COVID-19 Resources
by admin | March 21, 2020
This page is dedicated to providing links to what is hoped to be helpful information for the community as we adapt to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Cybercriminals take advantage in times of uncertainty to capitalize on hunger for information and fear. Be extra vigilent in examining any email with a Covid-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to Covid-19. Verify URLs before and after clicking. Use trusted sources of information and be particularly wary of social media links.
In most cases, links are to home sites where there are obvious links to current information. Due to the rapidly changing status of absolutely everything, poke around a bit.
Be informed, be safe and through this we will adapt together. If you have recommendations to post or questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call!
Tourism Assistance
The Maine Tourism Relief Fund is offering assistance (and taking donations) to tourism-related industries. Applications will be accepted April 15, 2020 at 12pm - April 22nd at 12pm. Applies to businesses with less than 50 employees based in Maine in: restaurant/food service, retail, hotels/lodging, attractions/amusements, outdoor recreation, catering, destination marketing, travel/guide, event planning, or related industry. Full details here.
Local Business
Warren's Office Supplies introduces residential delivery for work at home customers
#OpenWeStand is for anyone who is keeping the economic health of small business top of mind in this challenging time. It’s for shop owners minding their customers’ and employees’ safety — and for everyone who stands with small business. https://www.openwestand.org
Internet Service
Due to the Coronavirus emergency, internet service providers are beginning to offer special free service to new customers and grace to existing customers. Offers are at the vendors' discretion, so contact them for specifics. Listed are known deals and contact info for area providers. Understand that new service may take a couple weeks or more to receive due to sudden high demand.
Atlantic Broadband ME/NH https://atlanticbb.com Contact residential service about 60 day free basic service.
Comcast ME/NH https://internetessentials.com 866-203-0432 In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, Internet Essentials has increased speeds to 25/3 Mbps for all customers - no action is required. In addition, new customers will receive two months of free service.
Spectrum https://www.spectrum.com 877-217-5063 Currently providing students and teachers 60 days free. Others can see if eligible for Spectrum Internet Assist 855-243-8892
GWI (Great Works Internet) https://www.gwi.net 207-496-1287
Consolidated Communications https://www.consolidated.com 844-968-7224
Local Media
Local media outlets are regularly reporting information useful to both businesses and individuals.
Maine News
https://wgme.com
https://www.wmtw.com
https://www.mainenewscenter.com
https://www.mainepublic.org lots of programming focused on state and national responses
New Hampshire News
National Public Broadcasting
Coronavirus Tax Relief
Economic impact payments: What you need to know
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today announced that distribution of economic impact payments will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.
Government Agencies on Business & Labor
US government
Coronavirus (COVID-19) hub of links
US Small Business Administration disaster assistance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
COVID-19 and the American Workplace at the Department of Labor
FEMA
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief
Home site
Maine Business and Labor
Maine Department of Labor Information About COVID-19
The governor’s page dedicated to COVID-19 for individuals and businesses
Dept. of Administrative and Financial Services Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Resources (includes links for general public)
Maine Department of Labor (unemployment info)
New Hampshire Business and Labor
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19
COVID-19 NH Business Resources
Unemployment Assistance Hotline at 603-271-7700 File a claim
Other Agencies for Business Help
FAME COVID-19 Relief Loan Programs
The Swanson Group is posting blog updates on government relief and tax notes with a CPA's insight.
Government Agencies on Health
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Home site
Links to information for specific audiences
National Institutes of Health
Home site
Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention
Home site
Maine alerts page
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Home site
World Health Organization
Home site
FEMA
Home site
Rumors & Fraud
FEMA
FBI
Latest scams and links to report if you have fallen victim
Mental Health Resources
Times are stressful and maybe you or someone you know needs some help. You are not alone. Find the support you need.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services website
NH Department of Health and Human Services Check the website or call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website has options for deaf and hard of hearing. A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Specific for coping with the COVID-19 outbreak Call 1-800-273-8255 or 911.
Science
Take serious care when searching for information on treatment and other facts about the virus--many malicious sites are springing up that may or may not have correct information. Infections are not readily apparent because they are designed to run silently while harvesting information from your computer use.
Johns Hopkins Medicine
COVID-19 page
Mayo Clinic
COVID-19 page
Home with Kids?
Maine Public Educational material for educators and parents
PBS educational resources with tools while schools are closed
Offering Curbside Pickup and/or Delivery
Finding curbside pickup may get easier. Right now, here are the locations we know of offering the service. Please realize any one of these could change and you should confirm for yourself for any given location. Call your local small businesses as they might offer it, too!
Maine Farm Product and Pickup Directory listing local Maine farm products and seafood alternative pickup options
LoyalCompanion (pets)
Petco (pets)
Get Involved / Find Help
The Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine continues their awesome work to provide fresh, nutritious food to distribution outlets. Check this page for ways to help. For those in need, they've also published a means to more easily find food.
Take a Break!
CA high school chamber group virtual performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow
We all could use a little yoga at this point. Check out this little chihuahua taking instruction in Italian. Bravo!
Get some excercise courtesy of YMCA 360
Find some live streaming music
Virtually visit some museums around the world
Maine museums offering online portals
This child has the right perspective, hear his beautiful Isolation Waltz
Having a sweet attack? Try this really easy pie
Other Links
Our blogs page has articles addressing specific issues and we are attempting to update with more useful articles.
We use our Facebook page to post links to timely information
The Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce is posting links to information pertinent to businesses as well as member offers to other businesses in the area.
Free tools can be a lifesaver, but because they're built for ease of use with little need for support, there are often inherent risks and vulnerabilities. Mozilla presents great tips for preventing "Zoombombing". If you use other tools, check similar settings. Need a hand, we can offer remote support!
Make sure the money you give is used as you intend Charity Navigator evaluates and rates organizations