COVID-19 Resources

Our operations

Professional resources

Cummings Properties is proud of the important work in which our clients are engaged, from providing critical healthcare services to adhering to social distancing practices to slow the spread of the virus. As we all assess and adapt to the impacts, both long- and short-term, of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of our clients are offering valuable resources and expertise for businesses of all sizes.

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We hope you and your colleagues remain safe and healthy during this challenging time.

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Clients supporting relief efforts

Client notices

February 24, 2021

NEW COVID RELIEF PROGRAM UPDATES

Exclusive PPP Application Period for Businesses of Fewer than 20 Employees Starts Wednesday

The Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Small Business Administration have announced the following steps to provide further relief for the smallest businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program.

• Establishing a 14-day exclusive PPP loan application period, beginning Wednesday, February 24, at 9:00 AM, for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees
• Revising the PPP’s funding formula by the first week in March to allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support

Details can be found on the SBA website.

Reminder: Second Draw PPP Applications Continue to be Accepted – Deadline March 31, 2021

SBA is currently accepting Second Draw PPP loan applications from participating lenders. The program allows certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan with the same general loan terms as their First Draw PPP Loan. Second Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits, plus rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, and more.

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower

• Has no more than 300 employees
• Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses; and
• Can demonstrate at least a 25 percent reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020

Additional information is available on the SBA website.

Employee Retention Credit

The (ERC) encourages businesses to keep employees on their payroll. Eligible employers can now claim a refundable tax credit against the employer share of Social Security tax equal to 70% of the qualified wages they pay to employees after December 31, 2020, through June 30, 2021. Qualified wages are limited to $10,000 per employee per calendar quarter in 2021, thus the maximum ERC amount available is a total of $14,000 in 2021.

Information on ERC can be found on the IRS website. Cummings leasing client LGA also offers insight on this program.

 

January 14, 2021

COVID-19 RELIEF DEADLINES AND RESOURCES

Updates and Deadlines for COVID-19 Relief Programs

The U.S. Small Business Administration will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to small community banks for First and Second Draw applications on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 9 am ET. The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA.

As a reminder, the online application portal for the Massachusetts State Funding closes tomorrow, Friday, January 15. More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org.

Resources Offered by Cummings Client Firms

We appreciate the information and resources provided by many Cummings client firms to support businesses and individuals affected by COVID-19. Below are some of the latest updates.

Professional Services

• Garvey, Steele and Bancroft – (400 West Cummings Park, Suite 3400, Woburn) – Find insights on the COVID-Related Tax Relief Act of 2020 and other information in the firm’s featured articles.
• Kenneth Freed & Co. (400 West Cummings Park, Suite 5850, Woburn) – Get information on new COVID-19 Relief Programs and more on the firm’s tax center blog.
• LGA CPAs and Business Advisors (500 West Cummings Park, Suite 5650, Woburn) – Register for the January 21 webinar, “Update on PPP Loan Forgiveness and the New Round of PPP Funding.”
• McLane Middleton (300 TradeCenter Drive, Suite 7000, Woburn) – View a replay of the January 12 webinar, “An Overview of the Consolidated Appropriations Act.” Find more information at the firm’s Coronavirus Resource Center.
• MP (MassPay) (500 Cummings Center, Suite 4900, Beverly) – Explore resources on PPP loans and forgiveness, FFCRA leaves, safety and returning to work, and more at MP’s COVID-19 Resource Center.
• Robert A Cooper, CPA, P.C. (500 Cummings Center, Suite S-3580) – Call 978-232-1180 for assistance with calculating to see if you qualify, and for help with preparing applications for forgiveness.
• Score Northeast Massachusetts (100 Cummings Center, Suite 310-G, Beverly) Find COVID-19 Financial Assistance Resources online, including information on upcoming webinars.

Banking

• Liberty Bay Credit Union (300 TradeCenter, Suite 1740, Woburn) – Liberty Bay Credit Union is a participating PPP lender. Contact your local branch or visit the website.
• Marblehead Bank (100 Cummings Center, Suite 101F, Beverly) - Marblehead Bank is a proud participant in the current PPP Loan Program administered through SBA. For an application and overview, please contact Matt Ingram at Mingram@marblebank.com.
• People’s United Bank (400 West Cummings Park, Suite 1950, Woburn and 100 Cummings Center, 101N, Beverly) – People’s United Bank will accept applications from existing, new, and non-customers applying for first draw loans. Find Paycheck Protection Program updates on the People’s United Bank website. Contact your local branch for assistance.

