Natick Updates

May 7, 2020

April 16, 2020

April 13, 2020

April 8, 2020

April 7, 2020

Natick Blue PAYT Bags may be purchased for delivery or pickup from Wegmans, Stop & Shop, Roche Brothers, and Tilly’s. If ordering online from Instacart and Peapod please note your request to purchase PAYT bags in the additional comments sections of your order. The Roche Brother’s online ordering portal from their website includes large and small Natick PAYT bags in their menu (search ’natick bags’). Tilly’s accepts orders via phone and email.

Curbside trash and recycling collections continue on the regular schedule 

April 6, 2020

CDC Guidance on Wearing Masks in Public

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings including places where social distancing measures may be difficult to maintain. Examples are grocery stores, pharmacies, public transportation and especially in areas of significant community based transmission such as crowds.

It is critical to emphasize that the mask recommendation does NOT replace social distancing, stay at home measures and hand washing recommendations that remain in effect.  The concern is masks will promote a false sense of security.

Social distancing, staying at home except for essential needs and hand washing remain vitally important to slow the spread of the virus.

Please be mindful to save the N95 and surgical masks for health care workers and first responders.

Below are two CDC links on how to make and wear a mask:

• Printable instructions on how to properly wear and make a mask
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/DIY-cloth-face-covering-instructions.pdf
• Video demonstration on making a cloth mask out of every day material by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H.
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4

Note: Cloth masks must be washed daily.

The Natick Board of Health will not be supplying masks to the general public.

April 3, 2020

March 31, 2020

Governor Baker’s Press Conference
Tuesday March 31, 2020
Extension of Executive Orders

Today, Governor Baker announced his Executive Order for closure of all non-essential services has been extended until May 4, 2020. The Governor’s Administration and Massachusetts Department of Public Health are in the process of reviewing the current list of services. An updated list of the services determined to be essential will be available upon completion of the review. 

• Gatherings will continue to be limited to no more than 10 persons at any given time, whether inside or outside. There are exceptions for open parks, trails and fields as long as individuals are maintaining social distancing of at least six (6) feet.
• Reminder: All public and private schools will remain closed through May 3, 2020.
• All daycare and childcare facilities will remain closed until May 4, 2020, with the exception of the state approved daycare centers for health care workers, first responders and essential personnel.
• Social Distancing: It remains imperative that everyone continue to practice social distancing. A physical distance of at least 6 feet apart is one of the most effective measures to reduce the risk of viral infections including COVID-19 Coronavirus.
• Please stay home! If you must go out limit your time away and maintain proper distancing.
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds often, especially after going out or touching high contact surfaces.
• Avoid touching your facial area especially the eyes, nose or mouth, as they are the gateway to viral infections. 

March 25, 2020

March 23, 2020

Posted March 22, 2020 

Message from the Town of Natick (Reverse 911 Call)

Know that in this troubling time your community is here for you. We are exploring ways to deliver critical services to those most vulnerable in our community during this challenging time.  Please continue to monitor public health notifications and possible upcoming volunteer opportunities by visiting the Town of Natick website at www.natickma.org which is being updated as new information becomes available. The Board of Selectmen will have a live-streaming meeting Tuesday March 24 beginning at 6:00 pm and the Board of Health will hold its meeting Wednesday March 25th.

All town buildings remain closed to the public through the end of this month. However, you may contact municipal departments with questions and/or requests via phone at 647-6400 or email. All municipal departments will close at 5 pm Monday through Thursday and Friday at 12:30 pm for the remainder of the month. If you are accustomed to coming to Town Hall to pay your tax bills please consider utilizing our online payment options or mailing in your payment. It is important that you discontinue flushing all wipes and paper towels into toilets as it clogs the system and risks breaking integral parts of our water sewer system. Additionally, please note that bulk Monday pick-up is suspended after March 23rd.    

Schools and school offices are closed to the public, but staff is available via email.  Online enrichment for all students PK-12 begins 8 am Wednesday, March 25, 2020.  Teachers will be in touch with students and parents by Tuesday, March 24, 2020.  Please visit the school department website for all details on online enrichment during this closure period.

Should you or your family have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 virus please contact our Department of Public Health at 508-647-6460.

Posted March 20. 2020 

During COVID-19 -Disinfection and Flushable Wipes

Cleaning and disinfecting during the COVID-19 pandemic is extremely important and necessary to protect against infection. A problem that has increased within the past the several weeks is the use and flushing of various types of wipes into the town’s sewer system. May we remind you: 

NO WIPES ARE TRULY FLUSHABLE! 

So PLEASE dispose of all single use wipes in your trash.

Wipes of any kind, whether they are advertised as flushable or not, do not break down in the sewer system. In fact, they end up in the sewer pump stations, clog the pumps and may cause failure of those pumps. That forces the Water and Sewer Department employees to clean and repair the pumps within a confined space. This is both a safety and financial issue for the community.

Below is a link to an  informational flier produced by the Health Department and Department of Public Works.

Click here for the flier

Posted March 18, 2020

NATICK POLICE DEPARTMENT COVID-19 RESPONSE GUIDELINES (Click Here)

Massachusetts Hotline Reminder

Massachusetts hotline 2-1-1 is operating 24/7 to provide updated information and answer questions regarding the Coronavirus. Following automated messaging, please press 2-6 to access the Coronavirus section.

The hotline is also accessible through a live chat option on the Massachusetts 2-1-1 website.

New CDC clearance criteria of COVID-19 isolated individuals

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has notified Board’s of Health of new non-test based strategy for clearance of isolated Non Healthcare Workers from isolation. The individuals should consult with the Board of Health for screening to confirm clearance. Implementation began today and the new criteria is as follows below:

• Time-since-illness-onset and time-since-recovery strategy of persons with COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue home isolation under the following conditions:
• At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath); and,
• At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

Posted March 17, 2020 

All Town of Natick Buildings are closed through March 20th.

The Town will be evaluating closures during the next several days. Town staff are reporting to work and continue to service residents. Residents requiring services are encouraged to take advantage of online services offered by the Town. Residents may also call or email individual departments.

Town Administration provides COVID 19 guidance to Boards and Committees.

Click Here to review the guidance.

All Town of Natick Buildings are closed through March 20th.

The Town will be evaluating closures during the next several days. Town staff are reporting to work and continue to service residents. Residents requiring services are encouraged to take advantage of online services offered by the Town. Residents may also call or email individual departments.

Posted March 15, 2020

Message from the Town of Natick (Reverse 911 Call)

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued updated guidance allowing health care providers to determine and provide patient testing.  Please contact your physician to determine if you should be tested.  A Massachusetts hotline 2-1-1 is operating 24/7 to provide updated information and answer questions regarding the Coronavirus.  Town officials have been working through the weekend to keep residents and town staff safe.  In addition, we continue to meet and coordinate with State Officials and our regional partners to ensure that the Town is taking any and all appropriate measures to respond to the virus.

Currently, it remains a fluid situation and will continue to keep the Town website updated with the latest developments.  If you do not have access to the internet, please call 508-647-6410 for updated information.  As of this evening, the Natick Public Schools, Town Libraries, Recreation & Parks programs, and Community Center remain closed.  Per order of the Governor, all public and private K12 schools will be closed through April 7th.  The school superintendent will be in touch with the public as updates occur.  Staff members at the Town libraries, Community Center, Recreation & Park will be available to answer phone calls.  

Town Hall will be closed to the public Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th.  Commencing on Wednesday, March 18th, Town Hall will be open by appointment only until further notice. 

Individuals seeking to conduct business, will be screened prior to the appointment.  Please call the department you wish to visit in advance to make an appointment.

We are continually modifying our procedures to protect both staff and residents visiting Town Hall.  Please keep checking the website for the latest updates.

Posted on: March 12, 2020

COVID-19 Update - Joint Meeting of Town Officials

This evening, the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee, and the Board of Health will hold an emergency joint meeting at (7:00pm) to discuss the town response to COVID-19. The meeting will provide information on town and school closings, as well as important instructions for the community during this time.

