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 29,918 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 132,023 tests have been performed. You can access a summary of case details and lab testing, cases by municipality, and cases by hospital facility and additional COVID-19 response reporting here.
- Today, the House passed legislation that would place a moratorium on eviction and foreclosures. It emerged from the Conference Committee and is now before the Senate. For a bill summary, click here.
- Today, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced the launch of MassMutual HealthBridge, which will provide free term life insurance to the brave and resilient frontline healthcare workers across Massachusetts and Connecticut risking their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. To sign up, visit: https://www.massmutual.com/cm/healthbridge.
- The Department of Unemployment Assistance updated its CARES Act frequently asked questions webpage, including information about qualifying for additional programs. You can learn more here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/update-massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assistance-announces-guidance-on-cares#frequently-asked-questions-.
- Today, the Administration announced multiple steps to support long-term care facilities, including rate increases for facilities that create dedicated COVID-19 wings and units, continuing onsite testing through the Mobile Testing program, contracting with a firm specializing in nursing home crisis management to assist with staffing, vendors, and implementing infection control measures, and mobilizing rapid-response clinical teams to provide short-term support to facilities with a high volume of cases or with critical staffing needs.
- To meet staffing needs at long-term care facilities, the Administration has set up a Long-Term Portal to match individuals seeking work with facilities. There will be a $1,000 signing bonus to all individuals that register through the portal and work for a certain amount of time. To register, visit https://covid19ltc.umassmed.edu/.
- Today, the RMV announced a 60-day extension for most credential, passenger plate registrations, and inspection stickers expired or expiring in May will receive a 60-day extension. This is in addition to the previously announced 60-day extension for Match and April.
- Today, Attorney General Maura Healy launched a new website to provide resources for healthcare workers and first responders in Massachusetts. This website will also have information for the public regarding how to help and thank our frontline workers responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Click here for the website.
Local Updates
- In Needham, the Dog Licensing deadline has been extended from April 30 to June 1. Please send in your licensing fee to the Town Clerk’s Office or go online – www.needhamma.gov – Online Bill Payment – Dog License.
- In Dover, the Board of Selectmen will be meeting tomorrow, April 16 at 6:30. To join this meeting, you can use Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/929449825 or call 1-646-876-9923. Click here for the meeting agenda.
- In Medfield, the Town has put together resources for Renters and Homeowners during COVID-19. You can find these resources on the Town of Medfield Website, 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