Please visit the Cummings Client Directory for a full list of client firms available to assist you.

 

January 11, 2021

APPLICATIONS OPEN THIS WEEK FOR NEW PPP FUNDING

New Federal Aid for Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open this week for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers, providing an additional $284 billion in funding for forgivable loans.

Initially, only community financial institutions will participate. With these lenders, First Draw PPP Loans begin today, and Second Draw PPP Loans start Wednesday, January 13. The PPP program will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

• Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will use, or has used, the full amount only for authorized uses;
• Has no more than 300 employees; and
• Can demonstrate at least a 25 percent reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

Learn more in this press release from the Small Business Administration.

Massachusetts State Funding – Applications Close Friday

A reminder that the Baker-Polito Administration has introduced a $668 million small business relief package to provide aid to businesses in sectors experiencing the most significant economic hardship and a loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes restaurants, indoor recreation/entertainment providers, gyms and fitness centers, personal service providers (e.g., nail salons, barber shops), event support companies, and independent retailers.

The program offers grants of up to $75,000, but not more than three months’ operating expenses, to be used for employee wage and benefits costs, space-related costs, and debt service obligations.

The online application portal for the new program will close Friday, January 15. More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org.

 

January 4, 2021

NEW COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDING

We are pleased to share that new relief programs are coming soon for businesses impacted by COVID-19. These programs, at the federal and state level, will provide qualifying businesses with grant and loan funding for operating expenses, employee wage and benefits costs, and more.

Massachusetts State Funding - $668 Million

Last week, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a $668 million program to provide new financial assistance to Massachusetts restaurants, retailers, and other small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new business relief program will offer grants of up to $75,000, but not more than three months’ operating expenses, to be used for employee wage and benefits costs, space-related costs, and debt service obligations.

The online application portal for the new program will open on Thursday, December 31, and will close Friday, January 15. More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org.

Federal Funding – Additional $284 Billion for Payroll Protection Program

Last night, President Trump signed into law a bill expanding pandemic relief benefits and extending a number of benefits.

An additional $284 billion was allocated for disbursement from the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). With this latest bill, eligible businesses may apply for a second round of PPP funding. Eligibility was expanded to include all nonprofits, including 501(c)(6) organizations. 

Read more on the federal relief program and changes in an overview from Cummings’ TradeCenter 128 client McLane Middleton.

More specific detail should be coming from the SBA. Meanwhile, consult your lender or advisor for guidance.

 

July 15, 2020

Paycheck Protection Program Reopens

Client firms which have not participated in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) should be aware that, following the recent extension of the application deadline until August 8, 2020, substantial funds are still available through this resource. Approximately $130 billion reportedly remains in the program, which is intended to provide small businesses with funds to weather the COVID-19 storm, with the potential for a major portion or even all of the loan monies to be forgiven.

The program allows small businesses to use government subsidies, in the form of federal loans, for payroll, rent, and other costs. More than 350 businesses in Woburn alone have obtained loans ranging in amounts from $150,000 to $10,000,000, and many more organizations have qualified for smaller loans. Current regulations require that funds must be spent before the end of calendar year 2020.

More information on the PPP can be found on the U.S. Small Business Administration site, including answers to frequently asked questions. Client firms have reportedly found it most effective to work with their existing banking relationship when applying for PPP loans.

 

July 6, 2020

COVID Precautions Signage

The poster below is courtesy of Middlesex County Superior Court, which is located at our TradeCenter 128 campus. We will be displaying this signage at many of our properties as a friendly reminder of the precautions we all must take to help keep the Commonwealth on its successful path to reopening.

Client firms may want to download and print this poster for their premises.

Please visit our website for additional COVID-19 resources, and contact your account manager with any questions.

 

June 26, 2020

Welcome Back from Bill Cummings

As the global pandemic and the unrest related to social justice move inexorably around us, our Commonwealth has been badly shaken, but it certainly will not be broken. With Massachusetts' COVID-related metrics trending in a promising direction, we are ready to restore our lives and our businesses, and to help restore America and this entire planet as a better place for all.

I write today as founder of Cummings Properties to welcome back the client firms and colleagues who have been away from their usual locations. Thank you all for what, in so many cases, have been decades-long relationships. Most of my 70 years of business life have been based in and around Woburn, and I continue coming to the office each day because I am so pleased and honored to work with all of you.

