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 101,592 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 614,133 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 legislation to support restaurants during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The legislation would cap third-party delivery and service fees, waive interest and penalties on late meals tax payments, amend zoning to allow for outdoor table service, and allow the sale of to-go cocktail kits.
- Today, Massachusetts began to ease restrictions for visiting long-term care facilities. Nursing homes, rest homes, and assisted living facilities will be able to allow for scheduled outdoor visits. Click here to read the guidance.
Local Updates
- On Monday, June 8, Representative Garlick will be offering another opportunity for virtual office hours. There will be 15-minute slots for constituents to sign up for and share their issues and concerns between 11:00AM-12:00PM and 1:00PM-2:00PM. Meetings can be conducted via Zoom or phone call. To sign up for a slot click here.
- In Needham, the Needham Community Council has seen an increase in requests for services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Food needs have increased by more than 72% with many new households in need of assistance from the Community Council. To support the Council, click here to donate.
- In Dover, the Board of Selectmen will be meeting on Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. The Selectmen will be discussing COVID-19 updates and other Town updates. For more information, click here.
- In Medfield, the Board of Health will be meeting on Thursday, June 4 at 1:00 PM via Zoom. The Board will discuss COVID-19, the issuance of permits, and an update to Phase 1 and 2 of reopening. For more information, click here.
- The Trustees of Reservation have begun reopening properties in and around Needham, Medfield, and Dover. To view a list of properties open now or in the near future, click here.
Reopening Updates – Phase 1: Start
- We are currently in Phase 1. In addition to construction, manufacturing, and places of worship, now lab space, office space, limited personal services, and retail can begin to reopen.
- The personal services that will be permitted to reopen are hair salons and barbershops, car washes, and pet grooming services.
- To learn more about the reopening process and to read the guidance, click here.
- If you have questions, input, or comments regarding the Reopening Massachusetts plan, you can submit comments online. These comments can be used 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.
- 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
