Cape Cod & COVID-19

Updated May 18, 2021
 

Effective May 29 

Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded. All industries will be encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.

Face Covering Guidance

In line with updated CDC face covering guidance, the Administration will rescind the current face covering order and issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29.

Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The advisory will also recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations.

Face coverings will still be required for all individuals on public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), healthcare facilities and providers, congregate care settings and health and rehabilitative day services. Read more >

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