News

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 5/12

Posted on May 12, 2020

Gov. Charlie Baker announced that he is seeking a $1 billion supplemental budget for fiscal 2020 to authorize spending for personal protective equipment, rate adjustments for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, incentive pay for state workers on the front lines and other Covid-19 related expenses. Amtrak is now requiring that masks be worn...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 5/11

Posted on May 11, 2020

With the State Orders regarding non-essential business closures, due to expire on Monday, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced a four-phase approach to reopening the Massachusetts economy. The Governor stressed that a lot still depends on the continuation this week of level case and death numbers for Massachusetts. The phases are as follows: Phase 1 START:...

Covid-19 Weekend Report 5/10 & 5/11

Posted on May 11, 2020

Please be advised that you may be contacted by Public Health officials as part of the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Initiative sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to someone who has tested positive, you may receive a call from your local Board of Health...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 5/8

Posted on May 8, 2020

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 5/7

Posted on May 7, 2020

As part of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $15,909,257 to health centers in Massachusetts to expand testing. The State announced today that golf courses in Massachusetts can reopen if they follow tight restrictions including no carts and no caddies among several...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 5/6

Posted on May 6, 2020

Recordings of the May 5th City Council Meeting and Special Meeting can be found HERE courtesy of Holyoke Media. During these difficult times, the Office for Community Development encourages residents to reach out for assistance for your own households, families or neighbors. For help obtaining food, rental or mortgage payment assistance, utility assistance, domestic violence counseling,...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 5/5

Posted on May 5, 2020

he Statewide Mask Order goes into effect tomorrow, Wednesday May 6. Governor Baker signed Orders to enforce the use of face coverings in "any place open to the public" where 6' social distancing cannot be maintained. This includes outdoor spaces, businesses, workplaces, and public transportation. The order goes into effect May 6 and may be...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 5/4

Posted on May 4, 2020

The 104th Fighter Wing based at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield has scheduled a series of flyover tributes with its F-15C Eagle aircraft for Wednesday afternoon at health care and public safety sites across the state. The local schedule is approximately: Mercy Medical Center, Springfield : 12:35 Baystate Medical Center, Springfield: 12:35 Holyoke...

Covid 19 Holyoke Weekend Report 5/2 & 5/3

Posted on May 3, 2020

Please help the MA COVID Team trace and slow the Spread of COVID-19 by making sure to answer calls coming from the Community Contact Tracing Collaborative. If someone tests positive for COVID-19, the Collaborative’s Contact Tracers will reach out by phone to that person, and their close contacts, to slow the spread of the virus....

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 5/1

Posted on May 1, 2020

Governor Baker signed Orders to enforce the use of face coverings in "any place open to the public" where 6' social distancing cannot be maintained. This includes outdoor spaces, businesses, workplaces, and public transportation. The order may be enforced by fines. The general public is still urged not to use medical-grade masks in order to...

Two polling places for the May 19th Special Election Have Moved

Posted on April 29, 2020

Two polling places have been moved for the upcoming May 19 special election: * Precinct 3A voters will cast their ballots at Metcalf School instead of the Elmwood Fire Station. * The polling station for Precinct 1B has been moved from Prospect Heights to City Hall. City Clerk, Brenna Murphy McGee would also...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/29

Posted on April 29, 2020

Two Holyoke polling places have been moved for the upcoming May 19 special election. Precinct 3A voters will cast their ballots at Metcalf School instead of the Elmwood Fire Station. The polling station for Precinct 1B has been moved from Prospect Heights to City Hall. Voters are still encouraged to vote by mail when possible....

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/27

Posted on April 27, 2020

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a second round of funding up to $130 million for nursing facilities to support COVID-19 response efforts over the next two months, as well as increased funding of $44 million for residential congregate care service providers. This funding will support staffing costs, infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE). In...

Covid 19 Holyoke Weekend Report 4/25 & 26

Posted on April 26, 2020

Until the conclusion of this emergency, all consumers and employees must wear face coverings (mask, bandana, scarf) at all times when social distancing cannot be maintained, at any businesses providing essential services within the City of Holyoke. The following are exempted from this order: Children under 2 and any children who may compromise the integrity...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/24

Posted on April 24, 2020

The Holyoke Board of Health has issued orders, effective Sunday, April 26th, 2020, at 12:01 a.m., establishing that all consumers and employees must wear face coverings (mask, bandana, scarf) at all times when social distancing cannot be maintained, at any businesses providing essential services within the City of Holyoke. The following are exempted from this...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/23

Posted on April 23, 2020

Today Congress passed $500 billion in Coronavirus aid. The aid will replenish the small and medium business loan and payroll protection programs, provide support to hospitals and fund a nation-wide testing program, support lenders who work in urban and rural areas, among other uses. The Holyoke Board of Health has issued orders, effective Sunday, April...

