Nashua Coronavirus: City Taking Impact Fund Program Applications

NASHUA, NH — Applications for the first round of Nashua's new COVID-19 Impact Fund Program will be accepted starting Thursday.

The city has established the fund assist nonprofits and small businesses that are facing disruption due to the new coronavirus. The applications for grants and loans are due May 14 and the awards are expected to be released before the end of June.

"Our small businesses and nonprofits are struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic," said Mayor Jim Donchess. "These businesses and organizations add so much vitality to the life of our proud city. We are fighting the virus every day, but we also need to prepare for Nashua’s recovery."

The city's small businesses and nonprofits will be "critical in rebuilding a strong Nashua economy, in putting people back to work and in serving people in need."

The program is being funded by a number of federal and local sources and grants. Applicants must remain open during the pandemic as well as retain employees and/or provide critical services to the city.

Visit the city's website for more information.

Hiring Freeze For Nonessential Positions Implemented

Donchess announced Monday the city was instituting a hiring freeze for nonessential positions immediately and until further notice.

The freeze, he noted, was due to a significant financial impact for the city in the wake of the new coronavirus pandemic — including a loss of revenue.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting the income of the city and many of our residents," said Donchess. "I am ordering a hiring freeze for nonessential workers to help us limit expenses during this difficult time."

Officials will continue to assess the ongoing financial impact and will provide updates to this policy as more information becomes available, Donchess said.

City Could Receive $2M In CARES Act Funds

Nashua will be receiving money from the $1.25 billion in federal CARES Act funds after the state decided to award money to cities, towns, and counties Monday.

The city can access $2,092,948 in "flex" funds that can be used to offset money spent on coronavirus expenses, after filing reimbursements with the state. The money can't be used to backfill budgets or cover for declines in property tax revenue.

The full list of municipalities was released Tuesday on InDepthNH.org.

Bridges By EPOCH: We Are Symptom-Free

A memory care assisted living facility in Nashua is taking "extreme-virus prevention protocols" in an effort to protect its residents and employees.

Bridges By EPOCH said its corporate and COVID-19 response teams have been working "diligently" to ensure "proactive measures and prompt response" as the pandemic evolves. Long-term care facilities around the state have been hit hard by the new coronavirus but Michelle Pelham, the executive direct of Bridges By EPOCH in Nashua said the facility was symptom-free.

"With the devastating impact that the virus is having on the greater Nashua area, it is with cautious optimism that we report there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in our community," she said. "This is an extremely difficult time for us all, and our hearts and support are with our friends, neighbors and fellow senior care providers."

Pelham said Bridges team members were personal protection equipment and temps and oxygen levels are taken several times a day. Only healthy and essential team members are allowed to enter the community — and have also been tested by Convenient MD as part of the state's effort to test long-term care facility workers. Residents are also practicing social distancing.

Learn More About The Spread Of COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms.

Health officials emphasize residents should follow these recommendations:

• Avoid any domestic and international travel, especially on public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, including distancing while in waiting areas or lines.
• Anybody who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with confirmed or suspect COVID-19 needs to stay home and not go out into public places.
• If you are 60 years or older or have chronic medical conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.
• Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Employers need to move to telework as much as possible.
• There is increasing evidence that this virus can survive for hours or possibly even a few days on surfaces, so people should clean frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, grocery carts and grocery basket handles, etc.

Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

• Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e., social distancing).
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.

• Guidance to schools can be found can be found here.
• Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available are available here.
• For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
• For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.

ALSO READ:

• Hot Button' Issue: What To Do If Granite Staters Refuse Work Offers
• NH Coronavirus: 72 More Positive Cases; 4 New Children Infected
• NH Coronavirus: First Responders To Receive $300 Weekly Stipend
• Time To Decide Who Benefits From $1.25B Coronavirus Funds
• Coronavirus Update: 2,500 Infected In 2 Months In New Hampshire

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