As we enter into our 2 nd week of the MA Reopening Phase 1 it seems we are heading in the right direction. We are hoping for some happy news in the not too distant future for our restaurants and retailers. Brighter days ahead!

In the meantime, we continue to bring you information to help get you ready to open with many easy links for posters, standards and protocols. Please let us know if you need any assistance and guidance. We are here for you!




Denise (508) 241-6806 Stacy (781) 540-9225
info@sandwichchamber.com
Reopening Phase 1

Last week, the Baker-Polito Administration released the Reopening Advisory Board’s report on the four-phase reopening of the Massachusetts economy, Reopening Massachusetts . This report outlines a roadmap for gradually reopening, as well as guidance as to when which businesses may reopen, and what standards they must adhere to in Phase 1.

Phase 1 began on May 18 th with lifting restrictions in some industries/sectors. The next milestone was within Phase 1 on May 25 th , when additional sectors were able to reopen with limitations (including curbside pickup for retail businesses). Phase 1 will last at least three weeks; the Commonwealth will progress to Phase 2 when public health metrics and progress indicate it is safe to do so.

Below are key steps businesses should take as they look ahead to reopening.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUSINESSES 
1.        Identify the phase in which your industry or sector is eligible to reopen
·         When Can My Business Reopen ? (Please check back, as this document will be updated)

2.        Read the guidance for reopening
·         General Business Guidance
·         Sector-Specific Protocols and Best Practices (if applicable; additional guidance will be made available as we progress through the Phases)
·        Please note that businesses that have been offering essential services and have remained open throughout the COVID-19 outbreak must adhere to the safety standards and create a COVID-19 Control Plan (see below) by May 25 th . Businesses with office spaces that have been operating as an essential service have until July 1 st to comply with occupancy limits.

3.        Develop a COVID-19 Control Plan
·        You may use the COVID-19 Control Plan template or create your own written plan.
·        All businesses in the Commonwealth must develop a written control plan outlining how its workplace will comply with the mandatory safety standards for operation in the COVID-19 reopening period.
·        Control plans do not need to be submitted for approval but must be kept on premises and made available in the case of an inspection or outbreak.

4.        Before reopening, the business must meet the Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards and attest to compliance
·        Once the business has met the mandatory standards, complete, sign, and post the Compliance Attestation Poster .
·        Post the Employer Guidance and Worker Guidance posters.
·        These should be displayed in an area within the business premises that is visible to employees, customers, and visitors.
5.        Reopen brick-and-mortar operations safely and in line with guidance
·        These standards will be jointly enforced by local Boards of Health and the state’s Department of Labor Standards (DLS).
·        Businesses play a key role in setting a standard for safe public interactions and in restoring consumer confidence.
·        By adhering to these mandatory standards and best practices, businesses, employees, and customers will ensure Massachusetts is able to progress from Phase 1 to Phase 4, the “New Normal.” It’s all of our responsibility to ensure we move forward, and not backwards, in reopening the Massachusetts economy.
 
Additional resources:
·         What Businesses Can Expect in Phase 1 , which condenses key detail into a single page
·        The report, Reopening Massachusetts , offers the full framework of the four-phased reopening and provides an overview of the issues underpinning the approach
·        The Reopening: Four-Phase Approach page outlines the phased approach and the key role that public health benchmarks play in reopening
·        The Purchasing Hygienic or Protective Supplies page includes information for employers and employees about supplies needed to return to workplaces, as well as a Vendor Tool to assist businesses in locating and purchasing hygienic and protective supplies
·         Department of Public Health’s Safer-At-Home Advisory gives key guidance for all residents of the Commonwealth, including employers and employees, during Phase 1. Please note, businesses authorized to operate under Phase 1 are not subject to the 10-person limitation on gatherings.
·         Note for retail businesses : retail businesses may engage in curbside pickup sales as of May 25 th . Please check the Essential Services FAQ document for current guidance on remote fulfillment. Additional notes on curbside pickup guidance will be available in the coming days. 
Cape Cod Commission
Economic Impact Survey

The Cape Cod Commission and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce have issued a Business Economic Impact Survey to better understand local businesses' needs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused severe economic distress in our community, and this survey can help us quantify the extent and timing of these impacts in anticipation of potential solutions and grant opportunities.

All responses will remain confidential and no individual responses will be reported. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Jennifer Clinton, Community Development Planner at the Commission, at jclinton@capecodcommission.org .
Cape Light Compact (Compact), the local Mass Save® Sponsor, is offering Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard businesses enhanced financial support to complete approved energy efficiency projects. This includes incentives of up to 100% for energy saving equipment including, but not limited to LED lamps and fixtures, HVAC and lighting controls, water saving equipment such as faucet aerators and spray valves, and pipe insulation, identified through an energy assessment by the Compact’s vendor.

The enhanced incentive will be available for customers who sign an installation contract by August 31st, and have equipment installed by December 31st, 2020. This offer also applies to customers who have already had energy saving opportunities identified but not yet installed.

Interested customers can call the Compact to take advantage of these increased incentives. The Compact’s vendor will reach out to the customer to obtain information about existing conditions of the facility, including equipment details, energy usage and customer interests. The vendor may ask for photos or video of the space to help determine what opportunities may be available. Providing this information will help jumpstart the process for when on-premises services may resume.
To sign up or find out more, visit  www.capelightcompact.org/existingbuilding or call 1-800-797-6699.
Safety and Health in the Workplace During COVID-19
Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:45 to 9 AM

Cape Cod Human Resources Association invites business owners and human resource professionals to our free monthly virtual meeting.

Presented by: Richard Sarnie, United Alliance Services

Join us for an informative and interactive discussion with Richard Sarnie of United Alliance Services as we discuss returning to work with COVID -19. We will discuss safety and health best practices for the work environment. 

Please join us for this free virtual meeting . We do ask that anyone planning on attending, please register www.cchraonline.com
Upcoming SBA Virtual Events



Wednesday 5/27/20 at 5pm - 6pm

Wednesday 5/27/20 at 11am - 12:00pm


Reopening Toolkit
For Small Business

This is an effort by the Cape Cod & Islands SCORE mentors to provide the best thinking on how you can take steps now to help your business survive and prosper.

We don’t know what that looks like for your business, but we’re prepared to help you think it through. SCORE mentors are available to assist you in this critical recovery period.  
Recorded Webinars

Understanding Your Contract Rights During Covid-19
Online
SCORE and local attorney Gene Curry recently ran a very informative webinar to help businesses better understand their rights as relates to contracts. In case you missed it, you can view it here.

Reopening Your Business the Smart Way

In case you missed it here is a recorded version of SCORE’s webinar held on May 4th.
How to Find Opportunities and Test Your Ideas When Existing Assumptions are Challenged

May 28 | 2 PM ET
Opportunities are still out there for those who know how to identify new markets, adjust methods to connect with customers and minimize unnecessary investments.
Sandwich Community Blood Drive

Thursday, June 4 th
11 – 5
Sandwich Masons
175 Main Street
Sandwich

Appointments are required and can be made through our website at www.capecodhealth.org/give-blood
Sandwich News



All the latest information, from the federal, state, and local government, is put out immediately on Sandwich News on Facebook. It is the central location for the community to meet online---complying with the CDC's recommendation for social distancing. 

You don’t have to be on Facebook to access the page. It’s a public page you can get to through google or  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sandwichnews/?ref=share
Retail Information
Restaurant Information
Small Business Resources
Click on any line to go to that informational site