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 Cases, Quarantine, and Monitoring from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health. This page provides daily updates on COVID-19 cases 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.
- Map of Available Resources: This map created by MEMA lists the locations of resources available to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic, and includes Project Bread sites, food banks, and houses of worship.
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.
Vaccines in Massachusetts:
- Massachusetts COVID Vaccine Distribution Timeline
- Massachusetts COVID Vaccine Advisory Group
- Tips for Filling Out Massachusetts COVID Vaccine Registration Form
- COVID VACCINE SCHEDULING RESOURCE PHONE LINE AVAILABLE NOW BY DIALING 2-1-1:
Individuals ages 75 and older who cannot use or have difficulty accessing the internet and therefore are unable to schedule an appointment through the online platforms can call 2-1-1 to speak to a representative live on the phone to assist them with an appointment through the state’s online system.
The line will be open Monday through Friday 8:30am-5 pm.
These representatives have the same access to appointments as on the public website; it will not give individuals access to additional appointments.
If no appointments are available, callers will have the option to be placed on a call back list for the mass vaccination sites.
The caller will receive a call back when an appointment becomes available for them at a mass vaccination site, and the list will be called on a first-come, first-served basis.
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
- Information about Unemployment and COVID-19.
- 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.
Help for Small Business Owners:
- COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Unemployment Resources for Businesses/Employers from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- 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:
- Managing Stress & Anxiety during a pandemic from the Center for Disease Control.
- 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.
Information About COVID-19 Masks
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.
Avoid Scams:
Many scammers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to scam people of all ages.
- Please take this advice from the World Health Organization on how to avoid scams.
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.