COVID-19 Update #19 From Representative Dykema

April 5 Coronavirus Update

As you may know, on Saturday the Centers for Disease Control issued a recommendation that all US residents wear cloth masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help flatten the curve. This comes at an important time as we are expected to enter the “surge” period on April 7.

Everyone should wear a mask because research now shows that up to 25% of the population may be infected with COVID-19 without symptoms, unknowingly spreading the virus.

After 3 weeks of social distancing, we need to continue to support each other as we stay vigilent with protective measures. Visual reminders are helpful. With the help of the 26.2 Foundation and Hopkinton High School student Emily Karp, many statues around Hopkinton, including George V. Brown on the common (pictured) are sporting masks.

Coronavirus Testing and Response

There are 12,500 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 1,145 hospitalizations and 231 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.

Nearly 72,000 tests have been conducted by the State Public Health Laboratory and private testing facilities.

Health Care

The Centers for Disease Control is now recommending that everyone wear a cloth face mask or covering, especially when out of the home, to prevent spread of the virus. Evidence is now showing that up to 25% of the population may be infected with COVID-19 without symptoms, unknowingly spreading the virus. It is not advised to wear medical-grade masks which should be reserved for first responders. There are many examples online for how to make simple masks.
The Battelle N95 decontamination system, which can sterilize masks for reuse and mitigate severe shortages of protective masks for healthcare providers, has arrived in Somerville and is scheduled to be operational by tomorrow.
100 ventilators were delivered yesterday from the national stockpile, with 900 more expected to arrive by the week’s end.
A drive-through testing facility for first responders has been set up in Foxborough and two more sites are being considered for other regions of the Commonwealth. The Foxborough site can test up to 200 first responders a day.
500 people have volunteered to help UMass Memorial Health Care run a field hospital at Worcester’s DCU Center. Other field medical centers are planned for the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and Joint Base Cape Cod, and another may be considered for western Massachusetts.
There is an urgent need for blood donations. Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1- 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Workforce

The Commonwealth was sent guidance from the federal government today about how to set up the new expanded unemployment program that will provide benefits to self-employed individuals. Once the system has been put in place, those who are self-employed will be able to submit claims. Self-employed individuals are strongly discouraged from submitting claims until the system is ready. I’ll provide more information as soon as it’s available.

Small Business

The federal CARES Act loan program for small businesses became available through many local banks on Friday. There has already been an overwhelming number of applications submitted. I’m aware that there have been some problems with the process. I have raised local concerns with the federal legislative delegation and I’ll be sure to post additional information in this newsletter as soon as it becomes available.

Legislative Action

The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security is inviting written testimony on legislation that would create a category of hazard duty time for public safety officers and other first responders impacted by COVID-19. The legislation can be reviewed online here and information on submitting email testimony can be found here.

Other Notices

The Dept. of Public Health is hiring up to 1,000 people to do “contact tracing.” Applicants should be fluent with technology and multi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Volunteer for the new Community Tracing Collaborative by visiting this link.
The City of Boston announced that all residents should stay at home between 9pm and 6am, regardless of purpose.
The Massachusetts Bar Exam, originally scheduled for July, has been postponed to Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2020.

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/.