While this is a public meeting, the state has issued guidance to limit large gatherings. Therefore, we would urge citizens, rather than attending in person, to watch the meeting on their local cable channel or streamed live via the Pegasus website. The link can be found here: https://www.natickpegasus.org/ and town channel guide can be found here: https://www.natickma.gov/922/Natick-Television-Channels

Posted On: March 11, 2020

Memo from Town Administration to all Natick Boards and Committee Chairs

The spread of COVID-19 or Coronavirus to our community has prompted concerns regarding committee meetings and community events. This memo will cover some of the more common questions regarding these issues and how to minimize exposure to the coronavirus, however, this is a fluid situation and it can and will change so please check with the health department for any updates.

Committee Meetings

At this time neither the CDC nor the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has placed any restrictions on meetings or events. On March 10th, Governor Baker issued a state of emergency for the Commonwealth which included precautionary instructions for state employees. While these are not binding on municipalities, they may be helpful. Governor Baker’s executive order discontinued, for all state employees, out-of-state work-related travel, canceling or virtually holding conferences, seminars, and other discretionary gatherings, and informing employees not to attend external work-related conferences, seminars, or events. However the guidance explicitly provided that “regular internal business shall continue, including but not limited to mandated public hearings and board meetings. Meeting organizers are strongly encouraged to utilize alternatives like conference calls, WebEx and other group communication tools.”

At this time, it is up to the Chairperson of the committee to determine whether the proposed meeting is:

• Mandated or vital for Town operations;
• If the meeting can be conducted using remote technology; or,
• If the meeting can be postponed to a later date.

Steps to keep your meeting Safe

The DPH and the CDC recommends that you take the following precautions when having a meeting:

• Actively encourage sick committee members to stay home:

• Persons who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants).

• Make certain that all committee members have updated information about the coronavirus. (see attached)
• Try to hold the meeting in a facility that allows committee members to avoid close contact maintaining a minimum open space of 7 feet between participants.
• Use technology whenever possible to allow members to participate remotely.
• Provide COVID-19 prevention supplies to committee meeting participants. Ensure that your meeting has supplies, such as hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, tissues and trash baskets. Please contact the facilities department assistance. Supplies are provided based on availability.

Cleaning

The Town’s facilities staff regularly clean Town building common areas with disinfectant and take the following additional steps:

• Building Custodians perform a daily extensive disinfecting with Facilipro A-456 II Disinfectant Cleaner;
• Additional Hand sanitizer dispensers will be added, if they are available;

• Hand sanitizer is available in the restrooms;
• Hand sanitizer stations will be added to areas outside of restrooms and other strategically identified common areas;
• Unfortunately shortages of hand sanitizer have been reported by our suppliers which may delay the deployment;

•  Maintenance staff are also providing support:

• The HVAC equipment has been adjusted to increase fresh air flow from 10% to 20%.
• The HVAC equipment has been adjusted to change the occupancy times in the buildings to an earlier time to increase the airflow in the buildings.

Meeting rooms will be cleaned before all scheduled meetings. If you have any last minute room changes or have any other questions regarding cleaning, please contact John Gadson at (508)-647-6400 ext. 1503.

Circumstances regarding the coronavirus are changing almost daily so please watch for further updates. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact the Health Department at 647-6466.

• Town Buildings - All town buildings remain closed to the public until further notice.  Please visit www.natickma.gov to utilize the online services for any transaction or business.  Also, you may contact all municipal departments with questions and/or requests via phone or email.  All departments contact information can be found on this website. All municipal departments will close at 5 pm Monday through Thursday and Friday at 12:30 pm for the remainder of the month. If you are accustomed to coming to Town Hall to pay your tax bills please consider utilizing our online payment options or mailing in your payment.
• Curbside Recyle, Trash & Composting - remains operating on it’s regular schedule.
• Recycling Center - Extending hours.  New hours are Thursday through Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. 
• Natick Blue PAYT Bags may be purchased for delivery or pickup from Wegmans, Stop & Shop, Roche Brothers, and Tilly’s. If ordering online from Instacart and Peapod please note your request to purchase PAYT bags in the additional comments sections of your order. The Roche Brother’s online ordering portal from their website includes large and small Natick PAYT bags in their menu (search ’natick bags’). Tilly’s accepts orders via phone and email.
• Spring Curbside Collection (of yard waste) - Cancelled fr this year.
• Bulk Pick-Up - Bulk Monday pick-up is suspended. 
• Pink Bag Pick-Up - Curbside collection has been suspended by Simple Recycling.  This will remain in effect until further notice.
• Recreation & Parks:
  • All programming suspended until further notice.  Click Here for a list of all suspended programs. Cole Center remains closed until further notice.  Staff available by phone (508-647-6530), social media (Facebook and Twitter) and email (recreation@natickma.org)
  • Open space and fields remain open with the recommendation to refrain from group gatherings.  Reminder: Groups larger than 6 require a permit and permits are not being issued at this time.
  • Basketball, tennis courts and playgrounds are closed
  • William Chase Arena is closed
  • Sassamon Trace Golf Course is with certain guidelines
  • Spring 2020 programs are cancelled; refunds are being processed
  • Community Gardens will remain closed and assessed May 1, 2020
  • Summer camps are being assessed daily; more info by May 1, 2020
  • Summer program registration has tentatively been rescheduled to May 1, 2020
  • Natick Days scheduled for September 12^th will need to be rescheduled due to Boston Marathon on September 14th.  More information to come.
  • Summer employment applications are being accepted & reviewed
  • Daily facebook interaction with learning to draw, story time, activity suggestions and more
  • Daily YouTube Fitness classes
• Morse Institute Library - Library will be closed until further notice.
• Bacon Free Library - Library will be closed until further notice. 
• Community Senior Center - All programming and services are suspended until further notice.  Staff will be available during regular business hours to provide alternative arrangements for any who need access to important services.  Please call 508-647-6540 with any questions or concerns.
• Fire Department:
  • There will be no Home sales 26F Smoke Detector Inspections
  • No CPR classes until further notice
  • Permits and inspections are by appointment only.  Call Fire Prevention to schedule, 508-647-9556.
• Police Department: 
  • No new license to carry (LTC) applications. Renewals will also be suspended unless the LTC is about to expire. Detective Arena (arena@natickpolice.com) will review these requests via email
  • No requests for finger printing for the public
  •  No inspecting or installing car seats
  • Citizens calling for police services will be screened by our dispatch staff and Shift Commanders to determine if an immediate police response is needed.
  • We will take reports for past events (identity theft, credit card fraud, vandalism, etc.) via the telephone if applicable. 
  • Those who walk in to the station lobby will also be screened to determine if a phone report is appropriate. We encourage citizens to call the department via telephone ahead of time before travelling to the station to make a report. In many cases, a police officer can and will take care of your needs by phone.
  •  We also offer on-line reporting. Please go to natickpolice.com and click on "Online Reporting". You will find instructions and links to assist you.
• Town Clerk - Click Here to view the information regarding the Town Clerks office (Vital Records, Marriage licenses...)
• Reminder for everyone to practice good personal hygiene.  Wash hands for 20 seconds (sing "Happy Birthday" twice).

March 31, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Extends Non-Essential Business Closures and Executive Branch Employee Guidance

(Official Press Release and additional information)

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced several updates related to the COVID-19 outbreak including extending the non-essential business emergency order and guidance for Executive Branch employees until May 4. The Department of Public Health’s Stay-At-Home Advisory remains in effect. The Administration also updated the “COVID-19 Essential Services” categories for businesses and other organizations that provide essential services and workforces related to COVID-19 that are permitted to operate brick and mortar facilities during the emergency.

Essential Services Order: Governor Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 4. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people until May 4th.

The Administration updated the “COVID-19 Essential Services” list today, which is based on federal guidance that was updated earlier this week. The new list will go into effect tomorrow, April 1, at noon.  While these businesses are designated as essential, they are urged to follow social distancing protocols for workers in accordance with guidance from the Department of Public Health (DPH).

Some of the updates to the essential services list include:

• Clarity around the supply chain that supports other essential services
• Adding health care providers like chiropractors and optometrists
• Expanding the types of workers providing disinfectant and sanitation services

Click here for the essential services extension order. 

