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 50,969 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 215,213 tests have been performed. You can access a summary of case details and lab testing, and cases by hospital facility and additional COVID-19 response reporting on the dashboard here.
- Today, the Administration announced that they have filed a new federal waiver request to provide the MassHealth program with more flexibility to response to COVID-19. If approved, the state will expand Medicare telehealth coverage to include services provided by phone and video.
- The COVID-19 Command Center has a web page with guidance for prioritizing and optimizing the use of Personal Protective Equipment. The page includes guidance on the use of N95 and KN95 masks from both the Department of Public Health and MEMA. You can read this information here.
Local Updates
- In Dover, the Dover Fire Department delivered care packages to seniors and at-risk community members in town. To watch this video, click here.
- A limited number of slots have re-opened for virtual office hours on Monday, April 27. There will be 15-minute slots for constituents to sign up for and share their issues and concerns between 11AM-12:15PM and 1:00PM-2:15PM. Meetings can be conducted via Zoom or phone call. To sign up for a slot click here.
- The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber provided an update on the Paycheck Protection Program now that the Federal Government has approved additional funding for the program. SBA will not be accepting new applications for the program until new guidelines are complete, but while you wait you should work with your lender to finalize your application so it can be submitted when the portal is reopened.
- In Needham, the Town of Needham has changed payment due dates for upcoming tax bills. The due date of the real and personal property tax bill has been extended to June 1, 2020. The due date for applications for property tax exemptions has been extended to June 2, 2020. Click here to learn more.
- In Medfield, the Medfield State Hospital Development Committee and the Affordable Housing Trust are seeking new members. These committees provide the opportunity to provide your expertise to local issues while supporting the town on these issues. For more information on the Medfield State Hospital Development Committee, click here. For more information on the Affordable Housing Trust, 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.
- If you do not qualify for traditional unemployment benefits but have lost your job due to COVID-19, you may qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance under the federal CARES Act. To learn more, click here.
- To apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) 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