Designated by the Commonwealth as an "essential business," the Cummings organization has necessarily remained open and functioning throughout the State of Emergency, and we shall continue providing services to the many hundreds of businesses within Cummings Properties' workplaces. Keeping all of them safe, clean, and well maintained will remain our top priority. Personally, I have been pleased to be a direct part of that effort from my Cummings Park office every weekday since the start of the public health emergency.

At this time, most client firms are open and operating, or they are rapidly approaching that point. All but a handful of our colleagues are now back at work in our Woburn and Beverly offices too, with generous spacing and other appropriate precautions in place. I look forward to working with all of you to move our communities forward in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Bill Cummings, Founder

Cummings Properties, LLC

P.S. If any reader has not received a copy of my self-written autobiography, Starting Small and Making It Big, I shall be very pleased to have a complimentary copy delivered to you.

 

June 25, 2020

Summer Child Care and Camp Options

With the school year over and many camps and childcare options limited or cancelled due to COVID-19 regulations and related challenges, clients and their staff may be seeking alternative options for their children. As a helpful resource, Cummings Properties is pleased to offer the following list of childcare centers and camp programs within our client portfolio.

• Bright Horizons (100 Cummings Center, Suite 145-G)—Bright Horizons will open July 6 with reduced hours (7:30 AM – 5:30 PM) for the first few weeks. Bright Horizons is a childcare and early education program that works with students ranging from ages 6 weeks to 7 years old. At this time, the center is only accepting new students ages 6 weeks to 2 years 9 months old. The staff has spent a lot of time re-configuring the space to make social distancing feel as normal as possible for students, and looks forward to welcoming everyone back.
• Gymja Warrior (10U Gill Street, Woburn and 150 Andover Street, Danvers—Gymja Warrior summer camp is designed to challenge campers' physical abilities as well as teach them key values for personal growth. Morning sessions focus on Parkour and Flips while our afternoon sessions focus on Ninja obstacle training skills. Camp runs from June 29 to September 4. Receive 10% percent off camp weeks with promo code cummings.
• The Little Gym (260 Cummings Park, Woburn)—The Little Gym specializes in unique educational classes that revolve around active play, and is now offering camps and classes. Call 781-933-3388 for more information.
• Little Folks Day School (600 West Cummings Park, Woburn)—Little Folks Day School is an independent school offering part time and full time preschool and pre-K programs for children ages 2 years 9 months to 6 years. Little Folks will re-open on Monday, August 3 and has summer and fall openings. Future updates will appear on the Little Folks website, voice mail, and Facebook page. Call 781-935-9697 or email info@littlefolksdayschool.com.
• Little Sprouts (4-G Gill Street, Woburn) Across its infant, toddler and preschool classrooms, children at Little Spouts are supported, motivated, and loved as they develop throughout their early years. The school will reopen on July 20. Space availability is to be determined.
• Magical Beginnings (Essex, Middleton, Peabody, South Hamilton, and Wakefield)—Magical Beginnings Learning Centers encourage children age 8 weeks to 6 years to explore and express their creativity to help strengthen their positive self-image. Locations are open and accepting students and summer campers.
• Montessori Kids Universe of Beverly (600 Cummings Center, Suite 171-X)—Montessori's early-childhood education and enrichment programs feature a low child-to-teacher ratio and a focus on fostering curiosity and imagination in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Programs include DaVinci Kids, a proprietary Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum that focuses on creativity through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (S.T.E.A.M.). Montessori plans to re-open July 6. Call 978-998-7808.
• Puddle Duck Day School (21-X Olympia Avenue, Woburn)—Puddle Duck Day School provides early childhood developmental experiences that challenge cognitive growth and enhance development. Serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, Puddle Duck will re-open on June 29 and is accepting new students. Call 781-932-8226.
• Springboard Schools (142-Q North Road, Sudbury) brings the Reggio Emilia nurturing and teaching philosophy to children in its infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-K classrooms. Springboard Schools is now open and following strict EEC safety protocols. For the first time in years, it is accepting new enrollments. At Springboard Schools, children learn through the richness of their surroundings and are provided with a sensory-rich environment to explore. Please visit its website for a virtual tour and enrollment information.
• Sudbury Montessori (142 North Road, Sudbury) offers each child an individualized education and is now enrolling students aged 15 months to six years. Its classroom environment is child-centered and encourages a child's natural curiosity and love for learning. At Sudbury Montessori, every child learns at his or her own pace and enjoys freedom of choice in a supportive and peaceful atmosphere. School opens the last week of August. Call 978-883-8000 or email admin@sudburymontessori.org for more information.
• YMCA (100 TradeCenter, Woburn) will reopen on June 29, however, there are no current openings. To be added to the waitlist, contact program director Suzanne Swankowski at 781-938-9622.