Click here for the full list of categories of “COVID-19 Essential Services.” (PDF)

Click here for COVID-19 Essential Services FAQs created by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

Hotel/Motel Guidance: As part of the updated essential business list, DPH issued new guidance today around hotels, motels, inns, beds and breakfasts and other short-term residential rentals. Based on this new guidance, hotels, motels, and short-term rentals may only be used for efforts related to fighting COVID-19, like front line health workers or individuals, or for Massachusetts residents who have been otherwise displaced from their residences.

Click here for the Hotel/Motel Guidance.

Stay at Home Advisory: Last week, Governor Charlie Baker directed DPH to issue a stay-at-home advisory, and the Governor announced today that the advisory will remain in effect. Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary person to person contact during this time period. Residents who are considered at high risk when exposed to COVID-19  should limit social interactions with other people as much as possible

Click here for the Stay-At-Home Advisory.

Executive Branch Employee Guidance: The Baker-Polito Administration today also extended the guidance issued to Executive Branch employees on protocol during the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure state government can continue to provide key services while protecting the health and safety of the public and the Executive Branch workforce. Under the guidance, all employees performing non-core functions who are able to work remotely should continue to do so until May 4. Full guidance will be sent to Executive Branch employees later today.

Some Executive Branch services and walk-in offices remain open, but residents are encouraged to use online services when available. For the status of in-person Executive Branch office locations, please click here.

Field Medical Station Announcement: The Commonwealth, through MEMA, has requested and received approval for a Field Medical Station that will provide additional medical care capacity as the state plans for a surge in cases. The federal Strategic National Stockpile has approved a 250-bed field medical station that will be deployed to the DCU Center in the City of Worcester this week. This temporary facility will be managed by UMass Memorial and staffed by a partnership including the City of Worcester and others. The temporary field medical center will be used to treat lower acuity patients who still need monitoring.

Nursing/Rest Home Program: The Commonwealth is implementing a pilot project that allows for safe, on-site testing of symptomatic residents of nursing and rest homes with a quick turnaround. The pilot will operate under the auspices of the Massachusetts National Guard in partnership with the Department of Public Health and Broad Institute of Cambridge, and samples will be collected by trained personnel from the Massachusetts National Guard. Prior to this launch, the only way for nursing home residents to be tested would be to be transported to a hospital or physician’s office.

Members of the public should continue checking www.mass.gov/covid19 for the latest information on impacts from the COVID-19 outbreak.

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March 30, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Actions To Expand Health Care Workforce, Other Actions To Support Providers, Business During COVID-19

(Official Press Release and additional information)

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced new actions that will support efforts to expand the Commonwealth’s health care workforce by expediting licensing for certain health care workers and onboarding for health care volunteers who have signed up through the Administration’s new online volunteer portal. The Administration also outlined a Department of Public Health order that will support continuing steps being taken to expand care capacity for older adults infected with COVID-19, in addition to other actions designed to support providers and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Expedited Onboarding Of Health Care Volunteers: Last week, the Administration launched an initiative to recruit volunteer medical professionals to support hospitals as the Commonwealth continues to expand medical capacity. Since launching the initiative, more than 1,800 volunteers have already signed up, reflective of the Commonwealth’s world-class health care workforce. To support expedited onboarding of these volunteers, the Department of Public Health has issued an order authorizing the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management to perform a CORI check on any volunteer who registered through the volunteer portal without a notarized CORI acknowledgement form. The Order requires any entity performing a CORI check pursuant to the Order to implement sufficient compensating controls to reasonably verify an individual’s identity, including inspection of a photographic form of government issued identification via teleconference.

Read the Order.

On-Demand Licensing For Health Professionals: To further support the Commonwealth’s health care workforce, the Department of Public Health has issued an order designed to provide on-demand licensing and re-licensing for certain health care professionals. The Order expedites licensing for professionals with licenses in good standing in other states, and professionals who have allowed their Massachusetts licenses to expire within the past 10 years while in good standing. This order applies to a wide range of health professionals: registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, nursing home administrator, physician assistant, respiratory therapist, perfusionist, genetic counselor, community health worker and emergency medical technician.

Read the Order.

Expanding Care Capacity: As part of its efforts to expand existing health care capacity, the Administration’s COVID-19 Response Command Center is working with long-term care facilities to establish dedicated skilled nursing facilities to care for individuals infected with COVID-19. The initiative offers an alternative location where individuals who are stable but still need medical care can be transferred to recover, relieving pressure on hospitals and opening up hospital beds for the treatment of patients with the greatest medical need. The transfer of existing residents out of participating facilities will be handled with the utmost care. The Administration has received federal approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for this initiative. 

The Department of Public Health has issued an order waiving certain MassHealth regulations regarding the transfers and discharge of long-term care facility residents, for the limited purpose of safely transferring and discharging all residents living in a long-term care facility that is intended to be used as a designated COVID-19 facility. The Command Center has worked with the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Worcester to start this effort, which will help bring 300 skilled nursing facility beds online in central Massachusetts. The Command Center will continue to work with long-term care facilities to add care capacity for older adults.

Read the Order.

Read the letter to providers outlining the program.

Financial Relief For Care Providers: Governor Baker today issued an order providing the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) administrative flexibility to extend financial relief to providers of critical health care and social services that serve EOHHS clients, including members of MassHealth. The financial relief may be in the form of temporary rate adjustments, supplemental payments, and new rate and payment methodologies that reflect the modified ways services are being delivered. These measures will be subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. This will allow EOHHS to extend critical financial support to:

• Providers that are facing extraordinary demand due to the COVID-19 emergency, while, at the same time, have lost significant revenue because they have had to cancel other procedures and appointments;
• Providers that are necessary to keep vulnerable individuals safe in their homes or residences and out of more acute settings like hospitals; and
• Human service providers that have been forced to respond to the unanticipated circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic by altering the way they deliver services and the hours and scope of these services.

Read the Order. 

Shareholder Meeting Requirements: Under Massachusetts law, public companies can permit shareholders and their proxies to participate in annual or special shareholder meetings by remote communication, but they are also required to hold a meeting in a physical space that shareholders can attend in person. Given the challenges of meeting such requirements while non-essential workers are required to stay home and gatherings are limited to 10 people, Governor Baker today issued an order adjusting this meeting requirement. The Governor’s order permits public companies to hold annual or special shareholder meetings completely by means of remote communication, until 60 days after the end of the state of emergency. Additionally, if a public company has already sent written notice to its shareholders of an annual or special meeting to be held in a physical location, this order allows that company to notify its shareholders that the meeting now will be held solely through remote communication without mailing another notice, provided they issue a press release, send email notice where possible, and take other reasonable steps to notify their shareholders of the change.

Read the Order.

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March 29, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Online Portal for Personal Protective Equipment, Volunteers to Support COVID-19 Outbreak

(Official Press Release and additional information)

The Baker-Polito Administration announced an online portal where individuals and companies can easily donate or sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and volunteer to support the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts. This effort will ensure that front line responders get the protective equipment they need to stay and push for more trained volunteers to join the response. 

“Massachusetts has already received generous donations from countless organizations, and by launching this portal we’ll make it easier to streamline these offers and quickly distribute supplies to those in need,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We also need more volunteers to help support our response to this unprecedented public health emergency, and urge people to sign up to lend a hand. Our administration will continue making every effort to secure supplies from all possible resources to support our front line workers during these tough times.”

The Commonwealth’s COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program creates an easy portal allowing companies and organizations to sell or donate protective equipment that is in short supply given the global demands for such items.

By visiting the COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation website, businesses and organizations can offer for purchase or donation critically needed personal protective equipment, including:

The initiative announced today bolsters current efforts to leverage traditional and emergency supply chain channels.

“We have a constant demand and need for personal protective equipment (PPE) available to our medical, first responder and essential service communities. Over the past week, hundreds of deliveries of PPE have been made to front line health care providers, and first responders, but we need so much more,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Command Center Director. “Last week more than 28,000 masks, and 120,000 pairs of gloves were distributed, and we’ve placed more than $50 million in orders for additional supplies. We are also waiting on our third delivery from the Strategic National Stockpile.”

The program also provides an entry point for local manufacturers to get more information on adapting their businesses to produce more equipment here in Massachusetts, an effort being led by the administration’s recently established Manufacturing Emergency Response Team, co-chaired by Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, and Mike Tamasi, President and CEO of AccuRounds, a precision components manufacturer located in Avon, MA.

