HR BEST PRACTICES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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TOWN OF BOURNE
Town Administrator
24 Perry Avenue
Room 101
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
www.townofbourne.com
508.759.0600, Ext. 1308
COVID-19 Weekly Update issued April 10, 2020
As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are providing this weekly update on Town actions to date and share information regarding current operations.
1. Town buildings remain closed to the public until at least May 4, 2020. Public Safety buildings remain open for emergencies and other limited services, however, please call first for the latest information if you have non-emergency business. All town offices remained staffed to answer your questions or address your concerns. Staff can be reached by phone and email daily. Please use the Town Website for department contact information.
a. Thank you to those who are using on-line services for payment of bills and/or the new drop box located at the top of the handicap ramp at the Town Hall’s back entrance. If using the drop box, please make sure checks and other paperwork is in an envelope so that it doesn’t get separated. b. (Update) Public Meetings have started again this week using Zoom meeting as the primary method, but Bourne TV will be broadcasting, streaming and recording many of these as well. Please visit the Town Calendar for the latest meeting information and how the public will have access to the meeting in accordance with the modifications.
2. The Bourne Board of Selectman voted to declare a “State of Local Emergency” on March 17, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That emergency order remains in effect. a. (Update) As of March 26, 2019 all Town playgrounds, basketball courts and tennis courts have been closed until further notice. Some vandalism has occurred with the cutting of chains and locks or destroying other methods to prevent access or use. A more stringent response may be necessary if this continues. b. (Update) At this time, parks, walking paths and beach access remain open, however, if residents or other users do not abide by social distancing recommendations, refrain from depositing gloves, masks or bags used to collect dog droppings on the ground, loss of use of these areas may result. We want people who desire to exercise, get fresh air, etc., to relieve stress and remain healthy to be able to do so, but we ask that everyone be vigilant in abiding by Public Health directives and use carry in/carry out practices if no trash receptacles are available.
c. Per the order of Governor Baker, all Public Schools and non-emergency daycare and early childhood education centers will remain closed until at least May 4, 2020.
d. As part of that order, the Governor has issued a statewide “Stay at Home Advisory” through May 4, 2020.
e. In addition, all non-essential businesses were ordered closed until noon on May 4, 2020 as well. Please consult https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-essential-services for details and how to apply for an exemption. This guidance was updated March 31, 2020 with additional information related to what is essential and what is not.
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A message from Michael K. Lauf, President and CEO, Cape Cod Healthcare
Cape Cod: Stay Home, Socially Distance, Be Safe
As President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare, I am seeing every day the effects of COVID-19 on our patients and our caregivers. I also know the important role we can all play in helping to keep our communities safe and stopping the spread of this terrible virus. We are in this together and each of us can make a difference in how Cape Cod deals with this pandemic. I have a request of you as we begin to head into the most important time since COVID-19 became our new reality: PLEASE STAY HOME when possible, CONTINUE TO PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING, and BE SAFE.
The following are some important recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:
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Only leave your home to address essential needs, get some fresh air and exercise, and if you do, avoid unnecessary contact with other individuals.
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You should still run essential errands such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy but should practice social distancing when shopping.
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When going to the pharmacy, you should fill your prescriptions for 90 days if possible; for some medications this is not allowed.
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You can still go to the gas station, order and pick up take-out food and receive deliveries (e.g. Amazon, UPS, FedEx).
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You should use remote modes of communication such as telephone or video chat (e.g. Facetime, Skype, Facebook Messenger Video Chat) instead of visiting friends or family.
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Non-essential medical care like eye exams, teeth cleaning, and elective procedures must be rescheduled.
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If possible, healthcare visits should be done remotely.
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Parents should not arrange play dates for children during this time.
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All individuals must eliminate close contact activities such as in pick-up sports games.
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Wear a mask when in public.
By changing our behaviors, we can change the trajectory of the outbreak. Please stay at home when possible, please practice social distancing and please be safe. Do it for your community and more importantly, for yourself, your family and your friends.
