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 26,867 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 122,049 tests have been performed. In addition to these numbers, DPH has started reporting data based on race and ethnicity.
- Partners in Health, the organization leading the nation’s first contact tracing program here in Massachusetts, is hiring Contact Tracers, Resource Coordinators, and Case Investigators to reach out to all Massachusetts contacts of COVID patients, counsel them on testing and quarantine, refer them for testing, and connect them to necessary resources throughout their quarantine. To apply, click here: https://www.talentboost.cloud/partners-in-health.
- Today, Governor Baker shared that Massachusetts has received an additional 200 ventilators from FEMA. These ventilators will be evaluated and will be dispensed to health care providers later today or early tomorrow.
- Today, the RMV announced that Professional credentials for School Bus Certificates, School Pupil Transport Licenses (7D), Inspector Licenses, Driving Instructor Licenses, and Driving School Licenses that have expired or are expiring between March 10 and April 30 will be extended for 90 days after the State of Emergency is lifted. To learn more and to see all updates from the RMV, click here.
- Today, the Commonwealth announced a new initiative and over $10 million in funding to support manufacturers’ efforts to pivot production operations to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical devices, such as ventilators, sanitizers, and thermometers. Companies can apply for grants to manufacture equipment, materials, supplies, workforce training, and other needs through an online form here. A Review Committee will process applications based on criteria including production timeline and recommend grant awards.
- The federal government has created a portal for those not required to file taxes to submit information to receive the stimulus checks. Click here to enter your information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here. If you filed a federal income tax for 2018 or 2019, receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits, or receive Railroad Retirement benefits, you should automatically receive your payments.
Local Updates
- Today, I shared a Fresh Garlick update where I discuss my work on the House of Representative’s COVID-19 Working Group. You can watch on Facebook here.
- Tomorrow, April 14, the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber will be offering a webinar on Navigating the SBA Loan Programs from 10:00-11:30 AM. This will explain the programs and resources available through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s loan program. Click here to RSVP.
- In Needham, the Select Board will meet Tuesday at 7:00 PM. This meeting will be available to view through zoom on a phone, computer, laptop, or tablet and the Needham Channel will also be seaming the meeting. You can find the Agenda and packet here.
- In Dover, if you would like to receive notifications when new information is posted on the Town of Dover’s website you can visit here.
- In Medfield, the Board of Selectman plans to meet tomorrow with plans to discuss COVID-19 Operations/Actions. A recently passed law giving flexibility to towns relative to property taxes, exemption and deferral applications, and penalties and interest is also on the agenda. Click here for the agenda and a link to watch via Zoom.
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
