This list contains information available to you during the COVID-19 pandemic.
General:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
The CDC, the main U.S. federal agency monitoring and responding to the novel coronavirus outbreak. - MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/coronavirusinfections.html
Intended for the general public, this health encyclopedia and information portal produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine provides background on coronaviruses, along with updated information and links concerning the 2019 novel coronavirus. - World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
The WHO, a leading international health agency helping to coordinate the global response to the coronavirus outbreak, offers global news updates and helpful videos, answers common questions (Should I wear a mask to protect myself? How does this virus spread?), and dispels myths (no, gargling with mouthwash won’t protect against the virus). - Commonwealth of Massachusetts – COVID-19 Information: Information from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health on COVID-19. This site has the most up-to-date information about the virus and its effects in Massachusetts.
- COVID-19 vs. the Flu: An article by John Hopkins Medical, comparing COVID-19 to other flu viruses.
- Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Community Resource List.
- Look4Help Community Resource List: Local resources curated by Community Action Pioneer Valley.
- Visual Communication Card about COVID-19 for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, created by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Health Insurance:
- If you are insured, please contact your insurer for the most up-to-date and accurate information about your coverage and COVID-19.
- MA Health Connector is offering extended enrollment for those who are uninsured.
COVID-related Legal Issues:
- Community Legal Aid can help with COVID-related legal issues such as rent trouble, elder rights, SNAP benefits, civil rights, issues with MassHealth and Medicare, and income loss.
Vaccines in Massachusetts:
- Thankfully, it is now getting easier to schedule a vaccination appointment. This information from Senator Jo Comerford can be extremely helpful in finding available appointments at vaccination sites near you. Please share this valuable resource with your friends and neighbors.
Attorney General’s Office:
- For help with insurance claims or medical bills call 888-830-6277.
- To report price gouging or defective products call 617-727-8400.
- You can file a complaint about potential scams or difficulties negotiating travel refunds.
Help for Employees:
- Contact the Attorney General’s Office for information about sick time laws at 617-727-3465.
- How to file for Unemployment Benefits.
- Tax information for those who received unemployment benefits
- Constituent Guide: Senator Jo Comerford has created this guide to help her constituents who are affected by COVID-19. It includes resources for small businesses and those who are applying for Unemployment Benefits.
Nursing Home Family Resource Line: 617-660-5399. This phone line is staffed 9 AM – 5 PM, seven days per week, and is intended to be a central resource for families whose loved ones are in nursing homes. If you have any questions or concerns about the health and safety of your loved ones in nursing homes, please call this number.
Mental Health:
- Mindfulness Resources
- Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety from Shine.
- Disaster Stress Helpline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 1-800-985-5990. This is a 24/7, 365 day per year helpline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. It is toll-free, multilingual, and confidential.
Internet Access:
- Comcast Internet Essentials: Comcast is offering free internet to those who do not have it during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Tilton Library Free Wi-Fi: Wireless Internet is available in the library’s parking lot 24/7.
News and Updates:
New York Times
The New York Times provides excellent coverage of the novel coronavirus in its Health section. This dedicated page collects enlightening stories, graphics, and updates about the situation. Although nytimes.com provides free access to only a limited number of articles per month, the coronavirus landing page and headlines are free to browse. You can access nytimes.com for free on the Tilton Library website, under the Resources tab, or Click Here.
Science News
This news site published by the nonprofit Society for Science & the Public has created a page dedicated to the coronavirus outbreak, featuring stories by their staff writers. While there are fewer coronavirus articles here than on other sites, these pieces are nevertheless thorough, well documented, and free for all to read.
Time
Time.com has curated stories about the outbreak. This site is free to search and read.