As we continue to move through Massachusetts phased reopening, I wanted to share with you the new information from Needham, Dover, Medfield, and across the Commonwealth:
Statewide Updates
- In Massachusetts, there are a total of 123,425 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 1,980,030 individual tests (molecular testing) 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.
- The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education briefed local Boards of Health and school district leaders on further guidance with regard to COVID-19 testing and reporting on Friday. Now, whenever a positive COVID-19 case occurs, districts and schools must call the DESE Rapid Response Help Center to report the case. To read the guidance, click here.
- The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance has been granted the 6th and final Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) week, through the federal program. All eligible unemployment claimants, including those who receive traditional unemployment insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, should receive six weeks’ worth of supplemental funding by today. If you have issues with unemployment, please contact my office.
- The Department of Public Health is monitoring the presence of mosquito-borne diseases in Massachusetts, including West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Currently, Massachusetts has found positive mosquito samples of WNV and EEE and there are 4 known human cases of EEE and 7 known human cases of WNV. To learn more, click here.
Local Updates
- In Needham, the Public Health Division will be holding Flu Vaccine Clinics on Wednesday, September 23, and Saturday, October 3. The Flu Clinic is for ages 8 and older and each person must register and fill out the insurance form prior to your appointment. The first hour of each clinic is reserved for members of the community that are ages 65 and older. For more information, click here.
- In Dover, the Community Center Building Committee will be holding a citizens’ forum on the future of Dover’s Caryl Community Center via Zoom on Tuesday, September 29 @ 7:00 PM. This forum is to provide the Dover community update and to hear from residents what activities and community opportunities the community would like to see offered. To learn more, click here.
- In Medfield, in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention invites businesses and residents to #LightUpMedfield. Lights or ribbons of purple and turquoise can be displayed in support of the cause. To learn more, click here: https://medfield02052.blog/2020/09/14/september-is-suicide-prevention-awareness-month/
- The Charles River Center 5K Run/1 Mile Walk will be taking place virtually this year. Individuals and teams can sign up and run or walk and submit their time during the week of Sunday, September 20 to Sunday, September 27. For more information and to register, click here.
Reopening Updates – Phase 3: Vigilant
- If you have questions, input, or comments regarding the Reopening Massachusetts plan, you can submit comments online. These comments can be used by the Administration to support efforts to methodically reopen the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for the form.
Resources and Additional Information
- 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 8 AM-7 PM & Saturday from 10 AM-2 PM.)
- 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.
- A recent survey by The ROX Institute for Research and Training found that nearly 80% of adolescent girls reported feeling more lonely since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you, or someone you know, are interested in becoming a mentor for a girl ages 7-15 the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston.
- The Needham Community Council continues to support friends and neighbors of our community, but they need your help. Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities and donation options!
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 Updates: https://stories.opengov.com/needhamma/published/lP3WUJtv_
Medfield Updates: http://www.town.medfield.net/1860/Coronavirus-Info-COVID-19
Dover Updates: http://doverma.org/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Dover-COVID19-Updates-Information-3
Department of Public Health: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information, call 2-1-1, or text COVIDMA to 888-777.
Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
