Cape Cod & COVID-19

Updated March 18, 2021
 

Phase IV, Step 1 and Gathering Changes:

Effective Monday, March 22, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan. This will open a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue. Effective on the planned advancement to Step 1 of Phase IV, the following large capacity sports and entertainment venues will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health (DPH):

• Indoor and outdoor stadiums
• Arenas
• Ballparks

Also effective on March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

Additionally, dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only, and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols. Other Phase IV sectors must continue to remain closed. Learn more here>

The Cape Cod Reopening Task Force: www.ReopeningCapeCod.org. The site serves as a one-stop location for residents, businesses, employees, municipalities, and visitors to the region.

10/23/20 - COVID-19 Grants announced for MA Small Businesses: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made $50.8 million in grants available to support small businesses, microenterprises, and their employees, families and communities. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will be administering these funds to businesses experiencing economic hardship and a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Preference will be given to small businesses whose owners are women, minorities, veterans, members of other underrepresented groups, who are focused on serving the Gateway Cities of Massachusetts (which includes the Town of Barnstable), and those most negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more & apply here.

PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT THROUGH THE CHAMBER
We are #ChamberStrong working to keep our Cape strong and resilient during the COVID-19 crisis. One way we are doing this is by sharing member updates @CapeCodChamber Instagram story in the highlight labeled “Open4Biz.” Tag us in your Instagram posts and stories or notify us at membership@capecodchamber.org.

CAPE COD REOPENING TASK FORCE

We encourage you to connect with other members via our Community Member Message Board located in your Member Portal. Log in here>

Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce offers Complimentary Membership during the COVID-19 Crisis: Receive important updates as business info breaks, and our bi-weekly enews. Provide your name, business name and email address to: membership@capecodchamber.org

Need a face mask? Check out our list of local businesses and individual makers that are making them

TECHNICAL & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES

Coastal Community Capital

Small Business Development Centers Find an SBDC here.

S.M.A.R.T. Recovery by Cliff Robbins, MSBDC Senior Business Advisor

SCORE Cape Cod & the Islands has provided a Reopening Toolkit for Small Businesses. Advisors are available at https://capecod.score.org/ 

Community resources developed by the Cape Cod Commission

Veterans Business Outreach Centers: Find a VBOC here.

Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has dedicated tools to support companies managing the impacts of COVID-19 on their businesses.

The State Treasurer’s Empowerment Grant for Small Businesses focused on small business owners serving Massachusetts Gateway Cities (of which Barnstable is one). Find more info here.

Town of Yarmouth Launches Job Retention and Creation CDBG Grant Program

COVID-19 Fishermen Assistance Programs

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has this employers’ resource page