City of Holyoke Health Department Issues Mandatory Orders on Face Coverings

Posted on April 23, 2020

The City of Holyoke’s Public Health Director, Sean Gonsalves, issued orders, effective Sunday, April 26th, 2020, at 12:01 a.m., establishing that all consumers and employees must wear face coverings at all times when social distancing can not be maintained, at any businesses providing essential services within the City of Holyoke. This letter has been adopted from...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/22

Posted on April 22, 2020

The Baker-Polito Administration announced expanded access to high-speed internet for unserved cities and towns throughout Massachusetts that do not yet have a completed last-mile broadband network. The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at MassTech, KCST and local internet service providers will offer communities new WiFi hotspots, building off the Commonwealth’s MassBroadband 123 fiber-optic network. The Massachusetts...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/21

Posted on April 21, 2020

Governor Baker issued an emergency order extending the closure of all public and private schools through the end of the school year, and the closure of all non-emergency child care programs until June 29, 2020 in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Yesterday, Governor Baker signed legislation into law...

Public Statement from Mayor Morse Calling on the State to take Emergency Operation Control of Long Term Care Facilities, Citing Failed Response

Posted on April 21, 2020

PUBLIC STATEMENT Holyoke, Massachusetts, April 21, 2020 — The recently released State data on positive cases in long term care facilities is alarming, but to the best of our local knowledge, it is an undercounting of the true nature of the spread of this virus in these facilities. The Holyoke Board of Health has been speaking...

Covid 19 Holyoke Weekend Report 4/18 & 4/19

Posted on April 19, 2020

"Because the Commonwealth of Massachusetts remains in its emergency posture due to COVID-19 response, Military Honors during burial are un-available to those veterans who pass during this public health crisis. As such, Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag at the Massachusetts Soldiers’ Home...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/17

Posted on April 17, 2020

It is believed that we are entering the "surge" in Massachusetts, which means that the number of new cases is increasing quickly. The danger of a surge greatly lies in the potential that the number of sick patients in need of critical care will surpass hospital capacity. This is why emergency field hospitals have been,...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/16

Posted on April 16, 2020

Today Governor Baker urged all residents to participate in the new contact tracing efforts. Contact tracing is the strategy of isolating anyone who has come in contact with a person who has tested positive. The steps of contact tracing involve self-isolating if you are aware of contact with someone who has received a positive test,...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/15

Posted on April 15, 2020

Massachusetts is now reporting data by City for those municipalities in which it will not violate HIPPA confidentiality. The Boston Globe has visual breakdowns of the data here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/10/nation/latest-coronavirus-numbers-massachusetts/ Mass reports by town and by hospital are attached. The Baker-Polito Administration today outlined ongoing steps to support long-term care facilities, including $130 million in new...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/14

Posted on April 14, 2020

Massachusetts is now offering expanded data, updated at 4pm each day, on the following topics: • Testing • Hospital Capacity and Bed Occupancy • PPE Distribution Reports The COVID-19 Public Resources Map shows the location of resources available to the public during COVID-19 pandemic, such as food banks, houses of worship and Project Bread site...

Covid 19 Holyoke Daily Report 4/13

Posted on April 13, 2020

A Manufacturing Emergency Response Team (M-ERT) has been created in MA. The M-ERT is a coordinated response by the Baker-Polito Administration and leading academic and industry stakeholders to support the Commonwealth’s manufacturers in their efforts to produce much-needed supplies for front-line workers and the health care system.The M-ERT is being launched alongside $10.6 million in...

Covid 19 Holyoke Weekend Report 4/11 & 4/12

Posted on April 13, 2020

The Battelle N95 mask decontamination site, the fourth in the US, is being hosted by Partners HealthCare and will operate out of Somerville. The decontamination service will be offered free to health care facilities in MA and can decontaminate 80,000 masks a day. A Spanish-Language Unemployment Application is now available at mass.gov/desempleo. In the...

Covid – 19 Holyoke Report 4/10

Posted on April 10, 2020

The Massachusetts Text Alert system for Covid-19 can now be accessed in Spanish. Text COVIDMAESP to 888-777 for Spanish alerts. The Department of Public Health (DPH) issued an order designed to expand COVID-19 demographic reporting data, including race and ethnicity, to address disparities in the virus’ impact and support the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 response efforts. The Baker-Polito...

Covid-19 Holyoke Report 4/9

Posted on April 9, 2020

Today Massachusetts released enhanced support for testing at nursing homes. The program allows for safe, onsite sample collection by either medical personnel at the facility or trained personnel from the Massachusetts National Guard. Friday is the final day that The Holyoke Police Department will be conducting a community wide collection of personal hygiene items and...

