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 78,462 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 394,728 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 Governor announced a four-phase approach to begin reopening the Massachusetts economy when the public health data deem it is safe to adress. The goal of the phased reopening is to allow certain businesses, services, and activities to resume while protecting public health and limiting a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases. For more information on the four-phased reopening approach, click here.
- Today, the Department of Public Health and the COVID-19 Command Center released Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace. These standards are applicable to all sectors and industries that will open in phase one of four-phased reopening approach. For more information, click here.
Local Updates
- In Needham, the Needham Exchange Club has announced they will be canceling the Needham 4th of July Celebration due to the public health emergency and in the interest of public safety. If alternative arrangements are made, the Needham Exchange Club will announce them in the future.
- In Medfield, the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention is promoting and organizing community events for Mental Health Awareness Month. On Sunday, May 17 at 11:00 AM, they will be hosting a painting session to reproduce Van Gogh’s Starry Night. For more information, click here.
- In Dover, the Board of Health issued guidance regarding the use of Pulse Oximeters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Dover Fire Ambulance (EMS) loans oximeters to town residents who have contracted COVID-19 and have been recommended to use one by a physician or public health nurse. The Board of Health plans to purchase more to supplement the current inventory in the event the town needs more. Click here to read the guidance.
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 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.
- 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