COVID-19: May 9, 2020 Update From Representative Dykema
May 9 Coronavirus Update
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. I’d like to wish all mothers a very happy, safe and healthy day. As mothers, our children and family are central to this day, and I wish you all many happy phone calls and zoom chats to celebrate with loved ones.
To honor the day, I’d especially like to recognize how many mothers’ lives have been affected by current conditions. Many continue to work while caring for children and often taking on new roles supporting children’s educational and increased emotional needs. Mothers who are health care providers, first responders and essential workers are taking extra care to do their jobs while keeping their families safe.
Mothers, I’ll look forward to honoring you and your day tomorrow.
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- There are 76,643 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 1,612 new cases and 4,840 deaths as of today at 4pm.
- Overall, over 376,537 tests have been conducted by public and private sources. 13% of tests reported today were positive.
- 3,229 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, a decrease of 120 from yesterday.
- The Department of Public Health has regularly released a daily reporting dashboard containing detailed information on hospitalizations, demographic data, and county-by-county breakdowns of cases. To view the DPH dashboard, visit here.
Workforce
- Those who have not yet received their direct pandemic relief payment from the federal government should use an Internal Revenue Service online portal by Wednesday to speed up delivery, the agency said. Paper checks will go out in larger numbers later in May, according to the IRS, and taxpayers who wish to receive their money — $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for couples and an additional $500 per child — via direct deposit should visit the Get My Payment page by 12 p.m. on May 13 to check the status and provide deposit information.
Local Update
- All four towns have delayed their municipal elections until June, and all four towns provide information to participate in early voting by mail for all residents due to COVID-19 concerns. Rescheduled dates and town-specific information can be found below:
- Holliston: June 23
- Hopkinton: June 29
- Southborough: June 16
- Westborough: June 13
Local Resources
All of our towns now have centralized COVID-19 resource page with resources, updates, and alerts regarding town services.
Holliston | Hopkinton | Southborough | Westborough
The Department of Public Health also releases weekly reports on town-by-town COVID-19 case numbers and rates, which can be found online here.
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.
Guide for job/income loss resources: https://carolyndykema.com/covid19-state-resources
Department of Unemployment Assistance: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance
Department of Transitional Assistance: https://www.mass.gov/dta-covid-19-resources-and-support
How You Can Help
Holliston Youth and Family Services requests your support of the Community Action Fund, which provides emergency assistance to those affected by COVID-19. Learn more or donate here.
The Westborough Rotary Club has launched a COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to provide assistance to those affected by COVID-19. Learn more or donate here.
The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations, the need for which is significant due to blood drive cancellations. The need is dire due to the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives. People can donate at the Worcester American Red Cross Donor Center, 381 Plantation St. Worcester or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Some local donor sites, including the Natick Senior Center, are available for appointments as well.
Information on our local food pantries can be found below. The most pressing need right now is cash donations to ensure that food drop-off and delivery do not inadvertently contribute to the spread of the virus.
Holliston Pantry Shelf | Project Just Because | Southborough Food Pantry | Westborough Food Pantry
Current Statewide Advisories
Stay at Home: Due to evolving spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, Governor Baker has directed the Department of Public Health to issue a stay at home advisory. Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary activities until May 18th. Residents over 70 years of age or with underlying health conditions, who are considered at high risk when exposed to COVID-19, should limit social interactions with other people unless absolutely necessary.
Face Covering: To maintain behaviors that limit the spread of COVID-19 and to prepare for the precautions necessary once the state begins to reopen, Governor Baker has issued an advisory requiring masks or cloth face coverings in public indoor and outdoor spaces in situations where social distancing is not possible. The full advisory and detailed guidance can be found online.
A list of all executive orders in place during the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 state of emergency can be found here.