Covid-19 Holyoke Report 4/8

Posted on April 8, 2020

Today Governor Baker announced that the new testing site at the Eastern State Fairground will open April 9th. He also announced new civil protections in place for health care workers on the frontlines of Covid-19 care. Massachusetts has implemented new restrictions on grocery stores including the following: Each Grocery store shall limit occupancy to 40...

Covid-19 Holyoke Report 4/7

Posted on April 7, 2020

Today Governor Baker announced that the administration will boost MassHealth hospital funding by $400 million, and distribute another $400 million among nursing homes, community health centers, and other providers in order to support up budgets that are straining under the demands of the crisis. The peak of this pandemic in Massachusetts is expected to...

Covid-19 Holyoke Report 4/6

Posted on April 6, 2020

Governor Baker announced a $13 million Covid-19 relief fund for Massachusetts. This will be dispersed through local foundations and organizations. Baker also announced the creation of a large-scale testing site at the Eastern State Exposition Fairgrounds set to open later this week. The peak of this pandemic in Massachusetts is expected to hit in the...

Covid-19 Holyoke Report 4/5

Posted on April 5, 2020

The CDC has now recommended that all individuals wear masks when out in public. The peak of this pandemic in Massachusetts is expected to hit in the next two weeks. Residents are advised to be extra vigilant during this time and to stay home as much as possible. A new testing facility has been opened...

City of Holyoke Launches Video Contest to Promote Social Distancing

Posted on April 3, 2020

#HolyokeAtHome The City of Holyoke is encouraging social distancing through a contest called #HolyokeAtHome. Residents are encouraged to submit a creative 30-second video of themselves at home. The contest will be open from 6 pm tonight until 6 pm on Friday the 10th when voting will open to the public. Three winning entries will be chosen...

Mayor Morse Remarks on Situation at Soldiers Home

Posted on March 30, 2020

“It has been devastating to hear about the full extent of the COVID-19 outbreak at the Soldiers’ Home. While I am grateful that the State is now taking swift action to ensure residents and staff get necessary care and treatment, I am grief-stricken for those we have already lost, and my heart goes out...

Weekend Report 3/28 & 3/29

Posted on March 30, 2020

On Sunday President Trump extended the voluntary national shutdown through April 30. The federal guidelines recommend against large group gatherings and urge older people and anyone with existing health problems to stay home. People are urged to work at home when possible and avoid restaurants, bars, non-essential travel and shopping trips. Massachusetts has created a website...

Mayor Alex Morse Announces the use of Community Development Block Grant Program to Support Community Efforts

Posted on March 27, 2020

Mayor Alex Morse Announces the use of Community Development Block Grant Program to Support Community Efforts PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES, RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS WHO PROVIDE STABLE HOUSING TO LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS To meet the increased community needs during the COVID-19 Emergency, Mayor Alex Morse and the Holyoke Office for Community Development are...

City of Holyoke Escalates Response in Preparation for Coronavirus Impacts

Posted on March 25, 2020

Mayor creates dedicated response teams to address the local economy, social services and shelter needs caused by Covid-19 The City of Holyoke today announced a new Incident Command Structure designed to rapidly respond to the needs of Holyoke citizens during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Anticipating the volume and complexity of the challenges to come,...

Holyoke Water Works Reminds Residents to Throw Wipes in the Garbage System

Posted on March 24, 2020

Holyoke Water Works is urging all residents to reject the label on so-called ‘flushable wipes’ or other wipes and dispose of them in the garbage. That’s because they are clogging sewer systems and blockages caused by wipes cause utility workers to remove them in confined places – many times this must be done by...

City of Holyoke Issues Order for Closure of Personal Service Establishments

Posted on March 20, 2020

The City of Holyoke is taking appropriate steps to protect the public health and well-being of the community and has taken prior actions to limit the congregation of people within retail establishments. At this time the City of Holyoke is taking additional steps to reduce the opportunity for close contact among the public and...

City of Holyoke Issues Updated and Enhanced Guidance for Retail Closures

Posted on March 18, 2020

COV Order #3: Updated Order on Retail Closures to the Public The City of Holyoke is taking appropriate steps to protect the public health and well-being of the community. Of particular concern is limiting the opportunities for indoor congregation of persons, which aids the spread of infection. On Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 the City...

Holyoke Senior Center to Close & Suspend All Services Until Further Notice

Posted on March 17, 2020

In accordance with city-wide policy, and amid growing concerns regarding the potential spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Holyoke Council on Aging and Senior Center will be closed until further notice beginning Thursday, March 19. All services will be suspended. Seniors in need of assistance during this time are encouraged to leave a message...

