learning in fall 2020?

Accepted Answer

It is likely that students and families will have the option to forgo in-person instruction in favor of distance learning in {local_full_state}.

Question 6

Will I get an extension on my Massachusetts taxes?

Accepted Answer

Personal income tax returns in {local_full_state} are now due three months later, on July 15, 2020.

Question 7

How many weeks will I receive unemployment benefits in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Typically, claimants in {local_full_state} may be eligible for 26 to 30 weeks of full unemployment benefits. Federal extended benefits may increase the number of weeks of eligibility.

Question 8

Can I move into a new apartment or home in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Real estate and moving services are listed among essential services in the {local_full_state} order. While it appears that moving is permitted because of this order, you should consult local authorities before taking any action.

Question 9

If I own a small business, how can I get financial support in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

There are several state and federal programs offering financial assistance to businesses in {local_full_state} at this time. The state has compiled a page of online resources and guidance for businesses affected by the pandemic. To explore more-local resources, contact the chamber of commerce in {local_city} or another nearby community.

Question 10

Where can I find school tutors near me in Sterling?

Accepted Answer

If your child needs assistance with homework, essays, tests, or help adjusting to remote learning, here are some tutors available in the {local_city} area:
{cakephp_/gp/geo_search/keyword:Test Preparation & Tutoring Services|Learning Centers/show:3/}

Question 11

Where can I donate blood in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Blood donation centers are in need of your help due to the pandemic. Click here for a list of blood-drives in and around {local_city_state}.

Question 12

What medication should I take to alleviate my symptoms if I become sick with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Over-the-counter medications that help alleviate COVID-19 symptoms include:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Cough syrup

Question 13

How can I support local small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic?

Accepted Answer

From restaurants to small business venues, many local businesses throughout the country are being forced to temporarily shutter due to the coronavirus outbreak. For many of these businesses, this shutdown will cause great financial strain. Here are a few of ways you can continue to (safely) support the businesses in your community:

If restaurants in your area are offering takeout and delivery, order a meal.
When you do buy from those restaurants, tip those service workers well if you are able.
If you have the extra funds, make a financial donation to a local business that has had to close during this time.
Buy gift cards to local businesses such as restaurants and hair salons so you can use them at a later date.

Question 14

Are children considered high-risk if they become sick with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Studies from the CDC have found that younger children are less likely to get severely ill from complications due to COVID-19. It has been reported that children experience milder symptoms. Regardless, it is best to practice the same precautions with your kids.

Question 15

Does COVID-19 spread from food ordered through takeout and delivery?

Accepted Answer

As a result of local government orders, many restaurants (with the ability) have shifted exclusively to takeout and delivery orders. This now raises the question: Is it safe to order takeout food? Many virologists say that is it very low risk to contract the virus through food or food packaging. While some studies suggest that the virus can survive on surfaces like plastic for several hours, that was in a controlled experimental space. Environmental factors (temperature, exposure to sunlight, etc.) also contribute to how long the virus will survive on a surface. The safest thing to do would be to wash your hands before eating (and you should be doing that anyway!).

Question 16

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of COVID-19 vary from person to person, but the CDC reports the following as the symptoms most characteristic of the illness:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Others have reported experiencing:

Fatigue
Body aches
Headaches
Sore throat
Loss of smell and taste

Question 17

How long does coronavirus survive on fabric?

Accepted Answer

Numerous coronavirus surface survival studies have come out over the past few weeks. There are a number of factors that come into play in determining the virus' viability when it comes to surfaces including things like surface type and environmental conditions. Studies of the SARS virus from 2005 indicated that even with a higher virally-loaded droplet, cotton and paper material made the virus inactive relatively swiftly. It can be assumed that the novel coronavirus will behave the same way, so it is unlikely to survive very long on your clothing fabric.

Question 18

Can coronavirus survive in my hair or facial hair?

Accepted Answer

Similarly to clothing, you should not be so worried about viral particles being stuck in your hair or facial hair if you are practicing social distancing.

Question 19

Should I wash my clothes after coming home from the grocery store?

Accepted Answer

As long as you are doing your best to practice social distancing and you are keeping grocery store trips to a minimum, it's not imperative that you change or wash your clothes after returning from the grocery store. Viral droplets are the cause of coronavirus transmission, but they are likely to fall to the ground rather than stick to your clothing. Just remember to wash or sanitize your hands after you have left the store.

