As we continue to move through Massachusetts phased reopening, I wanted to share with you the new information from Needham, Dover, Medfield, and across the Commonwealth:
Statewide Updates
- In Massachusetts, there are a total of 111,033 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 1,234,106 individual tests (molecular testing) 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 Department of Public Health is monitoring the presence of mosquito-borne diseases in Massachusetts, including West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Currently, Massachusetts has found positive mosquito samples of WNV and EEE and there is one known human case of EEE. To learn more, click here.
- The Massachusetts Advocates for Children has put together a clearinghouse on COVID-19 Information for parents. This includes information on knowing your special education rights and how to track your child’s at home learning. For more information, click here.
- Today at 12:30 the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency put a tornado watch on Massachusetts until 9:00 PM. This is due to Tropical Storm Isaias that is currently moving over the north east. To learn more and follow updates, click here.
Local Updates
- The Charles River Center 5K Run/1 Mile Walk will be taking place virtually this year. Individuals and teams can sign up and run or walk and submit their time during the week of Sunday, September 20 to Sunday, September 27. For more information and to register, click here.
- In Needham, the Needham Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2498 will be honoring Needham’s Purple Heart recipients with a ceremony on August 6 at 7:00 PM at Memorial Park. Social distancing and face coverings are required at this event. To learn more, click here.
- In Needham, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has found positive mosquito samples for WNV. DPH recommends using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and scheduling outdoor activities to avoid peak mosquito times. To learn more about prevention, click here.
- In Dover, the Council on Aging is offering curbside pickup of fresh produce from Powisset Farm. Curbside pickup will take place on Thursday, August 13 and August 20 from 2:00 – 3:30 PM behind the Caryl Community Center. For more information and to see other programs the Council of Aging is offering, click here.
- In Medfield, Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held on August 29, 2020, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Medfield Town Garage. A Medfield Transfer Station sticker is required to participate. If you need additional information, please contact the Public Works Department, 508-906-3003.
Reopening Updates – Phase 3: Vigilant
- On Monday, July 7, the state entered into the first step of Phase 3 in Massachusetts Reopening. This includes: casino gaming floors, horse racing tracks, indoor recreational and athletic fields, fitness centers and gyms, museums, indoor historic spaces, aquariums, outdoor theaters and performance venues, outdoor event space, indoor event space, indoor non-athletic instructional classes, indoor recreational businesses, movie and TV production, sightseeing and other organized tours, movie theaters, and post-secondary, higher ed, vocational tech, and occupational schools regular operations.
- If you have questions, input, or comments regarding the Reopening Massachusetts plan, you can submit comments online. These comments can be used by the Administration to support efforts to methodically reopen the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for the form.
Resources
- 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.
- 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 8 AM-7 PM & Saturday from 10 AM-2 PM.)
- The WIC (Women, Infants, & Children Nutrition) program provides families with healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services for families. To check your eligibility and apply for WIC, click here.
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: https://stories.opengov.com/needhamma/published/lP3WUJtv_
Medfield Updates: http://www.town.medfield.net/1860/Coronavirus-Info-COVID-19
Dover Updates: http://doverma.org/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Dover-COVID19-Updates-Information-3
Department of Public Health: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information, call 2-1-1, or text COVIDMA to 888-777.
Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
