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 107,210 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 775,322 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 House of Representatives passed a $5.25 billion interim supplemental budget to fund the state for July, the first month of the fiscal year. This stopgap budget is necessary as we develop a full fiscal year budget in the face of uncertain fiscal forecasts.
- If you have lost a job or are in need of health insurance, you may qualify for coverage through the Mass Health Connector. The extended enrollment period for July 1 coverage ends on June 23. For more information, click here.
- Today, the Department of Recreation and Conservation announced that agency-managed campgrounds will reopen to the public on July 1. You can make a camping reservation in advance of this date starting today. To make a reservation, click here.
- Today, the Summer Commuter Rail schedule goes into effect. MBTA service levels have been increased in the interest of the health and safety of riders and employees. You must use face coverings while on the MBTA. To access the commuter rail schedule, click here.
- The RMV has announced that customers that renew their standard licenses online at Mass.gov/RMV before August 12th will have the Real ID upgrade fee waived upon future return visits to a Service Center. For more information, click here.
Local Updates
- In Dover, the Boil Water Advisory is still in place. Colonial Water continues to test for the presence of e-coli in the wells and distribution system. For more information, click here.
- In Needham, please join me when the Human Rights Committee holds their virtual community conversation on Unpacking Structural Racism on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:00 PM. This will be a conversation on how our community can bring ourselves closer to a larger, more inclusive community. For more information, click here.
- In Medfield, the Board of Selectmen will be meeting on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The Board will discuss a shared road concept, the Medfield State Hospital Chapel, and additional COVID-19 status updates. For more information, click here.
- In Dover, Town Meeting has been scheduled for June 29 at 11:00 AM at the Dover Sherborn Regional Football field. The Town has reduced its quorum requirement to assist in providing a safe meeting for those who wish to attend. To learn more about Town Meeting, click here.
Reopening Updates – Phase 2: Cautious
- Today, the second part of Phase 2 of Massachusetts Reopening began. This part includes indoor dining, increased capacity for office spaces, hair removal, nail care, skin care, massage therapy, makeup salons, tanning salons, tattoo, piercing, and body art services, and personal training with restrictions. 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