Question 20

Where can I donate personal protective equipment (PPE) in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

{local_full_state} is coordinating PPE donations at the state level. Visit the PPE Procurement and Donation Program website for more information. A hospital that serves {local_city}, or your area, may also accept donations directly.

Question 21

Can someone handling my food at the store give me the virus?

Accepted Answer

Most experts are reporting that it is unlikely that you will catch the virus through food handlers at the grocery store but this research is still in development.

Question 22

Should I change my clothes as soon as I arrive home from the grocery store?

Accepted Answer

At this point there is little scientific evidence to support that the virus is transmitted through clothing though the study of the virus' survival on surfaces is relatively new. To be safe, you can throw your clothes in the laundry which would kill the virus if it were on your clothing.

Question 23

What extra steps should I take in washing raw fruits and vegetables?

Accepted Answer

Don't use any extra harsh chemicals for cleaning your raw fruits and vegetables. Simply soak and wash your produce in water.

Question 24

Can I get COVID-19 from eating contaminated food?

Accepted Answer

The FDA has reported that so far, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 through contaminated food. Aside from cleaning your produce as you normally would, there is not much to be concerned about regarding the virus' transmission through food. If a sick person did cough or sneeze directly on the food you are consuming, then you would be at higher risk of contracting it.

Question 25

When I get home, how should I handle my plastic/paper shopping bags or food packaging?

Accepted Answer

According to the CDC, you are much more likely to get exposed to the virus from a sick individual than from a contaminated surface. While you may take the extra precaution to wipe down your groceries, it is not totally necessary. You should be cleaning raw fruits, vegetables, and other produce as you normally would.

Question 26

If I am part of an at-risk group, should I try to go to the grocery store during special senior hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes, senior hours are designated for those who are senior, pregnant, immunocompromised or have any other underlying health conditions as to avoid large crowds of people.

Question 27

Should I bring wipes with me to the grocery store?

Accepted Answer

To take the extra precaution of wiping down shopping cart handles and basket handles, bringing disinfectant wipes to the grocery store is a good idea.

Question 28

Is it safe to go to the grocery store?

Accepted Answer

While it is best to stay at home as much as possible, a trip to the grocery store is inevitable. Here are a few tips for staying safe and smart in the grocery store:

Maintain a 6-foot distance between you and other shoppers.
Wipe down shopping cart handles and shopping baskets with a disinfectant wipe.
Shop during senior hours if you are a senior, pregnant, immunocompromised or have any other underlying health conditions.
Wear disposable gloves and a homemade mask.
Use self-checkout.
Wash your hands.

Question 29

Will I get a break on my student loan payments if I lose my job due to coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

The CARES Act which was signed into law on March 27, 2020 will provide federal student loan relief to borrowers. Between March 13, 2020 and September 30, 2020, federal student loan borrowers' will be placed in an administrative forbearance and therefore will not have to make payments. If you choose to, you can still make payments. For more details, visit the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website.

Question 30

How can I exercise indoors during the coronavirus pandemic?

Accepted Answer

If you are unable to get outdoors to local hiking trails or jog in your neighborhood, there are a number of resources online for at-home workouts. Consult blogs and YouTube videos for helpful tips on staying fit at home with anything from basic no-equipment full body training to relaxing YouTube yoga routines. Here are a few great resources:

Question 31

How do I apply for unemployment if I lose my job due to coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

In order to receive unemployment insurance benefits, you must file a claim with your state's unemployment insurance program (the state in which you were employed). The claim filing process will vary depending on the state. Consult your local government resources for more details.

Question 32

What does it mean to go into isolation?

Accepted Answer

Isolation differs from quarantine because it describes the action taken by someone who is already sick. Isolation is made to keep infected people away from those who are healthy.

Question 33

Am I allowed to visit my friends?

Accepted Answer

In order to abide by the social distancing rules and group gathering limits many states have enacted, it is best to avoid hanging out with groups of friends if they are not members of your household. If you must see your friends, make sure you are doing so from a safe distance (6 feet).

Question 34

When will I be receiving my stimulus check?

Accepted Answer

Stimulus checks should be arriving by mid-April.

Question 35

Am I eligible for a stimulus check and how much money will I receive?

Accepted Answer

Here are the groups that are eligible for the full $1,200 stimulus payment:

Individual tax filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000
Married couples who are joint tax filers with an adjusted gross income of $150,000

Filers with a gross income above that threshold will see the payment reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 threshold.

