April 10, 2020 Update
As the COVID-19 Response Command Center and other agencies and organizations provide updates on COVID-19, I wanted to share with you the new information being reported:
Statewide Updates
- In Massachusetts, there is a total of 20,974 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 102,372 tests have been performed.
- Today, legislation was signed into law that supports those experiencing homelessness and provides flexibility to school districts in light of the outbreak of COVID-19. Notably, the legislation waives the MCAS requirements for the 2019-2020 academic year and allows the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to modify or waive high school graduation requirements. It also repurposes existing homelessness funds that currently support services that can’t be provided due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Today, the Department of Public Health issued an advisory, consistent with CDC guidance, that recommends people wear a mask or cover their face in public when they cannot safely socially distance.
- In anticipation of the upcoming “surge,” the Commonwealth has worked to make a total of approximately 14,500 treatment beds available. 11,000 beds could be available for intensive care unit and acute care in the existing hospital system, and 3,500 new beds are the result of hospital surge planning and field hospitals, such as those set up in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
- Ahora, se puede recibir mensajes de texto en español por el sistema “AlertsMA” para recibir actualizaciones sobre COVID-19. Envía “COVIDMAESP” al 888-777 para suscribir.
Local Updates
- In Needham, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Needham CEO John Fogarty released a video updating the community on how our local hospital is faring during this pandemic. You can watch the video here.
- In Needham, the Recycling and Transfer Station (RTS) issued the following reminder: Saturdays are very busy at the RTS. Due to social distancing, the RTS is currently limiting the number of vehicles that can enter the facility at a given time. No more than 18 vehicles will be allowed in the trash/recycling area at once. No more than 6 vehicles will be allowed in the yard waste area at once. Read more by clicking here.
- In Dover, individuals interested in receiving email updates from the Town can sign up here. If you presently receive Dover COVID emails or emails from the senior center, you do not need to submit your information.
- In Medfield, the Town of Medfield has a dedicated page for Small Businesses as a resource in COVID-19. To visit this page, click here.
- The Trustees of Reservations have reopened many properties this week, including Pegan Hill, Chase Woodlands, and Peters Reservation. Please strictly adhere to social distancing, parking, and other posted measures while enjoying these beautiful locations. For a full list, click here.
Resources
- If you or someone you know is at risk for sexual and domestic violence, service providers are still accessible. You can find local services by clicking here. You can also call SafeLink, the statewide domestic violence hotline, at 1-877-785-2020. SafeLink can provider resources and support services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
- To file an unemployment claim, visit here. If you have trouble filing a claim, please contact my office for assistance.
- Anyone feeling overwhelmed with sadness, anxiety or stress, or who wants to harm themselves or others, can access the mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program Call2Talk by dialing 2-1-1. Call2Talk is also available by calling 508-532-2255 or by texting C2T to 741741.
- Text COVIDMA to 888-777 to receive daily text updates from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Please remember social distancing is the most effective tool to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to these updates, my office is still accessible so please continue to reach out and we will get back to you.
Email: Denise.Garlick@mahouse.gov
Phone: 617-722-2380
Our local boards of health, the Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control are continuing to maintain websites with the most updated information regarding COVID-19 that you can access here:
Needham Health Department Updates: http://www.needhamma.gov/85/Public-Health
Medfield Updates: http://www.town.medfield.net/1860/Coronavirus-Info-COVID-19
Dover Updates: http://doverma.org/
Department of Public Health: https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19, call 2-1-1, or text COVIDMA to 888-777.
Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html