Sincerely,
Michael K. Lauf
President and CEO, Cape Cod Healthcare
For more COVID-19 information you can trust, please visit:
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Dear Valued Client,
Please find the next piece in a series of marketing ideas we've created. We understand the challenges that this current climate brings as businesses are forced to rethink strategies, make difficult decision about employees, and reconfigure operations.
This piece is focused on ideas for retail establishments and comes from right at home here on Cape Cod. Just one idea could make a difference to your business.
RETHINK YOUR SERVICE DELIVERY MODELS
: Most retail establishments have had to close their doors temporarily. Local beauty salons, although closed to appointments, are offering their beauty products for sale over the phone with curbside pickup. A local yoga studio is offering online classes and curbside pickup of yoga accessories for yogis to set up their own home studios. Some essential stores that are still open are offering special hours for customers over 60 and ensuring the store is easy in/easy out. Most retail stores are ramping up their free shipping or discounted home delivery options, with phone, online, or even Facebook Message ordering.
ADAPT YOUR PRODUCT TO THE TIMES:
A local crafts company, which previously held classes in its brick and mortar shop, is offering to drop off craft kits to homes as well as downloadable projects on their website. A cupcake bakery is now shipping "cupcakes in a jar" and cupcake decorating kits. A local fabric shop is offering a "Grab and Go" face mask kit with everything you need to DIY.
EXPAND YOUR SERVICE AREA BY RAMPING UP E-COMMERCE
: By leveraging digital marketing tools and e-commerce, you can expand your service area. Is your website up to date? Is your e-commerce platform functioning properly? Are you merchandising your products effectively online, even with phone orders only?
UNDERSTAND THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF YOUR CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNICATE:
It's important to communicate with your customers and listen to their new needs. Consumers are concerned about hygiene and sanitizing practices of stores and products; be clear about your policy. Stay at home orders have increased interest in key categories: DIY projects, home improvements, activities for children, etc. It's a good time to review your advertising messages for relevance and share your new offerings. Maybe take time to update your Google Business page, refine your social media business presence,and use digital advertising to draw attention to your website.
INCREASE YOUR USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
: Use social media to interact with your customer base in a new way. Pinterest, Instagram, and of course Facebook are seeing record levels of engagement since consumers have been at home.
EXPAND YOUR PROMOTIONAL TACTICS:
It's important to continue the standard practices of percentage off discounts, gift with purchase, buy one get one free, tiered discounts, and loyalty programs to drive business. Why not try online photo or video contests to engage customers?
CONSIDER CAUSE RELATED MARKETING
: One local jeweler created a Relief Bracelet and portions of the sale are donated to the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Others are aligning themselves and donating products to non-profits in need.
PREPARE FOR THE RECOVERY
: This crisis will pass. What will your Grand Re-Opening look like?
We hope these ideas stimulate some thoughts for your business; let us know how we can be of service. We can get through this together.
Our building is closed to the public and our Marketing Consultants are working remotely. Please reach out to your
Marketing Consultant
or to me, Melinda Baker, General Sales Manager, at 508-815-2661 if you have questions or concerns.
We're here to help, because local people matter.
Melinda Baker, General Sales Manager
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Message from the President
Dear Friend,
In a time that is testing us all in unexpected ways, our days at BID-Plymouth are punctuated by somber moments, but also by continued efforts to find hope in the everyday, regardless of the severity of our circumstances. I see it in the noble offers of employees willing to be redeployed wherever they’re most needed, the ever-growing network of people and businesses reaching out with offers of food for staff or desperately needed medical supplies, and the inspirational signs conveying love and gratitude regularly appearing by the hospital entrance.
We are seeing the very best of our community and of our BID-Plymouth staff.
