CPA Statement on Service Change due to COVID-19

March 18, 2020

Dear CPA community, 

 

To prioritize the health and safety of our community members, staff, and the general public, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have made the difficult decision to limit CPA office service to phone, effective 3/13/20. As we serve people who are more vulnerable to the illness, we feel that closing our physical office is the responsible choice to make. We urge other organizations and businesses to do the same. 

 

We encourage our members to continue to reach out with any issues you may be experiencing, assistance you need, and questions you have. We will be open for service over the phone during the hours of Monday to Thursday from 9am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-12pm. Please call our office at 617-433-8522 for assistance. We are figuring out various ways to be in touch without in-person contact, so stay tuned!

 

In-person appointments will be available for emergency situations only, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. CPA staff can be reached via their individual email or you can email us via our general email at [email protected]. 

 

Appointments with Greater Boston Legal Services/Asian Outreach Unit (GBLS/AOU) will continue over the phone during their normal intake hours on Mondays from 1:30pm-4:30pm (Cantonese) and Tuesdays from 10am-12pm (Mandarin). Please call the CPA office or call GBLS/AOU directly at 617-603-1809. 

 

This is a difficult and confusing time for our community. While COVID-19 poses a genuine threat to the public health, misinformation and racism have a damaging impact on our ability to effectively address the situation. We recommend that all visit the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov) for updated and accurate information about the COVID-19 situation and report any cases of discrimination or racism. While we are doing service through phones and other technology, our advocacy and organizing work continues. We are working hard to advocate for increased safety nets that are available to everyone, especially the most vulnerable. 

 

Thank you for your understanding. We will continue to assess the situation and post updates about our reopening here and on our website at CPABoston.org, our Facebook page, and WeChat as we have them. If you would like to join our WeChat, please refer to the QR Code on the next page or use the ID: cpaboston.

 

Sincerely, 

Your CPA family