As the COVID-19 Response 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 64,311 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 289,636 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, Governor Baker signed an emergency order for all residents over the age of two to use a face covering or mask in public places where maintaining proper social distancing is not possible. This order goes into effect on May 6, 2020.You can read the order here.
- Today, Quest Diagnostics and the Mass League of Community Health Centers announced they will expand their COVID-19 testing at additional centers throughout the Commonwealth, bringing the total to 18 community health centers.
- Today, the RMV announced it had extended its cancellation of passenger and motorcycle road tests through Monday, May 18, 2020, as per the Governor’s stay-at-home order.
Local Updates
- Libraries in Needham, Dover, and Medfield may be physically closed, but they continue to offer services. To access these services you can visit the library websites here: Needham, Dover, and Medfield.
- In Needham, Park and Recreation summer programs have been canceled through July 5, 2020. If you have registered for a program, staff will reach out to you directly. In addition, the Rosemary pools will not open on June 7 as planned, and a later date has not been set.
- In Dover, the Town of Dover continues to update a webpage with its latest resources and information on how the Town is responding. To view this webpage, click here.
- In Medfield, the Board of Health has announced two additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Medfield. The current numbers are 29 confirmed cases with 20 recovered. For more information and updates, click here.
Resources
- 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 8am-7pm & Saturday from 10am-2pm.)
- 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.
- 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.
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