“It comes as no surprise that both manufacturers and university R&D partners across Massachusetts have stepped up during this challenging time to support those saving lives and provide logistical expertise toward stopping the spread of this virus,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy, Co-Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative. “This portal serves as a front door for companies that think their operations can be adapted to address manufacturing supply chain issues and produce the equipment needed by those on the front lines.”

A call for volunteers:

To support ongoing COVID-19 emergency response efforts, the Baker-Polito Administration has partnered with the Massachusetts Medical Society to match health and medical volunteers with our communities and health care providers based on skillsets and need. There is an immediate need for respiratory therapists and public health nurses, and the administration is asking health care professionals interested in volunteering to sign up by clicking here. Since launching the initiative, more than 1,000 people have already registered.

For more information on COVID-19, visit Mass.gov/covid19. Get notifications to your phone or other mobile device by texting COVIDMA to 888-777.

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March 28, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Federal Disaster Declaration for COVID-19 Response

(Official Press Release and additional information)

In response to Governor Charlie Baker’s request for federal disaster assistance, the White House and FEMA announced today that the President has issued a Major Disaster Declaration that will make federal disaster assistance available beyond what was included in the Emergency Declaration declared by President Trump on March 13, 2020. 

Public Assistance Program - Under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program within the Major Disaster Declaration, affected local governments, state agencies and certain private non-profit organizations statewide will be reimbursed for 75% of their costs associated with response and emergency protective measures. The eligible emergency protective measures include non-congregate isolation and quarantine costs for homeless individuals and families as well as first responders as well as other types of properly documented costs.

Individual Assistance Program – Under FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program within the Major Disaster Declaration, Crisis Counseling Assistance will provide funding for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to assist individuals and families in recovering from the psychological effects of the COVID -19 outbreak through electronic phone and chat technology.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency will provide webinars and other information about the process for applying for the Public Assistance Program to municipal and state officials and eligible non-profits. See here for more information.

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March 27, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Travel Guidelines and New Health Care Resources To Support COVID-19 Response

(Official Press Release and additional information)

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced new COVID-19 public health emergency responses issuing new guidelines on travel and transportation, and offering further support for health care professionals and patients.

Earlier today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo also announced an agreement to extend the 2019 state individual income tax filing and payment deadline from April 15 to July 15, matching the July 15 deadline for filing federal individual income taxes. More details are available here.

Travel Guidance: Beginning March 27, all travelers arriving to Massachusetts are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days. This guidance will be displayed as posters at service plazas along 1-90 eastbound, distributed as flyers at major transportation hubs and on posted on highway message boards. Visitors are instructed not to travel to Massachusetts if they are displaying symptoms. Health care workers, public health workers, public safety workers, transportation workers and designated essential workers are exempt from this requirement.

Medical School Graduation: Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders and DPH Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel have coordinated with Massachusetts medical schools to facilitate early graduation of their qualified fourth-year students to allow graduates to support the health care workforce during the COVID-19 response. This coordinated effort includes Boston University School of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School.

Emergency Limited Medical Licenses: The Board of Registration in Medicine will provide medical school graduates who have matched as an intern, resident or fellow with a Board-approved Massachusetts health care facility or training program with Emergency 90-Day Limited Licenses to practice medicine to ensure that our health care workforce is prepared during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

To qualify, medical residents must fill out an application to be approved by the program or facility, and once approved, residents will receive the emergency license and be able to start when their program begins. This Emergency Limited License will allow medical staff to provide support while the regular screening progresses, and it is not a substitute for the regular Limited License process.

Buoy Health Care Tool: The Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of Buoy Health’s new online resource for residents to check their symptoms and connect with the next appropriate health care resource. This tool does not replace emergency medical care, but it may be used as a support for residents during the COVID-19 outbreak to connect them with appropriate health care resources if they display coronavirus symptoms.

Buoy Health’s online 24/7 tool is free for Massachusetts residents and uses current COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  Visit Buoy.com/mass to learn more and use the tool.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): The administration has issued a public health order to provide APRNs in good standing with greater flexibility in their prescribing practices. This order includes the following updates:

• Certified nurse midwives will be allowed to continue to prescribe as already authorized. 
• Authorizes APRNs who have at least two years of supervised practice experience to prescribe without physician supervision.
• Authorizes APRNs with fewer than two years of supervised practice experience to prescribe with physician supervision, but without the normally required written guidelines.

Read the order here.

MassHealth Waiver: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved, in part, the Baker-Polito Administration’s 1135 waiver to fast-track MassHealth enrollment, streamline administrative requirements for providers and better deliver critically needed health care services during the COVID-19 public health emergency. CMS has approved the following items of the waiver:

• Enrollment of out-of-state providers and easing other provider requirements when enrolling in MassHealth. 
• Allowing providers to be reimbursed for care in alternative, unlicensed settings.
• Suspension of prior authorization requirements and extending pre-existing prior authorizations through the emergency.

Health Care Professional Volunteers: To support ongoing COVID-19 emergency response efforts, the Baker-Polito Administration has partnered with the Massachusetts Medical Society to match volunteers with our communities and health care providers based on skillsets and need. There is an immediate need for respiratory therapists and public health nurses, and the administration is asking health care professionals interested in volunteering to sign up at MAResponds.org.

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March 26, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Federal Disaster Request and Other COVID-19 Response Efforts

(Official Press Release and additional information)

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a new request to the federal government for a Major Disaster Declaration, in addition to other actions to sustain the Commonwealth’s response to COVID-19.

Major Disaster Declaration Request: Governor Baker today submitted a request to the federal government for a Major Disaster Declaration for Massachusetts. If approved, this declaration would provide the Commonwealth additional federal assistance beyond what was included in the Emergency Declaration declared by President Trump on March 13, 2020. The disaster declaration request includes a request for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which would make financial assistance available to cities and towns, state agencies, and certain non-profits statewide. The disaster declaration request also requests FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program including Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Crisis Counseling Assistance to help support residents in need during this unprecedented incident. 

Read the Letter.

New Public Health Orders: The Department of Public health has issued three emergency orders to support the health care system’s response to COVID-19:

• Pharmacy Practice: To ensure pharmacists are able to fully support the health care system’s response to COVID-19, this emergency order makes several changes regarding pharmacy practice, including expedited approval for pharmacists licensed in other states to practice in Massachusetts, and allowing the remote processing of prescriptions by pharmacy technicians. Read the Order
• Determination of Need: This emergency order exempts health care facilities from the requirement that they submit a Notice of Determination of Need for certain activities that will support their response to COVID-19. Read the Order |Read the Guidance
• Nurse Staffing: To ensure hospitals have the flexibility they need to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, this emergency order exempts hospitals from certain nurse-staffing requirements, while requiring that they must ensure that staffing levels remain adequate to meet patients’ needs, and staff is trained and competent to meet the needs of their patients. Read the Order

Permit Order: Governor Baker today is issuing an emergency order that provides that a permit will not expire or lapse during the state of emergency for most permits issued by agencies within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The order also pauses deadlines for these agencies to decide or hold hearings on permit applications. The clock on those deadlines will resume 45 days after the end of the emergency. It also ensures that no permit is automatically issued because an agency is unable to make a decision on a permit application during the emergency.

Ensuring Access to Personal Care Attendant Services: The Administration worked with the advocacy community and union partners to implement solutions to ensure access to Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services for individuals with disabilities and older adults during this public health emergency. MassHealth created a hotline through MassOptions for MassHealth members to call if they are in need of services, and updated its policies to streamline the hiring process and allow more flexibility for PCAs to work more hours.

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March 25, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Extension of School and Non-Emergency Child Care Program Closures and Steps to Ensure Housing Stability To Support COVID-19 Response

(Official Press Release and additional information)

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced new actions to support the ongoing COVID-19 response, including extending the closure of all public and private schools and non-emergency child care programs and steps to protect homeowners and low-income tenants from eviction and foreclosure. The Department of Public Health (DPH) also issued an order relative to pharmacies and grocery stores.

Schools and Non-Emergency Child Care Programs: Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order extending the closure of all public and private schools, and all non-emergency childcare programs, until May 4 in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. 