Single filers with a gross income above $99,000 and joint filers above $198,000 (without children) are not eligible for any payment.

Question 36

Will I get an extension on my federal taxes?

Accepted Answer

As of March 21, the IRS extended Tax Day from April 15 to July 15.

Question 37

What should I bring with me if I go hiking during the coronavirus pandemic?

Accepted Answer

Even if you're going on a short hike, it's always smart to be prepared while hikingregardless of the current global health situation. A few things to consider bringing with you on your hike:

Water
Snacks
Sunscreen and insect repellant
Hand sanitizer

Question 38

How can I safely practice social distancing while hiking?

Accepted Answer

Hiking and getting outdoors is a great way to stay healthy and relax your mind during this pandemic. But there are a few important things to remember before you step out on the trails:

Check to make sure your local trails are still open. Due to overcrowding some trails, parks, and other state lands have shut down.
If a trail is still open but seems overcrowded, try another trail.
Keep your distance from other people while you're hiking. Make sure you are still following the 6-foot social distancing rule.

Question 39

What is the fatality rate of COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

These numbers are changing constantly, and experts still do not fully understand the scope of this virus, so a verified fatality rate is uncertain at this time.

Question 40

Should I cancel or postpone my travel plans?

Accepted Answer

Whether you cancel or postpone your travel plans is up to you. With travel restrictions and country-wide lockdowns all over the world, it is likely best to either push back your travel plans to a later date or cancel them all together. Consult hotels, airlines, and travel agencies for more information on how to proceed.

Question 41

Should I make my own hand sanitizer?

Accepted Answer

It is not recommended. The FDA stated that because there is no verifiable information on what methods are being used to prepare these DIY hand sanitizers, they can't ensure the ingredients are safe.

Question 42

What type of household disinfectants kill coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

When disinfecting your home, it's important to use EPA-registered products. Those products include common disinfectants from brands such as Clorox, Lysol, and Purell. Consult the EPA website for the full list: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Question 43

Is COVID-19 worse than the flu?

Accepted Answer

While influenza and COVID-19 are similar in their symptoms and transmission, there are a few important distinctions to make:

Treatment Currently, there is no vaccine available for COVID-19. For the flu, a vaccine is available to prevent severe symptoms of the most dangerous strains of the flu.
Fatality Rate While numbers are ever-changing, stats seem to be indicating that the fatality rate of COVID-19 is higher than most flus but it is unclear at this time. Generally, the seasonal flu fatality rate in the U.S. is under 1%.

Question 44

What does it mean to quarantine yourself?

Accepted Answer

During the novel coronavirus outbreak, quarantine is for people who are not showing any symptoms but were exposed to the virus. The purpose of quarantine is to keep yourself away from others and decrease the risk of spreading illness, in case you do have it.

Question 45

Can I catch COVID-19 from a package delivered to my house in the mail?

Accepted Answer

It is unlikely. The World Health Organization reported that your chances of catching COVID-19 from a package is low as it has moved and traveled through a variety of different environments and conditions to get to you. For peace of mind, properly dispose of the packaging you receive and wash your hands after touching it.

Question 46

How long does coronavirus survive on surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Because observation of the novel coronavirus is still so new, it's difficult to say exactly how long the virus survives on surfaces. The virus' surface survival is also greatly dependent on the material of the surface. Preliminary studies suggest that the virus can survive on surfaces from anywhere between a few hours to several days.

Question 47

Can dogs become infected with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Outside the United States, it has been reported that a number of dogs and cats have contracted COVID-19 after close contact with sick people. The human to animal transmission of COVID-19 is not yet fully understood but if you do become sick, it is best to limit contact with pets and other animals as a safety precaution.

Question 48

Should I wear a mask to protect myself from COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

The CDC is now recommending that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain (such as the grocery store or pharmacy). It is important that face coverings are cloth and homemade as surgical masks and N-95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for medical professionals. Recent studies have revealed that many asymptomatic (no symptoms) and pre-symptomatic (before symptoms manifest) people are spreading the virus. A cloth face covering is designed to protect others from you, should you have the virus and not realize it.

Question 49

Can you become sick with COVID-19 twice?

Accepted Answer

As much of the information and research regarding the novel coronavirus is new and still developing, there are no definitive answers on whether or not someone can contract COVID-19 twice. If you have already been sick with COVID-19, it is best to continue acting as if you could contract it again because the full scope of the virus is not yet understood.

