COVID-19 Update From Representative Dykema; April 22, 2020

April 22 Coronavirus Update

Happy Earth Day to all! As spring starts to emerge and we are still working to engage in behaviors to limit the spread of COVID-19, our time in nature has become more precious than ever. Long walks outdoors are a great way to get fresh air and exercise, appreciate our natural resources, and clear the mind while maintaining socially distancing.

If you are quarantining with young children, here are some fun ideas for safe, educational activities to celebrate and learn about nature during Earth Day. Almost all of these activities can be done in and around the home.

Coronavirus Testing and Response

• There are 42,944 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 1,745 new cases and 2,182 deaths as of today at 4pm. 
• The Department of Public Health has updated its daily reporting dashboard to include more detailed information on hospitalizations, demographic data, and county-by-county breakdowns. To view the new dashboard, check here. 
• The State Public Health Laboratory and private testing facilities have now conducted over 180,000 tests for COVID-19. Over 5,000 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours alone.

Health Care

• Personal protective equipment: PPE continues to be distributed across the Commonwealth. In the MetroWest region, roughly 758,000 pieces of PPE have been distributed, including 178,000 N95 masks and 136 ventilators. A detailed distribution chart updated through today can be found here.
• Hospital Bed Capacity: Massachusetts’s hospital bed capacity for the surge currently sits at 18,100 ICU and non-ICU beds. As of  April 22, 56% of beds are available statewide, including 44% of beds in the MetroWest region.
• Mobile testing at long-term care facilities: The state’s National Guard mobile testing initiative continues, with the Department of Public Health reporting that 324 facility visits have resulted in 10,124 tests through yesterday.

• To meet the high demand for testing, the administration has expanded testing services through community health centers in high-need areas, distributing 2,255 tests since Friday to community health centers in partnership with Quest Diagnostics. By the end of this week, 5,000 tests will be distributed to an additional 12 community health centers, including in Worcester.
• The Governor, along with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and health care providers across the Commonwealth, continue to urge people not to neglect essential health care services due to concerns over COVID-19, and to reach out to their providers if they have health care needs that require medical attention.
• For those struggling with mental health or substance use challenges, the Trial Courts have compiled a webpage detailing online resources and support groups, including crisis resources.

Education

• A brief reminder that public and private K-12 schools will remain closed and remote learning will continue through the end of the school year, and early education and child care programs will remain closed through June 29, 2020. 
• EEC, in partnership with the WGBH Educational Foundation, has created a media-rich site of educational resources to help support adults who teach, nurture, and care for children from birth to age 5. These resources were developed by a team of early childhood experts, educators, and parents, and they are available in both Spanish and English.
• The Division of Banks has released a consumer advisory that Massachusetts has joined a multi-state initiative to provide relief to students with private student loans. This initiative will provide relief for up to 180,000 students and details can be found online here.

Housing, Unemployment, and Worker Assistance

• Nearly one-fifth of homeowners and more than one-third of renters in New England are at risk of not being able to pay their monthly rent or mortgage, according to new research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s New England Public Policy Center. Recently-passed legislation protects against eviction and foreclosure for those impacted by COVID-19 in Massachusetts, but anyone experiencing challenges with mortgage payments are encouraged to contact their banks as soon as possible.
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance online applications are open for workers who are not normally eligible for unemployment benefits. This is a separate, unique system from the existing UI system and more information on eligibility, required information, and timing can be found online at https://mass.gov/pua.
  • Today, the Department updated its online FAQ page with new information about Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for those with questions or issues.
• The regular unemployment benefits system continues to operate 7 days a week, supported by an 850-person call center and near-daily virtual town halls which have been attended by over 175,000 individuals. For more information on the UI system, including recent changes created by the CARES Act, visit this page.

Legislative and Judicial Updates

• Last week, the House and Senate passed a resolution calling on the federal government to authorize SNAP EBT purchases for online grocery purchases here in Massachusetts. The resolution is being finalized and delivered this week and can be read in full here.
• The state court system has been publishing regular updates detailing its response, procedures, and changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the courts have published and updated frequently asked questions for those who have to interact with the court system during this time and have established a Help Line at 833-91COURT (833-912-6878) open Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for those requiring assistance with civil or criminal matters.

Additional Items:

• One of the many tragic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is an increasing incidence of domestic violence and sexual assault. Here in Massachusetts, we offer a number of resources for those at risk, and those resources are continuing to be offered remotely with both telephone and online options. A full list of resources, including local resources, can be found online here, and commonly-used resources in our region can be found to the right. You can always call our SafeLink 24/7 crisis hotline at 877-785-2020.
• To meet the educational and economic challenges presented by the pandemic, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute will be setting up temporary Wi-Fi hot spots in underserved communities. Active and upcoming hot spot locations can be found online here.
• Finally, a beautiful show of positivity to round out your day: UMass Memorial has been posting uplifting messages thanking their care providers in a “Gratitude Gallery” where patients, families, and community members have been uploading photos and words of thanks to those providing care during the pandemic.

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. 

For your convenience, you can find a guide of resources and information at: https://carolyndykema.com/covid19-state-resources/.

Additional Guidance on Unemployment Assistance

• Updated Guidance for Self-Employed Individuals and those who have exhausted existing benefits.
• Massachusetts Employee Unemployment Benefits FAQ
• Department of Unemployment Assistance Virtual Town Hall Schedule and Sign-Up