New Updates as of April 1

Below is a summary of the most recent efforts to respond to the wide range of needs in our communities. For a summary of previously issued guidance and state restrictions related to the coronavirus epidemic, visit mass.gov/coronavirus. For previous updates visit carolyndykema.com/covid19.

Coronavirus Testing and Response

• There are 7,738  confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 682 hospitalizations and 122 deaths as of today at 4pm. 
• For a breakdown of cases by county and age, check here. This data is also now available in a dynamic model.
• Over 51,738 tests have been conducted by the State Public Health Laboratory and private testing facilities. In recent days, between 3,000- 5,000 tests a day are being
  administered in MA.                                                                                         

Health Care

• UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester is opening a temporary hospital campus located at the DCU Center to provide additional COVID-19 bed capacity for Central Massachusetts. An additional site will be opened at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Staffing is an immediate need. UMass is immediately recruiting employees, including nurses, PCAs, and other health professionals as well as current student in a medical, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant, or respiratory programs.  Full information and registration for those who wish to be considered is available at this link:  www.joinumassmemorial.com 
• The state continues to actively seek personal protective equipment for front line hospital and healthcare staff. If you know of an individual or company with supplies to donate or is able to manufacture needed protective equipment, please contact the state via the COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program conline portal. Please share this information. 
• Skilled nursing facilities in Wilmington and Worcester have committed to designating their beds for COVID-19 related care for older adults, with an implementation plan that will ultimately provide over 400 of the 1,000 bed target set for out-of-hospital care.
• Today, the Governor announced that attorney Mark Pearlstein will conduct an independent investigation of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and the deaths from COVID-19 that have occurred in recent weeks. The investigation will focus on the circumstances that led to the spread of the virus inside the facility and on management and organizational oversight at the Home relative to COVID-19 response.

Workforce and Employment

• The Governor’s stay-at-home extension order through May 4 includes new and updated regulations for essential businesses. Here’s an updated list of essential services and frequently asked questions.
• My office has updated our online unemployment resource guide. If you are experiencing job loss, reduction in hours, or other related income challenges, you may be eligible for unemployment assistance or other state resources designed to help families in need during this challenging time. The updated guide can be found online at https://carolyndykema.com/covid19-state-resources/. 
• The Massachusetts Cultural Council has announced an emergency grant program to provide up to $1,000 in relief for Massachusetts artists impacted by COVID-19. The grant application will open April 8th and more information can be found here.

Small Business

• The federal CARES Act stimulus bill includes $350 billion in support for small businesses nationwide. Businesses can borrow up to 8 weeks of payroll expenses + 25% (based on Feb. 2019 payroll) and if employment is maintained, loans may be forgiven. These loans will be distributed through local banks, and small business owners should work directly with their local bank. The applications are expected to open this Friday. 
• April 2 at 11:00 a.m., the Associated Industries of Massachusetts is holding an informational webinar with representatives of the U.S. Small Business Association on applying for federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Register online here – free to both members and non-members.

State and Federal Actions

• The Senate voted to pass a new version of  H.4598 with changes today, which will enable municipalities and school districts to make needed changes to local services, as well as allowing bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. The bill is expected to be ready for the Governor’s signature by the weekend.
• Among the many provisions of the federal stimulus is one that will send a projected to receive $1.04 billion to Massachusetts for public transit to replace lost revenue and meet other transportation challenges associated with the impacts from and response to COVID-19.

Additional items of note

• Verizon has reported a significant increase in wireless data usage due to the transition of many in our Commonwealth to remote work setups. To meet this need, the company has rolled out a series of initiatives designed to increase flexibility in customers’ data plans and waiving overage charges for those impacted by COVID-19. More information on Verizon’s COVID-19 response can be found here.
• As you may know, the 2020 U.S. Census is ongoing and April 1 marks “Census Day.” Although field operations are currently suspended due to COVID-19, mail-in and online operations continue. If you have not done so already, please ensure that your home fills out the paper or online questionnaire using the information you received in the mail. To participate or learn more, please visit https://2020census.gov/. 

Updated Resources for Residents Experiencing Job Loss or Loss of Income

COVID-19 is causing broad disruption to the economy which is affecting incomes of many residents and families. There are a number of state resources and supports available to support workers who may find themselves unemployed or otherwise income-constrained during this uncertain time. 

New: This page has been updated to reflect changes due to the passage of the federal CARES Act and to provide additional guidance based on frequently asked questions my office has received.

For your convenience, you can find a guide of resources and information at:

https://carolyndykema.com/covid19-state-resources/.