• This order expands on previous orders issued on March 15 and March 18 suspending normal educational operations at schools and non-emergency child care programs until April 6, and the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) established a process to approve Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs to serve vulnerable children and families of first responders and essential workers.
• This closure extends one week beyond scheduled spring vacation week on most school district calendars.
• The order does not apply to residential special education schools.
• This extension will allow school administrators and educators added planning time to ensure students can complete course requirements, as well as provide teachers with time to expand remote learning opportunities.

Read the Orders here: K-12 School Order | Early Education School Order

Remote Learning and Education: During this time, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is requesting that educators continue to develop and assemble high-quality educational materials to provide students with effective remote learning resources through the month of April. The Department is also creating a model for districts to use and modify in collaboration with local stakeholders to fit their school district’s needs, and will continue to work with schools to identify best practices for implementing effective remote learning.  

Remote learning encompasses a wide variety of learning methods, including both analog and online. While technology is an excellent tool, districts should also consider ways students can continue to learn offline.

This could include exploring nature, activities to support students’ local communities (with appropriate social distancing) and engaging in hands-on projects and artistic creations that stem from students’ experiences.

Additionally, through a new partnership between DESE and WGBH, educational resources will be posted on the department’s website, and middle and high school students can access WGBH and WGBY educational programming on WGBH and WGBY on the WORLD channel from noon to 5 p.m.

Housing Stability for Vulnerable Populations: The Baker-Polito Administration announced steps to keep vulnerable families in their homes, preserve the health and safety of low-income renters and homeowners, and prevent homelessness due to reduced or lost income. These steps include the following:

• DHCD is moving to temporarily suspend terminations of federal and state rental vouchers under their purview.
• MassHousing is transferring $5 million to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for a COVID-19 Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) fund to assist families facing rent insecurity.
• The Division of Banks (DOB) has issued new guidance to Massachusetts financial institutions and lenders urging them to provide relief for borrowers and will advocate for a 60-day stay on behalf of all homeowners facing imminent foreclosure on their homes.
• DHCD is issuing guidance recommending that all owners of state aided low-income housing, including Local Housing Authorities and private owners, suspend both pending non-essential evictions and the filing of any new non-essential evictions.
• Affordable housing operators are urged to suspend non-essential evictions for loss of income or employment circumstances resulting in a tenant’s inability to make rent.
• This guidance urges operators to establish reasonable payment plans, notify Section 8 or public housing residents about interim income recertification to adjust rent payments, and to consider offering relief funding for residents ineligible for income reassessment.

Read the DHCD Guidance Here:

Guidance to owners of state aided low-income housing

Guidance to affordable housing operators

Notices and guidance regarding federal and state rental assistance programs:

• Guidance for Administering MRVP
• Guidance for Administering AHVP
• Initial policies and procedures for federal rental assistance administered by DHCD

Read the DOB Guidance Here.

Pharmacies and Grocery Stores: Today, DPH issued a new order to support pharmacies and grocery stores and their employees during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This order will require grocery stores and pharmacies to:

• Provide at least one hour per day of shopping for adults over 60-years-old.
• Offer sanitation options, such as hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, as available, to clean shopping carts and points of frequent contact.
• Appropriate social distancing policies, including a marked “Social Distancing Line,” beginning six feet away from all checkout counters.
• Close any self-serve food stations.
• Instruct store employees who are ill to stay home, and for stores to accommodate employees who fall in the high-risk category with alternative assignments to limit exposure.

Read the Order Here.

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is always available at mass.gov/COVID19.

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March 25, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Response Command Center Advisory Board of Medical Experts, Infectious Disease Specialists

(Official Press Release and additional information)

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the COVID-19 Advisory Board, a group of medical experts that will support the Response Command Center as the Commonwealth continues to respond to COVID-19.

The Response Command Center, under the leadership of Secretary Marylou Sudders and reporting to Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, is the Commonwealth’s single point of strategic decision making and coordination for the Administration’s comprehensive COVID-19 response.

The COVID-19 Advisory Board, which first met on Wednesday, March 19, will advise the COVID-19 Response Command Center on key decision points in the state’s response, including expanding access to testing and planning for medical surge, and will formally meet weekly for updates. Advisory Board members include:

Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH, Massachusetts Department of Public Health -- Dr. Monica Bharel serves as the Commonwealth’s chief physician. She helps lead the state’s aggressive response to the opioid crisis and is dedicated to reducing health disparities and developing data-driven, evidence-based solutions for keeping people healthy. She was appointed to her position by Governor Charlie Baker in February 2015.

Larry Madoff, MD, Massachusetts Department of Public Health -- Dr. Larry Madoff is an infectious disease physician specializing in the epidemiology of infectious diseases, bacterial pathogenesis, and international health. Dr. Madoff serves as Medical Director of the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  He is Professor of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Lecturer on Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Scott Gottlieb, MD, American Enterprise Institute – Scott Gottlieb, M.D., is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). He returned to AEI in 2019 after serving as the 23rd commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At AEI, he continues his work on improving public health through entrepreneurship and medical innovation and on expanding regulatory approaches to maintain patient and physician autonomy.

Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital -- Dr. Rochelle Walensky, is Chief of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a practicing Infectious Disease physician at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Walensky’s research interests focus on model-based analyses of the cost-effectiveness of HIV testing, care, and prevention strategies to inform HIV/AIDS policy internationally and domestically.

Paul Biddinger, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital – Dr. Paul Biddinger holds the MGH Endowed Chair in Emergency Preparedness and is the Director of the Center for Disaster Medicine, and Vice Chairman for Emergency Preparedness in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Mass General. He is also the Director for Emergency Preparedness at Partners Healthcare. Dr. Biddinger additionally serves as the Director of the Emergency Preparedness Research, Evaluation and Practice (EPREP) Program at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and at the Chan School. Dr. Biddinger serves as a special advisor to the Massachusetts Medical Society’s Committee on Preparedness and serves as a medical officer for the MA-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) in the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) in the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Michael Wagner, MD, FACP, Wellforce -- Dr. Michael Wagner is a physician leader who combines his unique experience as a primary care physician, hospitalist, entrepreneur and CEO to transform health care. Dr. Wagner has worked with caregivers in academic and community health care settings throughout the country. Mike is the Chief Physician Executive of Wellforce, a $2B and growing health system in Eastern Massachusetts that has been recognized for its high quality, lower cost value position and its commitment to keeping care in the community.

Eric Lander, PhD, Broad Institute – Eric Lander is president and founding director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. A geneticist, molecular biologist, and mathematician, he has played a pioneering role in all aspects of the reading, understanding, and biomedical application of the human genome. He was a principal leader of the Human Genome Project.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced the creation of a new COVID-19 Response Command Center on March 14, 2020. 

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is always available at mass.gov/COVID19.

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March 24, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation to Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities, School Districts During COVID-19 Outbreak

(Official Press Release and additional information)

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration filed An Act to Further Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities and School Districts Resulting from COVID-19,which would provide administrative relief to state and local government entities impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, including modifying local permitting processes, enabling municipalities to extend tax and finance deadlines, and extending deadlines for certain education requirements.  

Full details on proposed changes in the legislation include:

• Suspending the cap on hours and compensation for retired employees collecting a pension for hours worked during the state of emergency, allowing municipalities to tap qualified workers when their workforces might be disrupted. 
• Permitting establishments licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption to sell wine and beer by take-out and delivery, provided that the wine or beer is sold in the original sealed container, is sold in the same transaction as a purchase of food and is not over certain volume limitations.
• Modifying the local permitting process during the state of emergency by:
  • Providing that no permit is automatically granted, approved, or denied because a local permitting authority is unable to act within a time period required by law.
  • Providing that any permit that is currently valid will not lapse or expire during the state of emergency and suspends any time limitation on such permits during the emergency.
  • Allowing applications for permits to be filed electronically, to eliminate the need for in-person filing.
  • Suspending any requirement that a hearing on a permit application be held within a certain period until 45 days after the end of the state of emergency
• Extending municipal tax deadlines by allowing municipalities to waive late-payment penalties for 4th quarter tax bills, which are due May 1. In addition, municipalities could change their tax bill due date from April 1 to June 1.
• Allowing municipalities to extend the deadline for property tax exemptions and deferrals. The current statutory deadline is April 1, and this would allow municipalities to extend it to June 1.
• Permitting Regional School Districts to suspend the statutorily-required vote on the approval of their fiscal year 2021 budget and allowing the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to certify an amount sufficient for the operation of the district, until a budget can be adopted. 
• Modifying the MCAS by permitting the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education upon recommendation of the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education to modify or waive the required competency determination for high school graduation. The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education would also be allowed to modify or waive the MCAS testing requirement.
• Extending a Student Opportunity Act deadline by permitting the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education to extend the April 1, 2020 deadline for each district to submit its first 3-year plan to address “persistent disparities in achievement among student subgroups.” 
• Permitting electronic signatures for search warrants and criminal complaints. Allowing electronic signatures in these situations would result in less traffic in courthouses and reduce in-person encounters, while still allowing the criminal process to continue.
• Extending the dates by which the MBTA must approve a preliminary budget and submit a final budget to better align with the Commonwealth’s budget process.

