PROVINCETOWN — The town’s Recovery Coalition is working on a phased reopening of Provincetown’s economy that depends on knowing how many people are here. That won’t be easy.
ECONOMY
Small Businesses Seeking to Reopen Face Obstacles
Problems remain with health rules, staffing, and government assistance
PROVINCETOWN — Bringing a business back from a dead standstill is hard enough. But the problems surrounding that effort during the Covid epidemic are so fiendishly interwoven, they resemble the […]
ECONOMY
Rental Rules for Short Term Still Unknown
Officials expect ban to go on past Memorial Day
PROVINCETOWN — Memorial Day weekend is two weeks away, but there is no official guidance yet on whether anyone will be allowed to come here. Since March 31, a standing […]
RELIEF
The Cape’s Undocumented Workers on the Margins
Most pay into the social safety net, but can’t benefit
PROVINCETOWN — The coronavirus-induced collapse of the economy has people everywhere reaching for lifelines, from unemployment to SBA loans to MassHealth. At the edge of this scene is a group […]
ECONOMY
Local Banks Rush to Get Funds for Small Businesses
Second round of SBA payroll loans could be gone in days
Editor’s note: This story has been updated as of Saturday, May 2. PROVINCETOWN — The $310 billion that was added to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) by Congress last week […]
RECOVERY
Coalition to Advise on Reopening Policies
Its meetings will not be open to the public
PROVINCETOWN — The Provincetown Recovery Coalition created by Town Manager Robin Craver had its first meeting on April 22. Its goal is to move from creative thinking on distancing-while-open to […]
HEALTH
Covid, HIV, and Cancer: Mulling the Relative Risks
The immunosuppressed could be vulnerable, raising troubling questions
PROVINCETOWN — The novel coronavirus threatens us all — but not equally. Since the earliest days of the outbreak, scientists and ordinary people alike have hunted for information about who […]
ECONOMY
Relief Is Slow for the Self-employed
Three programs could help; none is quick
Update: On Thursday, April 16, the Small Business Administration stopped accepting PPP loan applications because the $349 billion appropriation was exhausted. Congress is currently negotiating over an extra $250 billion […]
ECONOMY
Provincetown’s Theme Weeks Mostly Canceled
Months of uncertainty spell doom for tourist draws
PROVINCETOWN — The calendar of events that structures summertime in Provincetown has been nearly wiped clean. Bear Week, Family Week, and the Provincetown International Film Festival have all been suspended […]
ECONOMY
Businesses Encouraged to Apply for Crisis Relief Now
SBA loan programs are complex; advice from experts is simple
PROVINCETOWN — The Small Business Administration (SBA) has given birth to twins. Two huge, messy loan programs with complex instructions and chaotic rollouts have been dropped on its doorstep — and […]
CORONAVIRUS
Task Force Organizes Volunteers in Provincetown
The aim is to build capacity for unexpected needs
PROVINCETOWN — The Ptown Covid-19 Task Force came together a month ago as a channel for volunteer energy to help deal with the coronavirus. The pandemic creates challenges across many […]
DISASTER HELP
How Workers and Businesses Can Find Relief
Rescue funds include loans and expanded unemployment benefits
PROVINCETOWN — More than $600 billion of the $2 trillion federal financial rescue package that became law last week will go to beefing up unemployment benefits and small business loans […]
LODGING
Health Board: Short-term Rentals Should Stop
Hotels are mostly closed; only ‘essential travel’ is permitted
PROVINCETOWN — The board of health is directing short-term rental property owners in Provincetown to refrain from renting their properties, at least through the end of April. Hotels and guest […]
CLOSING DOWN
Provincetown Halts All but the Essentials
Airbnb rentals, visitor parking suspended after 2 test positive for COVID-19
Editor’s note: This article has been updated as of Sunday, March 29. PROVINCETOWN — Town officials were notified of the first two positive tests for coronavirus on Sunday, March 22. […]
SOCIAL SERVICES
Who to Call if You Need Help
There’s a network of support for those in need
PROVINCETOWN — Both the lives and finances of many on the Outer Cape have been rapidly undone by the coronavirus. With movement restricted and the economy at a halt, new […]