For Families

• The Boy Scouts offers Family Camp at Base Camp, a camping and hiking experience in Milton, MA. Family Camp is anticipated to open July 6. Camp will serve no more than 75 families per day. To maintain social distancing, program areas such as pool, ropes course, and archery will not be open. For more information call 617-615-0004 or email

 

May 22, 2020

HVAC Filter Upgrades

During the next several weeks, our field staff will be replacing air filters in building standard HVAC units with higher performance filters.

This maintenance work will require brief access to your space during normal business hours, and should cause minimal disruption. No action is required on your part for this service to be performed.

We have also increased building exhaust fan run times and fresh air intakes to the maximum levels allowable for effective and sustainable operation. You can also increase the amount of fresh air in your suite by running HVAC fans more frequently.

If your space has been unoccupied for some time, below are a few helpful tips as you re-populate your space:

-         Run HVAC unit
-         Run hot and cold water (water may appear rusty at first due to non-use, but should clear)
-         Pour water in floor drains to eliminate possible odor caused by a dry trap
-         Open windows, if operable

Health and safety protocols for our staff

The health and safety of our clients and colleagues is our highest priority. As we have previously communicated, our staff wears face coverings within Cummings Properties buildings as currently advised or required by state or local authorities. Our staff has been trained in CDC safety guidelines including maintaining social distance, washing hands frequently, and avoiding coming to work when sick.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your account manager.

 

May 19, 2020

COVID-19 Protocols

We look forward to welcoming additional client firms back to our buildings in the coming weeks as we all progress through the Commonwealth’s plan for a phased reopening. Recognizing that COVID-19 remains a threat, safely and successfully reinvigorating our local economy will require the cooperation of the entire business community—from firms like Cummings Properties to business owners to individual employees. We ask you and your colleagues to join us in carefully adhering to the protocols recommended by governing authorities, as they are designed to create a safer environment for all of us.

Please review the information and resources below, and reach out to your account manager with any questions.

BUILDING OWNER PRECAUTIONS

Given the variety of sizes and types of properties within the Cummings portfolio, the items below will not apply to every building. If you have questions about your specific building or leased premises, your account manager will be pleased to assist you.

Flow of foot traffic

• To facilitate proper social distancing, many stairwells have been, or soon will be, designated as one-way. Please look for and adhere to the “up only” and “down only” signage.

Elevators

• Signage will alert visitors to the Commonwealth’s recommendation to minimize the use of elevators by more than one individual at a time (unless members of the same household).
• If an elevator has multiple occupants, they are mandated by the Commonwealth to wear face coverings.
• To limit time spent with others in an elevator, signage will inform building visitors of the location of nearby stairwells and encourage them to use the stairs whenever practical.

HVAC
In a recent article published in ASHRAE Journal (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), it was reported that HVAC systems play only a small role in the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, and that the basic principles of social distancing and good hygiene (e.g. handwashing and disinfecting surfaces) “are far more important than anything related to the HVAC system.” Notwithstanding this statement, we are taking the following actions to increase the flow of fresh air within our buildings:

• Upgrading the filters in most HVAC units to those with a higher level of filtration
• Increasing building exhaust fan run times and fresh air intakes to the maximum levels allowable for effective and sustainable operation
• Informing clients that they can maximize the amount of fresh air in their suites by running their HVAC fans more frequently
• Reminding client firms to make use of operable exterior windows

Cleaning and disinfecting

• We are cleaning and disinfecting building common areas at least two times per day, with the most frequently touched areas being addressed more often. Our custodial team uses a bleach and water solution, as recommended by CDC.
• The areas regularly disinfected include building entrance and common area door handles; railings; elevator buttons and handrails; vending machines; water fountains; and restroom counters, faucets, toilets, and doors.

Precautionary signage

• Signage will remind building visitors of important orders and precautionary measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Common area seating

• In buildings with shared conference rooms, lobbies, and micromarts, we will reduce the seating capacity to support social distancing.

BUSINESS OWNER PRECAUTIONS

Sector-specific protocols and best practices

• A great deal of information related to the Commonwealth’s protocols for various sectors is available online.
• Clients are strongly encouraged to display safety standard posters within their own spaces.