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March 23, 2020

Governor Charlie Baker Orders All Non-Essential Businesses To Cease In Person Operation, Directs the Department of Public Health to Issue Stay at Home Advisory For Two Weeks

(Official Press Release and additional information can be found on Mass.gov)

Today, Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public as of Tuesday, March 24th at noon until Tuesday, April 7th at noon. These businesses are encouraged to continue operations remotely.

The Baker-Polito Administration issued a list of designated businesses and other organizations that provide essential services and workforces related to COVID-19 that shall continue to operate brick and mortar facilities during this two-week time period. This list is based on federal guidance and amended to reflect the needs of Massachusetts’ unique economy. While these businesses are designated as essential, they are urged to follow social distancing protocols for workers in accordance with guidance from the Department of Public Health.

Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order.

Restaurants, bars, and other establishments that sell food and beverage products to the public are encouraged to continue to offer food for take-out and by delivery if they follow the social distancing protocols set forth in Department of Public Health guidance. On-premises consumption of food or drink is prohibited.

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 outlining self-isolation and social distancing protocols. Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary activities during this two-week time period.  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 as much as possible. 

The Baker-Polito Administration does not believe Massachusetts residents can be confined to their homes and does not support home confinement for public health reasons.

The Baker-Polito Administration Order also limits gatherings to 10 people during the state of emergency, a reduction from the 25 person limit established in an earlier order. 

This includes community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, and any similar event or activity that brings together more than 10 persons in any confined indoor or outdoor space. The order does not prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people in an outdoor space, like a park or athletic field.

Categories of COVID-19 Essential Services:

• Health Care & Public Health
• Law Enforcement, Public Safety & First Responders
• Food & Agriculture
• Critical Manufacturing
• Transportation 
• Energy
• Water & Wastewater
• Public Works
• Communications and Information Technology
• Financial Services
• Defense Industry Base
• Chemical Manufacturing & Hazardous Materials
• Other Designated Community Based Essential Function & Government Operations
• News Media

March 20, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Health Care Resources, Small Business Relief, Other Efforts To Support COVID-19 Response

(Official Press Release and addition information)

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced new actions to support the ongoing COVID-19 response, including new financial support for health care providers, expanded relief for small businesses, and a new federal waiver request to give the state expanded flexibility to respond to the public health emergency. The Administration also joined life sciences leaders to highlight a new partnership aimed at providing additional supplies for hospitals.

The Administration also announced new tax penalty relief for businesses, further action to limit the need for customers to visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles in person, and other initiatives to support the Commonwealth’s residents and communities throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

Financial Support For Health Care Providers: The Administration’s COVID-19 Response Command Center continues to identify and prioritize efforts to ensure the Commonwealth’s health care system has the resources it needs to support the response to COVID-19. Today, the Administration announced a $200 million infusion in cash at MassHealth for critical, acute care and safety-net health care providers, as well as for certain health care providers required to help ensure that our members receiving care in the community or nursing facilities do not need to go to the hospital. These will be accelerated payments and cash advances for immediate, stopgap relief to ensure the front-line health care system is able to provide necessary resources to patients.

Emergency Supply Hub: Life sciences industry leaders joined the Administration today to highlight the new Massachusetts Life Sciences Emergency Supply Hub. MassBio, in partnership with MassMEDIC, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, and the Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals, launched the Supply Hub to help coordinate efforts aimed at bringing additional supplies and resources to the Commonwealth’s health care institutions as they test and treat patients with COVID-19. The initiative calls on life sciences and health care organizations in the state to donate supplies needed to combat COVID-19. MassBio will share information with the Department of Public Health to triage and connect supplies with those healthcare providers that need them.

New Drive-Through Testing Site: On Thursday, the Commonwealth’s first large-scale drive-thru COVID-19 testing site launched at CVS in Shrewsbury. The new site is the result of an ongoing partnership between the Baker-Polito Administration, the federal government, local health authorities and CVS. The site is designated for emergency personnel and first responders, expanding testing access to front line workers. Currently, this site is one of over 40 sites launching throughout the country over the next week, with test kits supplied by the federal government. 

MassHealth Waiver & Other Requests: Massachusetts is filing a waiver request today with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will give the state and its Medicaid program, MassHealth, more flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 public health crisis. If allowed, the waiver would enable the Commonwealth to fast-track MassHealth enrollment, streamline administrative requirements for providers, and deliver critically needed health care services easier during the COVID-19 emergency. Through the waiver request and other federal requests, the Commonwealth is seeking flexibility to address key areas of need: 

• Allow for non-traditional sites of care to expand surge capacity, such as use of testing tents and overflow hospital sites
• Allow new providers, including out of state providers, a streamlined pathway to practice in the state including caring for MassHealth members
• Allow physician assistants to practice independently
• Provide flexibility to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to meet increasing demand
• Expand MassHealth Hospital-Determined Presumptive Eligibility to all individuals – which MassHealth already expanded through a public health order last week – including children, older adults, and individuals who have received MassHealth benefits within the past 12 months
• Allow medications to be delivered to members, and waive a signature requirement for these prescriptions
• Waive face-to-face requirements for certain services, including Home and Community Based Services, and behavioral health evaluations for Schedule II-IV prescriptions

In addition, the Administration announced that MassHealth and the Health Connector will protect coverage for all individuals who have Medicaid coverage as of March 18, 2020 and for all individuals approved for coverage during the national emergency.

Expanded Small Business Resources: Earlier this week, the Administration announced a $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund to provide financial relief to small businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19. Today, the Administration announced that MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors will meet next week to vote on a partnership that will make an additional $10 million available for the Small Business Recovery Loan Fund.

The state-level emergency loan fund is aimed at providing crucial resources for small businesses that will supplement important federal relief. Governor Baker on Tuesday formally requested disaster relief from the federal Small Business Administration, and with this week’s announcement that that request had been granted, Massachusetts businesses impacted by COVID-19 may now apply for low-interest loans.

Tax Relief for Businesses: The Baker-Polito Administration is announcing tax penalty relief to support businesses affected by COVID-19. The Department of Revenue today announced that it will waive any late-file or late-pay penalties for returns and payment due for meals and room occupancy taxes between March 20 and May 31, 2020.

Limiting Need For In-Person RMV Visits: The Administration today is taking further action to limit the need for customers to visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles in person. Today, Governor Baker issued an order allowing the Registrar to extend vehicle registrations and modify the conditions of registrations, plates and titles. It also enables the waiver of certain inspection requirements.

Workforce Guidance For Schools: Earlier this week, Governor Baker ordered all elementary and secondary schools to close for educational purposes until April 6. Recognizing that local school districts employ a significant number of hourly employees, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education today is issuing guidance to local school districts recommending they continue paying hourly employees, while suggesting they continue to engage in professional development.

Smoke Alarm Inspections: Governor Baker today issued an order making a change to the inspection statutes that require a smoke and carbon dioxide alarm inspection prior to a residential real estate transaction. The Order would permit the inspection to be deferred if the buyer contractually assumes responsibility for installing the detectors and the subsequent inspection happens within 90 days of the conclusion of the COVID-19 emergency.

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March 19, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Activates Massachusetts National Guard to Support COVID-19 Response

(Official Press Release and addition information)

Governor Charlie Baker today activated the Massachusetts National Guard to support the Commonwealth’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, representing a significant addition of supply chain resources available to the Commonwealth and its residents.   

