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 56,462 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 244,887 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.
- The administration will be increasing funding by $44 million for residential congregate care service providers. This funding builds on $95 million in funding announced in March and will be used to support increased staffing costs (such as hazard pay), infection control, and personal protective equipment for the 238 residential service providers that serve over 20,500 individuals
- Today, the Governor announced an additional $130 million in funding for nursing facilities to support COVID-19 response efforts over the next two months. This funding will support staff costs, infection control, and personal protective equipment if facilities are able to demonstrate adherence to accountability measures. To learn more, click here.
- The Commonwealth will also offer temporary staffing assistance for all nursing home needs. This includes clinical response teams of nurses and CNAs deployed in groups of 10 during emergency situations. These efforts will be supported by a centralized infection control performance improvement center established by the Massachusetts Senior Care Association.
Local Updates
- Today, the Federal Small Business Administration re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, click here.
- In Needham, the Needham Board of Health will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday, April 28 at 3:00 PM via Zoom. This meeting is to adopt an Emergency Order requiring the use of cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Click here for more information.
- In Dover, the Dover Board of Health will be meeting by Zoom on Thursday, April 30 at 10:00 AM. This meeting will include a continuation of COVID-19 emergency matters and review and recommendations with the Council of Aging and Public Health nurses. For more information, click here.
- In Medfield, the Medfield Board of Selectmen will be holding a meeting by Zoom on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 PM. For information on how to remotely connect to this meeting and for the agenda, 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