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 16,790 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 87,511 tests have been performed. In addition to these numbers, DPH has started reporting data based on race and ethnicity.
- The Department of Public Health released guidance to promote social distancing at grocery stores. This guidance requires each grocery store to limit occupancy to 40% of its maximum permitted occupancy level. Click here to read the new guidance.
- Today, the Administration released Crisis Standards of Care guidelines for healthcare facilities in the Commonwealth. These guidelines are designed to help health care institutions by using critical resources and promoting transparent decision making. You can read the guidelines here.
- Today, it was announced that COVID-19 testing for Massachusetts public safety personnel will begin at the Big E fairgrounds in West Springfield. This will double the number of free, drive-thru tests available for first responders and other emergency management workers. Testing will be performed at no charge and will be open seven days per week to perform up to 200 tests per day.
- 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.
- To file an unemployment claim, visit here. If you have trouble filing a claim, please contact my office for assistance. We continue to await guidance from the federal government for 1099/contract workers seeking unemployment benefits under the federal CARES Act.
- 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.
Local Updates
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