Governor Baker’s order authorizes activation of up to 2,000 National Guard members across the Commonwealth, who will be tasked with supporting requests from state agencies for equipment, logistics, warehousing, and related duties. Local cities, towns, and state agencies should submit requests for support through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

“Activating the National Guard will help support our Administration’s efforts to keep residents safe and secure during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The expertise of the Massachusetts National Guard will benefit our communities with logistical support and other assistance as we continue to respond to this crisis.”

The activation order reflects Governor Baker’s statutory authority to activate the Massachusetts National Guard under state active duty to provide necessary assistance to state and municipal civilian authorities.  

The Massachusetts National Guard is a diverse and highly trained force whose members live and work in communities across the Commonwealth. The Guard has a proven track record of success supporting civilian authorities during and after state emergencies, and its units frequently train side-by-side with state and local first responders, making them well-suited for domestic operations.

On March 10, Governor Baker declared a state of emergency, giving the Administration more flexibility to respond to the Coronavirus outbreak. The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and residents are encouraged to consult both the Department of Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most up-to-date information. The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is always available atmass.gov/COVID19.

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March 18, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Makes New Announcements on Childcare, Small Business Tax Relief and Unemployment Insurance Legislation Related to COVID-19

(Official Press Release and addition information)

Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced a series of new measures to adapt childcare operations, enhance the Commonwealth’s healthcare system’s capacity, assist small businesses, and support unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Childcare Operations: Governor Baker issued an Executive Order requiring all early education centers and family childcare providers to close, starting Monday March 23 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) also issued emergency procedures to set forth a process for opening Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs during the COVID-19 outbreak to provide priority access for families of emergency personnel, medical staff, and others critical to confronting COVID-19.

Read the Executive Order here: Early Education and Care Order

Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs: Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs will be the only child care programs able to operate during the COVID-19 outbreak. Families who work to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of all Commonwealth citizens will receive priority access to emergency childcare programs and these centers should only be used by people who must go to work. Vulnerable children will also receive priority access and space will be made for people who must go to work but aren’t necessarily emergency personnel.

• The Department of Early Education and Care put procedures in place to quickly review applications for emergency child care programs, and to conduct expedited background record checks for childcare teachers and staff. 
• The Department is working to ensure there is sufficient access to emergency child care programs in each region of the Commonwealth, so those workers who need childcare can still access it.
• A proposed program can be either a currently-licensed child care program, or a new program such as a location within or near a medical facility.
• Providers impacted by these closures will continue to receive child care subsidy payments from the state. This ensures that programs will be able to re-open once the crisis is over. Parents who receive subsidies will not lose their vouchers, and will be able to eventually resume care. EEC will cover the cost of parent fees for subsidized families enrolled in care.
• All programs that would like to operate must complete the EEC’s Emergency Licensing and Background Record Check process. Programs that have a current license and educators with confirmed background checks will be expedited for approval.
• Programs must adhere to strict safety and health standards established by the Department of Public Health and Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Public Health Orders: Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel has signed three public health orders today which do the following:

• The first Order relaxes administrative requirements so as to allow physician’s assistants who previously worked on elective surgeries to be used elsewhere in the hospital under a different supervising physician.
• The second Order, due to the expected demands on nursing staff, would allow pharmacists to administer certain medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder, where, under normal circumstances, such medication must be administered by a nurse.
• The third Order requires Local Board of Health to disclose the addresses – but no other identifying information -- of those diagnosed with COVID-19 to the official in charge of emergency calls in the jurisdiction. That information can only be used for responding to emergency calls and is to be kept confidential.

Extending the Licenses of Certain Licensed Professionals: Governor Baker signed a new emergency order to ensure that licensed professionals do not have their licenses or registrations lapse due to unforeseen problems with renewal during the COVID-19 emergency. Specifically, under this order, occupational or professional licenses of individuals that are in good standing and that would otherwise be up for renewal during the COVID-19 emergency shall be extended for 90 days after the end of the public health emergency. This order does not affect license extensions that have already been granted in earlier emergency orders.

Read the Emergency Order here: Extension of Professional Licensure Order

Small Business Relief: The Baker-Polito Administration today announced administrative tax relief measures for small local businesses which have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, especially in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. This tax relief includes postponing the collection of regular sales tax, meals tax, and room occupancy taxes that would be due in March, April and May so that they will instead be due on June 20. Additionally, all penalties and interest that would otherwise apply will be waived.

• Businesses that paid less than $150,000 in regular sales plus meals taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief for sales and meals taxes, and business that paid less than $150,000 in room occupancy taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will be eligible for relief with respect to room occupancy taxes.
• The Department of Revenue is currently drafting emergency regulations to implement these administrative relief measures, and they are expected to be finalized before Friday, March 20, 2020.

Unemployment Benefits: Governor Baker also today signed S.2599 to provide unemployment assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19. This legislation will allow new claims to be paid more quickly by waiving the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits.

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is always available at mass.gov/COVID19.

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March 17, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Issues New Guidance for Executive Branch Employees

(Official Press Release and addition information)

The Baker-Polito Administration today issued new guidelines to Executive Branch employees to ensure core state government functions are able to continue and key services are able to be provided to residents during the COVID-19 outbreak, while protecting the health and safety of the Executive Branch workforce and the public.

Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the following protocols shall apply to state employees working in Executive Branch agencies:  

• Non-emergency employees who have the capacity to work remotely shall continue to do so;
• Employees performing core functions that must be done at their workplace will be contacted by their manager and will be expected to report to work so that essential state government services can be maintained.  Appropriate social distancing practice will be observed in both internal and public-facing offices;
• Employees who are not performing core functions and who do not currently have the capacity to work remotely will be contacted by their manager for an alternative work assignment.  During this time, the Commonwealth will continue to pursue technology to enable remote work.  Managers will notify employees as that technology becomes available.

Any employee who is working remotely and needs to collect a computer or other work items shall contact their manager.  Managers shall structure pick up times so that an employee’s time in the office is brief and staggered to maintain desired social distancing.

These protocols shall remain in effect until April 3, 2020, at which time this guidance will be revisited.

The Commonwealth has taken numerous steps in recent weeks to increase cleanings of state office buildings and promote personal hygiene and care. Over the past few weeks, over 400 educational posters have been placed in state buildings, bathrooms have been stocked at more frequent intervals with hand washing materials and sanitation products, and there are now increased cleanings of high-touch areas such as doorknobs, surfaces, and elevator buttons.

As a result of these new guidelines and the increased usage of telework, there will be closures of some public-facing government services and walk-in offices; these services will be made available online as appropriate.

Members of the public should continue checking www.mass.gov/covid19 for the latest information on impacts from the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to view the status of in-person Executive Branch office locations effective March 18, 2020.

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March 16, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund

(Official Press Release and additional information)

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses with a $10 million loan fund to provide financial relief to those that have been affected by COVID-19.

The $10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. Loans are immediately available to eligible businesses with no payments due for the first 6 months. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has capitalized the fund and will administer it.

“As our administration continues to take steps to protect the health and safety of residents, we recognize the hardships facing the small businesses that create the foundation of the state’s economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This recovery loan fund is a new resource to help small businesses address emergency needs due to the disruption caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Small business owners and their employees are our neighbors and our friends, and their enterprises play vital roles in our communities, and we are committed to helping them cope with the impacts of COVID-19,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As we announce this small business recovery loan fund, we will continue to work with the Legislature and our federal partners to find ways to effectively provide assistance during this public health emergency.”

“Our office remains in regular contact with the state’s business community to provide updates and receive feedback as the administration continues to expand its comprehensive COVID-19 response,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “These new recovery loans complement other resources like the state WorkShare program and federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, as well as legislative efforts by the administration to support impacted workers.”

“MGCC is committed to helping support the Commonwealth’s small businesses through this time,” said Lawrence Andrews, President and CEO of MGCC. “We are proud to offer this fund as it serves our mission to save jobs and promote economic development. All processing and funding will take place online through MGCC staff.”

How to Apply:

Please complete the application found on MGCC’s website, EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org. 

Completed applications can be sent via email to mgcc@massgcc.com with the subject line “2020 Small Business Recovery Loan Fund”.

