Beverly Coronavirus Update: Your Questions Answered

BEVERLY, MA — The new coronavirus has left Beverly residents with lots of questions. Last week, Patch asked readers for their questions and concerns about the current situation. Here's our best attempt to answer some of the most common questions from our readers.

How many coronavirus cases are there in Beverly?

As of Wednesday, there were 150 confirmed new coronavirus cases in Beverly, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The department will be updating town-by-town coronavirus case data weekly.

What's open? What's closed?

While the state ordered all nonessential businesses to remain closed through May 4, the list of essential businesses is lengthy. In addition, several nonessential businesses are offering curbside pickup, delivery and other options for customers.

Patch has compiled a guide for local businesses to let customers know if and when they are open. Learn more about the Patch local business guide and find out how to add your business.

Do I have to wear a mask when I go out of my house? Do I have to wear it when I go for a walk, or just in stores?

Under an emergency order on April 10 requires businesses to make sure their customers are wearing face masks when they enter their building. It also "strongly urged: to provide employees with face coverings.

The Centers for Disease Control is recommending that people wear face coverings whenever they leave home and may have contact with others who they do not live with.

Okay, so where can I buy that mask? And while we're at it, where can I buy gloves, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper?

Unfortunately, we're journalists, not magicians, and we're having the same trouble finding supplies as our readers. The CDC has a guide for making your own face covering.

Locally, the costume department at North Shore Music Theater and other local groups aremaking masks for the most vulnerable members of our community.

Other supplies are hit or miss. Some readers have posted neighbor posts on Patch when they see high-demand items in local stores.

What about unemployment?

Answers to most questions about unemployment can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Labor Website. The quickest way to file an unemployment claim is to complete the online form.

How can I pay my municipal bills?

The City of Beverly offers online bill pay for most transactions. Bill payments can also be mailed or dropped off at the back entrance of City Hall. There is a dropbox there for bill payments.

What can I do to help?

The city is collecting information from people who have time and skills to volunteer. It also has a list of other local organizations looking for volunteers. Start by filling out the city's online volunteer form.

Don't miss updates about precautions in your area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

More Coronavirus Coverage On Massachusetts Patch:

• How Many Coronavirus Cases Are There In Your Town?
• Coronavirus Death Toll May Be Higher Than Official Count
• Massachusetts Lawmakers Warn Of Possible Depression
• Mapping Massachusetts Coronavirus: Where Are State's ICU Beds?

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).