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 73,721 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 351,632 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 Administration provided an update on its contact tracing efforts. If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, the MA COVID Team will reach out by phone to connect the confirmed case with support and resources necessary for quarantine, and to identify any close contacts that may have been exposed. It is critical that Massachusetts residents answer the phone when a contact tracer calls or texts from the “MA COVID Team.” Click here to view the MA COVID-19 Team video.
- Today, the Registry of Motor Vehicles cautioned customers to only use the RMV’s website when trying to renew a license or registration or process any business transactions online. Customers should avoid using any unofficial third-party websites that are offering RMV services to ensure that their personal and financial information is protected. To visit the RMV’s website, click here.
Local Updates
- On Monday, May 11, Representative Garlick will be offering another opportunity for virtual office hours. There will be 15-minute slots for constituents to sign up for and share their issues and concerns between 11:00AM-12:00PM and 1:00PM-2:00PM. Meetings can be conducted via Zoom or phone call. To sign up for a slot click here.
- In Needham, Youth and Family Services has created a recourse list for the community for supporting families during COVID-19. These resources focus on how to practice social distancing while supporting positive mental health. To access this list, click here.
- In Dover, the Board of Selectmen is meeting tonight at 6:30 PM. You can watch it live on Facebook or connect with Zoom on your computer or by phone. The meeting will have COVID-19 updates and a discussion on the Annual Town Meeting. Click here for more information.
- In Medfield, the Medfield Food Cupboard has been awarded the Eversource Community Impact Grant. This grant awards small-dollar donations to local, non-profit organizations that are on the frontlines helping their communities combat this pandemic.
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
