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 75,333 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 366,023 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 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released guidance for Advanced Placement testing for school districts. This guidance permits schools to open for the test, but only for a limited number of students who are unable to take the test at home due to inadequate access to a computer or internet connectivity. To learn more, click here.
- Today, Governor Baker shared an update regarding care capacity in the Commonwealth. Hospitals continue to have the capacity to care for all medical conditions, including those suffering from heart attacks or strokes. Those with ongoing medical needs should continue to seek care.
- Today, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced that parades and festivals in Boston, such as the Boston Pops July 4 Celebration, would be canceled through Labor Day.
Local Updates
- In Needham, the last day to register to vote in the annual Town Election is Friday, May 15, 2020. The election will be held on Tuesday, May 26. If you need a form to register to vote or change your party affiliation, you can pick them up at the Needham Police Station or access them online. The Town Clerk is urging voters to vote by absentee or early voting by mail if possible (deadline is May 22nd). For more information, click here.
- In Dover, the Board of Selectmen held a meeting on Thursday, May 7. The Board of Selectmen provided updates on COVID-19 and discussed Annual Town Meeting options. This meeting was recorded and can be viewed here.
- In Medfield, the Medfield Employers and Merchants Organization (MEMO) has canceled its Summer Concert Series. MEMO is currently working on having one or more virtual concerts in their place and will release more information as it develops.
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