As a healthcare system, Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) is moving swiftly and adapting to changing conditions with a clear sense of urgency:
- Our supply chain teams are working tirelessly to secure additional personal protective equipment (PPE), which remains at low levels;
- We have developed a network of free temporary housing for staff who are unable to stay at home without fear of putting loved ones at risk;
- New England Baptist Hospital (a part of the BILH system) has been repurposed to accommodate patients who require hospitalization but do not have COVID-19, allowing other BILH hospitals to maximize critical care space available for COVID-19 patients;
- All BILH member hospitals are coordinated and in constant communication about necessary resources, and are shifting ventilators and transferring patients as needed in order to maximize our available resources in service to our patient community.
These rapid adaptations are possible because of the talent, passion and diligence of our physicians and staff, and in large part --- because of your support. It speaks volumes that now, when we are experiencing the greatest test any of us could imagine, your support is stronger than ever.
I hope you and your family are healthy and safe. Thank you for your support.
Best,
Kevin Coughlin
President
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Dark Clouds, Silver Lining
Published on March 29, 2020
Owner/Systems Consultant, Datatech Computer Solutions
On March 14th, I put a post up on Facebook about a mathematical projection for the spread of the Covid19 virus. Basically, assuming a spread factor of three, when one person has it on day one and transmits it to three other people, four people have the virus at the end of that day. On day two, the four transmit it to three each and now 16 have it. On day three, we have 16x3+16 or 64. In 14 days, over 16 million people could have it. One friend accused me of fearmongering and spreading false information. Another told me, Vic, you are using math and for too many people, math is hard. My purpose was to convince others of the possible spread and that they should follow published guidelines. A few friends thanked me for putting that out there
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Just because you are sheltering in place does not mean you have to give up Heritage Museums & Gardens! In fact, now you can “go to the museum” and never have to leave your couch. We also have oodles of items for our virtual visitors to explore and learn through our virtual museum, our blogs, videos, and our podcasts that can be found by going to the link below:
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Online Grant Writing Course (W20-912) 5/11/20, 5/13/20, 5/18/20, & 5/20/20
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SCORE Cape Cod & the Islands has rescheduled it Better Mousetrap Awards Breakfast to October 21, 2020.
It will be held at the Old Yarmouth Inn at Yarmouth Port, MA at 8am. Greenbird Landscaping & Irrigation will be awarded SCORE’S Small Business of the Year, Lower Cape Outreach Council - Nonprofit of the Year and BizChecks - Small Business Champion. Megan Murphy - The Kindness Rocks Project will keynote the event. More information will follow.
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Keeping You Connected
Your Comcast Business Internet, Phone, and other services can help keep you and your team connected to your business, from any device. So you can remain in touch, on the job, and up to speed. Plus, My Account and the Comcast Business App make it easy for you to manage service features and sign up for alerts.
For more information, visit Business.Comcast.com/response or reach out to your Comcast Business representative.
Your Needs, Our Solutions
Don't miss calls
Receive business calls on your mobile device when you enable Call Forwarding.
Available with your Business Voice Mobility, Comcast Business VoiceEdge Select,™
and Comcast Business VoiceEdge™* service.
Maintain a polished presence
Make or take calls on your mobile device while still displaying your business line Caller
ID with Be Anywhere. Available with your Business Voice Mobility, Comcast Business
VoiceEdge Select, and Comcast Business VoiceEdge* service. Download the
Comcast Business App to get started.
Conference and collaborate
Start a conference call from anywhere with Business VoiceEdge* audio conferencing.
Download the Comcast Business App or Desktop App to get started.
Keep an eye on things from anywhere
Check on your business locations, even when you can’t be onsite, with Comcast Business SmartOffice.™* It’s easy to manage your settings when your download the SmartOffice App or sign in to My Account.
Manage guest WiFi
Keep your customers informed by updating your business’ splash page with WiFi Pro.* Learn more about managing guest WiFi settings. Or sign in to My Account check these settings.
Check network health
Set web filters to enforce an Internet access policy for devices connected to your network and also receive emailed network activity reports. To get started, manage your
Comcast Business SecurityEdge™ settings.
Stay connected tothe network
Keep devices connected to the Internet for up to 8 hours if power or service are out,
even when you’re away. Here’s how to manage Connection Pro settings.
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Many Thanks to our E-Mail Signature Sponsors
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