Question 50

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

There is not currently a vaccine for the novel coronavirus

Question 51

When should I go to the hospital if I develop symptoms of COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

It has been reported that most cases of COVID-19 are mild. If you are only experiencing mild symptoms, you should isolate at home. If your condition worsens and you begin experiencing the following symptoms, you should seek additional medical attention:

Difficulty breathing
Chest pain or pressure
Confusion
Blue lips or face

Question 52

What is social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Social distancing is a preventative measure that involves creating physical distance between people in order to avoid the transmission of an illness. In the case of the novel coronavirus, it is recommended to keep a six-foot distance from other people.

Question 53

Who is considered high-risk if they become sick with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Factors that put you at high-risk for experiencing more severe complications from the novel coronavirus include:

Age Those aged 65 years and older are at higher risk
Chronic lung disease or asthma
Heart conditions
Immunocompromising conditions (cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplants, immune system deficiencies, immune weakening medications, etc.)
Severe obesity
Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease and those undergoing dialysis
Liver disease
Pregnant women

In addition to these conditions, those who are living in nursing facilities or are experiencing homelessness are also at higher risk for significant complications from COVID-19.

Question 54

What does community spread mean?

Accepted Answer

Community spread defines the spread of an illness from an unknown source. In the case of the novel coronavirus, when someone becomes ill and had no known contact with a sick individual or someone who recently traveled outside of the country, it is deemed a case of community spread.

Question 55

How does COVID-19 spread?

Accepted Answer

The most common way that novel coronavirus spreads is from person-to-person and it does so in the following ways:

When people are in close contact
When respiratory droplets from a sick individual (sneezes, coughing, saliva from walking close to someone) are inhaled or ingested by a healthy individual.

The virus can also spread through contaminated surfaces and objects. Because it is uncertain exactly how long the coronavirus lasts on certain surfaces, the best practice is to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.

Question 56

If I do not have health insurance, can I get support if I become sick with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

While the cost for diagnostic testing for coronavirus is now covered through recently-passed legislation, treatment for COVID-19 is more complicated. If you do not have health insurance or you have recently lost your coverage due to unemployment, consult government resources to see what next steps are available to you.

Question 57

What should I do if someone in my household becomes sick with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

As most cases of the novel coronavirus are mild, the best thing for a patient to do is recover at home. If someone in your household become ill, the first step to take is to isolate them away from other members of your household and have them wear a mask if they must be around others. In caring for this sick person, you should:

Monitor their symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath. If difficulty breathing becomes severe, they will need additional emergency medical attention.
Treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications such as fever reducers like acetaminophen.
Make sure this sick person is staying hydrating and resting often.

Some additional steps to take to avoid the spread of the virus within your home:

Don't share personal household items, if possible (dishes, plates, bedding, etc.)
Avoid sharing the same bathroom, if possible
Disinfect commonly touched surfaces (countertops, doorknobs, etc.)
Don't invite visitors into your home
Wash your hands frequently

Question 58

Does it cost money to get a COVID-19 test?

Accepted Answer

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was signed into law on March 18, ensures that no American will have to pay for any services related to COVID-19 diagnostic testing.

Question 59

How can I avoid getting sick with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

The novel coronavirus is most commonly spread when someone comes into contact with a sick person, so it is best to avoid those who are exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19. A significant number of people are displaying very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, so it is also best to avoid close contact with anyone outside of your household by practicing the 6-foot social distancing rule. Make sure you are also washing your hands frequently and disinfecting surfaces.

Question 60

If I become sick with COVID-19, how long will it last?

Accepted Answer

Experts indicate that in mild COVID-19 cases, patients will take between 1-2 weeks to recovery. For severe cases, recovery time could be six weeks or longer.

Question 61

Has student standardized testing been cancelled in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. {local_full_state} has received the required federal waiver, but the legislature has not granted authority to waive the assessments.

Question 62

Will schools in Sterling still be providing lunch for students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. {local_full_state} has received a USDA waiver allowing districts like those in {local_city} to serve meals to children during the closure. Check with your school district for details on meal sites.

Question 63

Will schools in Massachusetts have to be open in the summer to make up for closings now?

Accepted Answer

Probably not. The {local_full_state} Education Commissioner has indicated that the school year will likely not be extended.

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