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 28,163 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 126,551 tests have been performed. You can read the full summary from the Department of Public Health here. Additionally, you can find information on hospital capacity and surge response here.
- Today, the House of Representatives launched an initiative to look at the needs of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors during the stay-at-home advisory. This initiative, led by Representative Clair Cronin and Representative Marjorie Decker, will analyze state policies in order to assess the existing and emerging needs of survivors in the Commonwealth.
- Today, in my role as Vice Chair of the House and Joint Committees on Ways and Means, I attended a virtual economic roundtable to listen to expert testimony and analysis on the economic impacts of the pandemic. Due to this uncertainty, the House will not debate a budget in April as we traditionally do, but we are committed to adapting in light of this new, uncertain reality. You can watch a replay of the webcast here.
- Today, Governor Baker signed an order to increase the National Guard’s response from 2,000 to 5,000 members. The National Guard has been working to increase the number of beds for COVID-19 patients by setting up field hospitals across the Commonwealth. This increase will allow more flexibility with the emergency response as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve.
Local Updates
- In Needham, the Solarize Mass Plus Needham program will be extended to the end of May. Vendors are holding appointments virtually to evaluate homes for rooftop solar and air source heat pumps, which both heat and cool a home efficiently. You can learn more by clicking here.
- In Dover, if you are interested in receiving email updates from the Town, the Town has created an enrollment form. If you receive COVID-19 Updates from the Town of Dover or emails from the senior center you do not need to submit your information. Click here to enroll.
- In Medfield, the Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for tonight has been postponed to Thursday at 7:00 PM. You can find more information 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 provide 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