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:
Statewide Updates
- In Massachusetts, there is a total of 1159 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 13749 tests have been performed. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring
- Starting today at noon, Governor Baker’s order for all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces went into effect. This will continue to be in effect until April, 7. For more information on this order visit: https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-charlie-baker-orders-all-non-essential-businesses-to-cease-in-person-operation
- Today, Massachusetts has launched a COVID-19 Text Message Notification System. This will allow you to receive Realtime notifications regarding news and prevention information. To sign up, text the word “COVIDMA” to 888-777.
- Today, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) prohibited investor-owned utility companies from shutting off gas, electric, and water utility service to any customers for failure to pay a bill or a portion of a bill until the State of Emergency is lifted or the DPU determines otherwise. This builds upon the DPU’s March 13 moratorium to include any investor-owned utility customers, including industrial, commercial, and small business customers, during the State of Emergency, in addition to residential customers. Read the order here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/chairs-1st-set-of-orders-under-c-25-s-4b-re-covid-19/download
- The RMV has announced that a new appointment-only Online Reservation System. If you must visit one of the eight open RMV’s, you can sign up for a time at https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/_/.
- Attorney General Healey issued an emergency regulation prohibiting price gouging of critical goods and services during the COVID-19 emergency. This addresses the recent increase in prices for public health goods like hand sanitizer, face masks, and globes. To learn more information regarding this please visit: https://www.mass.gov/guides/resources-during-covid-19#-advocacy-&-other-actions-
- This week the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Unemployment Assistance will be hosting town halls to take you through the process of filing a successful unemployment claim. To sign up visit: http://www.mass.gov/unemployment/townhall
- To file an unemployment claim, visit https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19.
- 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.
Local Updates
- In Needham, the Recycling and Transfer Station remains open for waste disposal in Needham. The Swap Shop and goodwill trailer are closed and the bottle and can shed recycling program is suspended. To learn more read this update from Needham: http://www.needhamma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/21061/update_3232020
- In Needham, starting Wednesday, March 25 and until further notice, a train will depart Needham Heights at 5:45 am every weekday to accommodate passengers requiring early morning travel on the Needham Line. Schedule details: https://mbta.com/schedules/CR-Needham/timetable. Thank you to our frontline healthcare, public safety, grocery, and all other workers who are serving during such unsettled times.
- In Medfield, the Board of Selectmen has voted to postpone the Town Election and the Annual Town Meeting. The Town Election has been rescheduled to May 4 and Annual Town Meeting has been rescheduled to June 15
- The Medfield Community has created a Facebook group dedicated to sewing simple masks. You can access the Medfield Makes Masks group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/203405034278283
- In Medfield, there is a Medfield COVID-19 Updates & Support Facebook group to provide town-specific information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/510749132974385/.
- Though the Dover Library is closed, please look at their website www.dovertownlibrary.org for a multitude of on-line resources for educational and recreational needs.
- In Dover, Needham, and Medfield, The Trustees have decided to close all outdoor properties, including but not limited to, Noanet Woodlands, Charles River Peninsula, and Rocky Woods, from Tuesday, March 24 through Sunday, April 7 at noon. More information: http://www.thetrustees.org/COVID19/.
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
