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 34,402 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 148,744 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 Legislature enacted legislation that provides important civil liability protections to allow healthcare providers to care for individuals to the very best of their ability, recognizing that they may be functioning in a new environment, dealing with an unknown virus, and implementing innovative treatments on the front lines of the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 response. It is now before the Governor. Click here to read the bill: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2640.
- Today, the Administration announced that the COVID-19 Response Command Center would be distributing 200,000 respirator masks for public safety officials in the Commonwealth. MEMA will be distributing these masks through the regional points of distribution.
- Today, Governor Baker announced that 4,500 foster families in the Commonwealth will receive an additional $100 per month per child for April, May, and June to help care for 6,700 children in foster care during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Massachusetts has opened 550 beds across five isolation and recovery sites across the state to provide regional solutions for people experiencing homelessness that need a safe place to isolate and recover after testing positive for COVID-19. It also developed an expedited process for homeless shelters and municipalities to request equipment and supplies, like tents, beds, and portable showers, and for requesting Personal Protective Equipment. 84 shelters have already requested equipment through this process.
Local Updates
- Today, I shared an update on State Actions in Response to COVID-19. You can read this here.
- On Monday, April 27, I will be offering another opportunity for virtual office hours. There will be 15-minute slots for constituents to sign up for and share their issues and concerns between 11:00 AM-12:15 PM and 1:00 PM-2:15 PM Meetings can be conducted via Zoom or phone call. To sign up for a slot click here.
- The Newton-Needham Regional Chambers has created a Shop Local portal. This is an interactive directory of local businesses that will be consistently updated to support the small businesses in our communities during this shutdown. Click here to access the website.
- In Needham, the Park and Recreation Department is having a Town-Wide Clean-Up to celebrate Earth Day while practicing social distancing. On April 19 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, stop by the Rosemary Recreation Complex to pick up supplies and information regarding trash collecting. To learn more, click here.
- In Dover, the Director of Dover Parks and Recreation has released another Dover Story Time reading the book, I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. You watch this video, click here.
- In Medfield, the group Medfield Makes Masks is looked for volunteers to sew simple masks. The groups is also seeking supplies and sewing machine. To learn more, 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 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