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 2417 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 23621 tests have been performed.
- Today, Massachusetts submitted a request to the federal government for a Major Disaster Declaration for Massachusetts. If approved, the Commonwealth will receive additional federal assistance beyond what was included in the Emergency Declaration by the President. This includes a request for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which makes financial assistance available to municipalities, state agencies, and certain non-profits. To read the request click here.
- The Department of Public Health issued three emergency orders to support the health care system as they respond to COVID-19. The first order makes several changes regarding pharmacy practices, including expediting approval for pharmacists licensed in other states to practice in Massachusetts. The second order exempts health care facilities from the requirement that they submit a Notice of Determination of Need for certain activities that will support a response to COVID-19. The third order exempts hospitals from certain nurse-staffing requirements while requiring that they must ensure that staffing levels remain adequate to meet patient’s needs.
- MassHealth has created a hotline through MassOptions for MassHealth members to call if they are in need of PCA services and updated its policies to streamline the hiring process and allow more flexibility for PCAs to work more hours. To learn more click here.
- Today, an emergency order was issued that will prevent permits from expiring or lapsing during the state of emergency for most permits issued within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.
- 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. Click here to sign up.
- To file an unemployment claim, visit here. If you have trouble filing a claim, please contact my office for assistance.
- 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.
- Text COVIDMA to 888-777 to receive daily text updates from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Local Updates
- The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber is offering a webinar on Friday, March 27 at 11:00 AM for small businesses on how to apply for SBA Emergency Loans. This webinar is free and open to members and nonmembers and you can register here.
- In Needham, the Select Board will be meeting Friday, March 27 at 3:00 PM. They will be providing a COVID-19 update, discussing a delay of the Annual Town Election and Meeting, and discussing a date for Fall Town Meeting. To read the whole agenda, and instructions to view remotely, click here.
- In Dover, the Board of Selectmen is meeting tonight at 6:30 PM. They will be providing a COVID-19 update and discussing other town updates. To read the agenda click here.
- The Medfield Board of Health will be meeting virtually on Friday, March 27 at 11 AM to discuss reusable bags, Mass. Dept Public Health reporting info., Gov. Baker’s March 23 Emergency Order, and COVID-19 operations. Click here for the agenda and instructions to view remotely:
- The Medfield Food Cupboard continues to serve its clients without interruption. Any Medfield resident in need of emergency food can contact them at info@medfieldfoodcupboard.com or 508-359-4958.
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
