As the COVID-19 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 are a total of 106,650 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 746,162 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 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT card can now be used to buy food online from Amazon and Walmart. For more information on how to use SNAP benefits at these online retailers, click here.
Local Updates
- In Dover, If you are a Colonial Water Company customer and you did not receive the “Boil water “ notice on June 11 or June 12 – Please forward your name and address to Rep Garlick – DeniseGarlick@MaHouse.gov. This information is vital to understanding the many communication concerns.
- In Dover, Colonial Water has bottled water for pick-up at the Town garage at 14 Dedham Street. Customers can pick up water between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The distribution will continue through the weekend. The Colonial Water Company has been advised by Mass DEP to ensure that there will be sufficient bottled water for CWC Dover residents throughout the weekend.
- In Needham, Park and Recreation is setting up registration for the new summer programming that will be offered for this summer. The department is seeking feedback from residents regarding summer programming, as the programs that will be offered will not be typical summer programs. To fill out this survey, click here.
- In Medfield, the Town is currently subject to a Tier 2 water conservation restriction due to low rainfall and higher than normal usage. Nonessential water use is only allowed every other day outside of the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information, click here.
- In Dover, the Transfer Station has re-opened the book and textile recycling bins. Signs at the transfer station will inform residents of the appropriate safety procedures to follow at the book and textile bins. The swap shop, furniture shed, and deposit trailer remain closed at this time.
Reopening Updates – Phase 2: Cautious
- Massachusetts is currently in Phase 2 of the reopening plan. The second part of Phase 2 will begin on Monday, June 22. This part includes indoor dining and increased capacity for office spaces.
- These businesses will be operating under careful guidelines, which can be accessed by clicking here.
- 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 admits 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: 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
