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 46,023 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 195,076 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 on the dashboard here.
- Today, the House of Representatives passed 3 key pieces of legislation, which are now awaiting the Governor’s signature.
- First, the House approved the SAPHE Act, which will strengthen local and regional public health services across the Commonwealth. This legislation, which Representative Denise Garlick and Representative Hannah Kane sponsored supports collaboration between local boards of health and neighboring municipal public health departments to deliver high-quality and efficient public health services.
- The second bill would allow notaries public to provide services through real-time videoconference rather than an in-person meeting during the COVID-19 crisis. This is the latest action in a thoughtful and concerted effort by the Legislature to allow residents of the Commonwealth to perform key business transactions while maintaining social distancing practices and prioritizing public health.
- The third bill requires the Department of Public Health to report COVID-19 test results by key demographic areas such as race, gender, and ethnicity, as well as test results of certain locations, such as long-term care facilities and county/state correctional facilities. It also establishes a diversity task force for investigating disparities in COVID-19 related cases.
- If you need treatment for issues other than COVID-19, such as cancer, heart, kidney conditions, and other illnesses, healthcare professionals are urging you to continue to seek care.
- The Trial Courts have adapted their policies and practices to protect court staff and the public while maintaining access to justice for emergency situations. Some of the steps taken include: systems for judges and clerks to remotely hear emergency cases and matters, issuing Standing Orders establishing operation protocols, establish a help line for general inquiries by the public, and developing a robust Resource Guide for those struggled with substance use disorder or mental health issues. To learn more visit the Court System Response Page on COVID-19.
Local Updates
- In Needham, Beth Israel Deaconess Needham has established the Healthcare Heroes Fund (HHF) to provide essential resources to employees affected by, and incurring additional costs as a result of, the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Funds donated by the community will be used to assist workers with resources like groceries, childcare, transpiration, and other costs associated with COVID-19. You can donate to the Healthcare Heroes Fund here.
- In Dover, the Dover-Sherborn Cable Television channel would like to recognize the High School Class of 2020. If you would like to participate, send them a photo of the student with their name and if you wish, where the student will be headed in the fall. You can send the information to info@dsctv.com.
- In Medfield, the Board of Health announced three additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Medfield. The total number of cases in Medfield is 23 confirmed cases and 14 individuals in Medfield have recovered. To follow updates from the Town of Medfield, 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.
- To apply for SNAP benefits call Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 (M-F from 8am-7pm & Saturday from 10am-2pm.)
- 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