Occupancy for office uses

• Per the Commonwealth’s Safety Standards for Office Spaces, most clients appear to be using the occupancy formula of 25 percent of a business’ typical occupancy as of March 1, 2020, or 25 percent of the maximum occupancy level provided for under the state building code, which is 100 square feet per person for office uses. (Cummings Properties’ leases typically state the square footage of a premises.)
• By way of example, a business with 5,000 square feet of office space would have an occupancy limit of 50 (5,000 ÷ 100) under typical circumstances and an occupancy limit of 12.5 (50 x .25) under current conditions.
• For guidance related to non-office uses, please refer to the Commonwealth’s sector-specific protocols and best practices. 

Reopening resources

• Many Cummings clients are offering products and services that may be helpful as businesses adapt to an altered work environment.
• Please view this resources webpage to learn about your Cummings neighbors who are providing personal protective equipment, cleaning services, plexi barriers, office furniture moving services, teleconference technology, and more.

INDIVIDUAL PRECAUTIONS

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wear a mask when you cannot maintain six feet from others.
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily (e.g., desk, phone, keyboard).
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.

 

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May 19, 2020

Reopening Resources

Following Governor Baker's release yesterday of a phased plan to gradually reopen additional industries within the Commonwealth, we are looking forward to welcoming more clients back to our properties.

We expect to communicate additional detailed information shortly about Cummings Properties' COVID-19 operational protocols for the buildings we manage—in particular, the common areas. In the interim, the resources below may be helpful as each client makes its own return-to-work plans.

• Governor Baker's May 18 Press Briefing (video)
• Sector-specific Protocols and Best Practices
• Compliance Attestation
• COVID-19 Control Plan

As always, your account manager is readily available should you have any questions.

 

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May 15, 2020

COVID-19 Update: Planning for a Phased Reopening

Dear valued client,

With the Governor’s current mandate limiting business operations within the Commonwealth expected to expire on Monday, May 18, we understand that you may be wondering what changes you might expect at our properties as we enter the Commonwealth’s planned “phased reopening” stages.  

As we have communicated, our properties have remained open for essential businesses, including all parking areas, building entrances, loading docks, and common areas.  While we await further guidance and direction on Monday from the Baker Administration and the Commonwealth’s Reopening Advisory Board, we have already taken a number of steps toward minimizing the risk of COVID-19 at our properties, including:

• training our colleagues on new safety protocols;
• increasing cleaning and disinfecting of common areas with a CDC-recommended cleaning solution;
• posting signage reminding clients and visitors of important precautions to take in order to reduce the risk of transmission, as well as state and local mandates; and
• requiring our staff to wear face coverings at all times within indoor common areas of Cummings Properties buildings and client suites.

We anticipate providing further communication to inform you of any new guidelines or changes you may expect at our properties as a result of additional guidance from the state. In the meantime, you may wish to review the Baker Administration’s May 11 press release for preliminary information about the phased reopening.

Each client will be responsible for determining its own protocols and procedures within its space as a result of state guidance.

Helpful Resources

We have created a list of products and services offered by Cummings Properties clients that may be useful as you adapt your space and operations to meet the new guidelines. These services include tools to encourage social distancing, personal protective equipment, cleaning services, and more.

We thank you for your partnership as we navigate this time of considerable change and challenge together. As always, your account manager is readily available if you have any questions specific to your needs.

 

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May 4, 2020

A Message to Our Valued Clients

As we all prepare to move forward again as circumstances permit, please know that all of us at Cummings Properties value our partnership and greatly appreciate your business. In addition, the safety and well-being of you and your staff, as well as our colleagues, is our top priority.

Our buildings remain open for essential businesses, and we are grateful to those aiding in the fight against COVID-19 and providing needed services for their clients and the community. For our clients who are working remotely, or have temporarily suspended operations, we look forward to welcoming you back—hopefully, in the near future.

Rest assured that our team is available to serve you—from the custodians who continue to diligently clean and disinfect common areas of our buildings, to the tradespeople maintaining our properties and answering service calls, to the account managers and administrators who remain accessible via phone and email.

Whether you are currently operating from your leased space, or planning ahead for the return to on-site work, we are happy to serve as a resource.

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March 23, 2020

The Commonwealth's Closure of Non-Essential Businesses

The Baker-Polito Administration has ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in the Commonwealth in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. This order will be in effect from noon on March 24 through noon on April 7, 2020. A list of businesses deemed essential is available here.

