COVID-19 Information Pages

Hello Everyone,
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The AMTA-Government relations committee would like to provide you with this resource page of helpful links to websites that pertain to COVID-19. We know everyone has questions and concerns during these trying times. We would also like to invite you to check out the AMTA Nationals page. This page is updated on a regular basis as new information is presented. This page is accessible to non-AMTA members as well. Be well and be safe.
https://www.amtamassage.org/about/news/covid-19-resources-for-massage-therapists/?utm_source=informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=members&utm_content=fed-update-12-2020#statepages
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Helpful Resouce Links:
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ME Dept of Health & Human Services:
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MaineCare, including info for providers, telehealth, behavorial health and more:
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Maine Bureau of Insurance: 
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State law on private insurance coverage of telehealth services:
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ME Center for Disease Control and Prevention: 
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ME Dept of Labor, including unemployment information:
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Resources for businesses in Chamber of Commerce op ed 3/25/20:
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Maine Dept. of Education: 
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UPDATE : December 22, 2020 from AMTA National:
Dear AMTA Family,

 

Throughout 2020, we’ve been connecting with you to provide the latest and how they affect your massage therapy practice. As we continue to navigate these challenging times together, AMTA remains committed to supporting you in every way we can, including keeping you informed on new developments related to COVID-19 and financial assistance.

 

COVID-19 Federal Relief

We want to make sure you are aware of the newly passed Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and what it may mean for you. While the bill has passed through Congress, the President’s signature is pending and expected within days. Below are some important items to know:

  • Unemployment Benefits: Additional unemployment insurance benefits have been reinstated through March 14, 2021. Those who are unemployed can file for unemployment insurance benefits and, if qualified, will receive an additional $300 per week for eleven weeks.
  • Small Business Support: This new bill provides $325 billion to support small businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable loans to businesses, will receive $284 billion. Businesses that already obtained PPP grants may be eligible for a second round.
  • Direct Payments To Individuals and Families: $600 in direct payments will go to individuals making up to $75,000 per year and couples making $150,000 per year. Payments are phased out for higher incomes, with $600 available in additional payments for each dependent child.
  • State HealthCare Initiatives: The package also provides $69 billion for states’ healthcare initiatives, including but not limited to vaccine procurement, testing and tracing efforts, healthcare workers, and mental health services.
  • Rental Assistance Program: Congress will allocate $25 billion in the first-ever federal rental assistance program. Funding will be distributed by state and local governments to help those who have fallen behind on rent and may be facing eviction.
  • Child Care Grant: The Child Care Development Block Grant will receive $10 billion to help families with child care costs and assist providers with covering increased operating costs.

A summary of the legislation can be found on . We encourage you to check our for updates on how massage therapists can tap into various resources, including those provided by individual states.

 

AMTA’s Government Relations Team is continuing to engage with federal, state and local officials for updates on laws, executive orders, regulations and guidelines that impact massage therapy. We value the community we’ve built together and understand the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19. We remain here for you and will continue to help you navigate the pandemic each step of the way.

 

Your AMTA Team
Below are some ideas of what you can do for yourself while you are on hiatus from work:
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For you personally:
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1)   Create a schedule for yourself. This helps you not feel overwhelmed by the situation. People who have succeeded through isolation and difficult times, learned to compartmentalize their days and times in a day. See the list below for ideas:
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2)   Time for exercise. A walk, yoga, Tai Chi, exercise online classes.
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3)   Get outside if your location allows for this, or breath fresh air from the window
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4)   Do Stress Management techniques that you know.
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5)   Meditation, prayer, spiritual contemplation. Find a way to feel connected to humanity and life.
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6)   Listen to Podcasts, or read quotes and books that inspire you.
Examples are; Jon Kabat Zinn on mindfulness, Tara Brach, Deepak Chopra, or Learning Strategies Corporation (3 Preliminaries), or guided Progressive relaxation.
Try them yourself before you send them to someone.
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7)   Plant a garden or plant some seeds in pots.
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For your practice:
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8)   Look at emails from AMTA and links from the AMTA website, concerning relief from the Pandemic.
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9)   Call your credit card companies and ask for late fee forgiveness, payment deferral, and no interest.
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10) Add up your monthly expenses. Look at your budget. How much income and expenses are you losing? You will need this if you apply for a small business loan.
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11) Finish your taxes, and send them in.
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12) When your tax return is sent in, there is shorter wait for the stimulus money you will be receiving from the federal government.
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13) Apply for unemployment.
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14) Apply for a small business loan; google for SBA loans.
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15) Stay in touch with clients, through emails or calls. Can you share a stress management technique with them? A link to a podcast. Try them yourself before you send them to someone.
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16) Consider an online class with AMTA, some are free.
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17) Review information in previous classes you have taken, or finally read the book, or watch the dvd you brought.
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18) Stay calm, positive, and look to the future.
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We invite you to share your favorite resources and idea with us.