Notice of Closure of the Holyoke Mall and other Retail Establishments

Posted on March 17, 2020

The City of Holyoke has declared a state of emergency in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community and is taking appropriate steps in order to protect the public health and wellbeing. Of particular concern is limiting the opportunities for indoor congregation of persons, which aids the spread of infection....

Information on the Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Posted on March 16, 2020

THE CITY OF HOLYOKE WILL NO LONGER UPDATE THIS PAGE – WE HAVE REORGANIZED AND MIGRATED THIS INFORMATION TO A NEW DEDICATED PAGE. CLICK HERE FOR LATEST INFORMATION The City of Holyoke, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Federal Government are all operating under a State of Emergency. The City of Holyoke is doing everything...

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Actions to Address COVID-19

Posted on March 15, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2020 CONTACT Sarah Finlaw sarah.finlaw@state.ma.us Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Actions to Address COVID-19 Governor announces emergency on three week school closures, prohibiting gatherings of 25 of more BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a three-week suspension of school operations for educational purposes at all public and private elementary and secondary (K-12) schools...

Remarks From Mayor Alex Morse Regarding City Response to COVID-19

Posted on March 13, 2020

“Yesterday I declared a state of emergency in the City of Holyoke. Beginning on Monday, March 16th City Hall and City Hall Annex will be closed to all public walk-in traffic, but will remain open for City Staff. Members of the Public seeking City Hall assistance are asked to contact (by phone or email) departments...

Statement From Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike in Regards to School

Posted on March 13, 2020

“In collaboration with state and local officials, Holyoke Public Schools has made the difficult decision to close for two weeks beginning Monday, March 16, due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Pending new information regarding the health and safety of students and our community, the tentative plan is to reopen schools on Monday, March 30. All school-related activities and events are...

City of Holyoke Encourages Residents to Sign up for its Emergency Notification System

Posted on March 12, 2020

Sign up for our Emergency Notification System! In a disaster, there are never too many ways to receive a possibly life-saving alert. That’s why the City Holyoke will use multiple ways to reach you if there is a threat to your life or property. The best way to ensure you receive critical alerts is through our...

Holyoke St. Patricks Parade and Road Race events canceled

Posted on March 10, 2020

Statement from Mayor Alex B. Morse: This afternoon, we announced that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race will be canceled this year in an effort to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. This decision was made this morning following a meeting of the Mayor’s Emergency Management Advisory Council which includes the Police...

For Residents Needing Housing Assistance as a Result of Fire, Condemnation, or Ordered to Vacate

Posted on February 12, 2020

HOUSING ASSISTANCE HOLYOKE RESIDENTS DISPLACED BY FIRE, BUILDING CONDEMNATION, OR A CITY ORDER TO VACATE FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: Emergency Shelter Springfield Office of MA Department of Housing and Community Development 243 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 413-858-1000 or call 1-866-584-0653 and speak with a Homeless Coordinator Housing search and financial assistance for qualified households ...

Lyman Street Bridge to be Closed Until Late 2021 for Reconstruction

Posted on February 6, 2020

Effective Wednesday, February 12th, the Lyman Street Bridge over the First Level Canal will be closed to traffic as the next phase of work on the removal and reconstruction of the existing bridge begins. This much-needed project in downtown Holyoke is being completed by New England Infrastructure (NEI) working for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). In addition...

Hazen Paper Company Making Super Bowl History Since 2004

Posted on February 4, 2020

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Since 2004, the NFL and publisher H.O. Zimman has trusted Hazen Paper Company in Holyoke to make the annual Super Bowl game book POP with a touch of holography. Hazen Paper Company has been in business in Holyoke since 1925. While most paper mills in Holyoke closed after World War II,...

City of Holyoke Seeks Residents to Serve on Boards and Commissions

Posted on January 30, 2020

The City of Holyoke is seeking to fill vacancies on essential boards and commissions appointed by the Mayor. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for community members to fully engage in their local government and bring a range of new experiences, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share to make their community a better one. City...

United States 2020 Census: Now Hiring!

Posted on January 8, 2020

Are you looking for ways to help your community? The U.S. Census Bureau is currently hiring temporary positions for the 2020 Census in our area. All 2020 Census jobs are temporary. The largest number of positions available are for census takers. By working for the Census Bureau, you can help them reach their goal for...

Welcome to our future website!

Posted on July 25, 2019

Welcome to our future website! As you can see, there’s not much here yet, however, true to the principles of the U.S. Digital Services Playbook, we’ve launched this test site (what we call ‘Alpha’), so we can build openly, iteratively and collaboratively with our community. Phases There are three phases to our official launch: Alpha:...