Because the continuity of building functions is among the services deemed essential—and because so many of our leasing clients provide essential health care, biomedical, research, food-related, and other services—Cummings Properties' buildings will remain open, and we will continue to fulfill critical functions such as trash removal, cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces in building common areas, and maintenance for urgent issues.

Although we are temporarily operating with a reduced staff, your account manager is readily available to answer any questions. You may also call our main offices at 781-935-8000 (Woburn) or 978-922-9000 (Beverly). To the extent possible, keeping everyone's best interests in mind, we ask that you communicate with us by phone or electronically.

Service calls
For the fastest response to service call requests, please submit them through the usual channels: Beverly and all other communities. Non-urgent requests will be addressed after the order has been lifted.

Building accessibility
It is up to each client to determine, based on the Governor's order, whether its leased premises will close or remain open. We will, however, continue to lock and unlock the external doors of multi-tenanted buildings per the usual schedule. Accordingly, your employees who are considered essential, as well as mail carriers and other delivery personnel, will be able to access these buildings. If you have concerns about deliveries while your office is closed, please contact the local post office or delivery service directly.

Construction and buildouts
Because construction is included on the Commonwealth's list of essential business functions, we expect to proceed with all current and upcoming projects within clients' suites. Construction activity at our Dunham Ridge campus in Beverly will also continue.

Please contact us if you have questions. Otherwise, we wish you and your colleagues good health during this challenging time.

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March 16, 2020

Cummings Properties Buildings Remain Open

Cummings Properties is closely monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19 and staying up to date on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and Baker-Polito administration.

As always, we are committed to helping clients maintain the continuity of their businesses. Our buildings remain open, and clients and visitors will continue to have access to our properties, unless otherwise directed by governing authorities. As previously communicated, we will continue cleaning and disinfection of common area surfaces with increased frequency.

We wish you good health and hope interruption to your business is minimal during this challenging time.

As always, your account manager is available to answer any questions.

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March 11, 2020

Update on COVID-19 Virus

Cummings Properties continues to monitor the situation related to coronavirus (COVID-19) and—in the best interest of clients and staff—to pay close attention to the guidance and recommendations from Centers for Disease Control, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Governor Baker. We have also consulted directly with Woburn Board of Health and a leading community health professional. We encourage clients to review CDC’s interim guidance for businesses and employers, which includes preventive measures and planning considerations for businesses.

Cleaning of Our Properties

Cummings Properties has reviewed the environmental cleaning and disinfection recommendations from CDC and provided additional training to our custodial staff. CDC currently advises routine environmental cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, and we have opted to increase the frequency of common area cleaning. Our custodial staff disinfects common area surfaces, including exterior door handles, railings, elevator buttons and handrails, and restroom counters, faucets, toilets, and doors.

As always, we are committed to helping clients maintain the continuity of their business. Our facilities will remain open, and we will ensure that clients and visitors have access to our properties, unless otherwise directed by governing authorities.

Prevention

We remind clients that many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. Massachusetts DPH offers the following guidance:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household disinfecting spray or wipes.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.

Guidance for Testing

If you or a member of your staff is suspected of having coronavirus, DPH advises contacting your local board of health, your health care provider, or the Massachusetts State Epidemiology line (617-983-6800), which is staffed 24/7.

For more information, please visit the CDC and Massachusetts DPH websites. As always, your account manager is available to answer your questions.

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March 4, 2020

Update on COVID-19 Virus

With the recent detection of the novel coronavirus in the United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have provided helpful guidelines for the public and the workplace.

According to DPH, the risk of the novel coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) to residents in Massachusetts remains low. The risk for influenza, however, is currently high. DPH advises that many of the measures one takes to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect against other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19:

• Washing hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Staying home if sick

A helpful guide including these and other tips is available at the DPH website. Please consider posting the information in your common workplace areas.

CDC also offers helpful information and recommendations. We encourage client firms to review its guidance for employers. Currently, these recommendations include:

• Actively encourage sick employees to stay home
• Separate sick employees, and send sick employees home
• Emphasize respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees
• Perform routine environmental cleaning of frequently touched surfaces

Cummings Properties’ custodial staff will continue its daily efforts of cleaning common areas, including frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, elevator panels, and bathroom surfaces. According to CDC, no additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time. We will continue to stay apprised of information and recommendations made by CDC and DPH.

As always, please contact your account manager with any questions.

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