As the Department of Public Health and other agencies and organizations provide updates on COVID-19, I wanted to share with you the new information being reported:
- In Massachusetts, there is a total of 378 cases of COVID-19. The Massachusetts Public Health Laboratory has tested 2280 individuals https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring
In Needham, the Public Health and the Aging Services Division have partnered with Springwell to deliver bagged lunches to seniors in need at home. For more information, call the Center at the Heights at 781-455-7555 or visit http://www.needhamma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/21035/update_3182020 - In Needham, the Department of Public Works and Building Department have launched their online applications. To access this service please visit here: https://needhamma.viewpointcloud.com/
- The Needham Select Board will meet on Friday, March 20 to receive an update on the Town’s efforts to protect the community during COVID-19. You can watch this meeting through the Needham Channel and on the Town of Needham Facebook page.
- Dover has taken steps to help protect members of the Community including while at the Transfer Station including, closing the Textile and used clothing return kiosks, closing the book return kiosks, closing the returnable bottle trailer used by nonprofits, removing the lids from the food waste disposal containers, and closing the Swap Shop. metal, plastic, glass bottles, paper, and cardboard recycling also remain open as well as food waste.
- In Medfield, the Board of Health has issued a memo offering guidance for families regarding playdates and social distancing. This memo recommends limiting playdates for children and having these playdates outside while minimizing shared equipment. You can read the Memo here: https://www.town.medfield.net/DocumentCenter/View/4117/Medfield-Board-of-Health-Guidance—Playdates-3182020
- The RMV will have the following eight locations open: Boston (Haymarket), Brockton, Fall River, Lawrence, Pittsfield, Plymouth Springfield, and Worcester. These locations will be prioritizing transactions that cannot be completed online, over the phone, or by mail. AAA locations will continue to offer select RMV services to AAA members.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration will offer low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Massachusetts business owners. To learn more about this project please visit here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Separately, Massachusetts has launched a $10 million recovery loan fund for small businesses.
- Governor Baker activated the Massachusetts National Guard to support the Commonwealth’s response to COVID-19. Members will be tasked with supporting requests from state agencies for equipment, logistics, warehousing, and related duties.
- 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.
- To file an unemployment claim, visit: https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-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 Or call 2-1-1.
Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html