MGCC can be reached by email: mgcc@massgcc.com

Loan Fund Details:

• Who Qualifies: Open to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits (negative impact must be verifiable).
• Terms and Conditions: This fund is being offered with no payments due for the first 6 months, then 30-months of principal and interest payments and no prepayment penalties.
• Businesses can apply for loans up to $75,000.

About Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation:

MGCC is a quasi-public corporation of the Commonwealth that saves and creates jobs at small businesses, often minority and women-owned businesses, by providing financial services and managerial assistance. MGCC also promotes economic development throughout the state, focusing on Gateway Cities and low- to moderate-income communities. MGCC works with traditional financial institutions to make challenging loans bankable, working with community development corporations and other non-profits to provide financing for job-producing projects, and assisting a wide range of small businesses to find the growth capital they require. Since 2010, MGCC has served over 7,400 small businesses, and positively impacted more than 19,200 jobs with customized working capital financing commitments totaling over $122,000,000. For more information, visit EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org.

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March 15, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Actions to Address COVID-19

(Official Press Release and additional information)

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a three-week suspension of school operations for educational purposes at all public and private elementary and secondary (K-12) schools in the Commonwealth beginning Tuesday, March 17, and a series of new guidance and legislation in response to COVID-19.

“Our administration is taking these rapid steps to protect the health and safety of our residents to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We know that a lot of the measures we are putting into place, including mandatory school closures and prohibiting gatherings of 25 people or more, will cause disruption in people’s day to day lives. With the steps we are taking today, we can ensure residents can still access key state services while taking necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

“The legislation our administration is filing will help ease burdens on cities and towns regarding municipal governance as they work to keep their residents safe,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to working with the Legislature to swiftly enact these bills to help provide our cities and towns with relief.”

The bills and guidance that Governor Baker outlined today include the following:

Schools in the Commonwealth

Elementary and Secondary Schools: suspend educational operations from March 17 until April 6. Full order available here.

Given the evolving data regarding cases of COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of children and school staff, the Governor is ordering a 3-week suspension of school operations for educational purposes at all public and private elementary and secondary (K-12) schools in the Commonwealth (not including residential and day schools for special needs students), beginning Tuesday, March 17 and continuing until Monday, April 6. The suspension of educational programming would not necessarily affect the availability of school buildings for the provision of food or other essential non-educational services. As April 6 approaches, the administration will provide additional guidance.

During this period it is critical that students and their families, as well as school staff, stay home as much as possible. If an individual needs to leave home, it is essential to strictly follow social distancing guidelines by avoiding crowds, canceling social gatherings, and maintaining a safe separation of at least 6 feet from others. Restricting access to school buildings will have little impact on public health if these best practices are not followed in good faith.

Although schools must suspend in-person educational operations, staff should be planning for how best to equitably provide alternative access to student learning opportunities during this period and potentially beyond. Equally important, school personnel should develop plans for ensuring to the greatest extent possible that families have access to essential non-academic services for their children – especially involving special education and food services for students who are most vulnerable.  

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will work in partnership with schools and districts to develop strategies and resources to sustain learning and vital services throughout this closure period. Already, DESE has received a partial waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture providing greater flexibility regarding food service in certain districts with higher concentrations of low-income students and is actively pursuing additional waivers for the remaining schools and districts.

Early Education and Care:  follow EEC/DPH guidance regarding closure based on actual cases

The suspension of educational operations at K-12 schools will inevitably affect the provision of pre-school and childcare services. Although we are not ordering the closure of childcare programs at this time, we are strongly urging childcare providers to strictly observe guidelines that are being issued by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), which call for temporary closures based on actual direct or indirect exposures to individuals with COVID-19.  

At the same time, EEC will prioritize the maintenance and expansion of childcare capacity serving front-line healthcare workers and first-responders across the state.

Higher Education: continue to move towards remote learning

With regard to higher education, the Department of Higher Education and DPH strongly recommend that colleges and universities, both public and private, continue to pursue strategies to reduce the need for students to be on campus, including suspending in-person classes and implementing institution-wide programs to shift to remote learning, technology enabled solutions, and other tools to allow students to successfully complete course and degree requirements. Institutions should also pursue strategies to reduce the need for faculty and staff to be on campus by maximizing remote work opportunities, while maintaining essential on-campus services, especially for residential students who cannot safely return home.  Additional guidance will be forthcoming.

Gatherings & Restaurants: Governor Baker issued an emergency order limiting gatherings to 25 individuals and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, beginning on March 17 and effective until April 6. The full order is available here.

Executive Branch Employees: All non-emergency state employees working in Executive Branch agencies should not report to their workplace on Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th. Employees who are designated by their managers as emergency for the purposes of coronavirus planning should report to work as well. Those employees will be contacted by their managers this evening. During this period, the administration will work to expand alternative work arrangements for the executive branch workforce and further develop plans to continue to provide essential state government services.

Health Care: The Department of Public Health issued guidance today that includes the following:

• All commercial insurers and the Group Insurance Commission are required to cover medically necessary telehealth services in the same manner they cover in-person services. The full order is available here.
• Insurers must cover COVID-19 related treatment and testing without requiring cost-sharing of any kind – such as co-pays and coinsurance – for testing and treatment.
• Additionally, insurers cannot require prior authorization for these services.
• All assisted living residences are to ban visitors to protect the health of residents and staff. This is in addition to the federal guidance issued on Friday that bans visitors to nursing homes and rest homes.
• All hospitals operated or licensed by the Department of Public Health or the Department of Mental Health are to screen all visitors and restrict visitation if individuals show any indication of illness.
• Hospitals must cancel non-essential elective procedures effective Wednesday.
• Authorizes licensed pharmacies to create and sell hand sanitizer over the counter.

Registry of Motor Vehicles: The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will extend the renewal timeline of certain credentials to reduce the need for customers to physically visit an RMV service center for in-person transactions. The full order is available here.

• Effective this week, the RMV will implement a 60-day extension to the current expiration date for Class D, Class DMs, ID cards, and Learner’s Permits within the RMV system. All customers with expired/expiring credentials physically dated between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020, will continue to have an active status within the RMV system until sixty (60) days after the expiration date printed on their credential.
• This extension does not apply to vehicle registrations. Most vehicle registrations can be renewed online at Mass.Gov/RMV.
• This deadline extension will not apply to customers with Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) or those whose end of stay in the United States is the same as the expiration date on their driver’s license, ID card, or Learner’s Permit.  
• Customers eligible for this extension should wait to visit an RMV Service Center or AAA office (if a member of AAA), to renew until after the State of Emergency has been terminated.

Unemployment Assistance: The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA), in coordination with the US Department of Labor (USDOL), are taking a series of actions to assist workers and employers.

For current unemployment claims:

• All requirements regarding attending seminars at the MassHire career centers have been suspended.
• Missing deadlines due to effects of COVID-19 will be excused under DUA’s good cause provision.
• All appeal hearings will be held by telephone only.

The Department of Labor issued guidance to the states instructing state agencies to apply existing law flexibly. Under the DOL guidance, DUA may now pay unemployment benefits if a worker is quarantined due to an order by a civil authority or medical professional or leaves employment due to reasonable risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member and does not intend to or is not allowed to return to work. The worker need not provide medical documentation and need only be available for work when and as able.

To assist individuals who cannot work due to the impact of COVID-19, the administration is filing emergency legislation that will allow new claims to be paid more quickly by waiving the one week waiting period for unemployment benefits.

EOLWD and DUA are also filing emergency regulations that will allow people impacted by COVID-19 to collect unemployment if their workplace is shut down and expects to reopen in four or fewer weeks. The following conditions apply:

• Workers must remain in contact with their employer during the shutdown.
• Workers must be available for any work their employer may have for them that they are able to do.
• An employer may request to extend the period of the covered shut-down to eight weeks, and workers will remain eligible for the longer period under the same conditions described above.
• If necessary, DUA may extend these time periods for workers and employers.

Employers who are impacted by COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day grace period to file quarterly reports and pay contributions.

The pending federal legislation proposes further relief including additional money for unemployment benefits, and relief to employers for charges related to unemployment benefits paid due to COVID-19.

Municipal Governance Legislation: Governor Baker announced a package of legislation to help address challenges to municipal governance resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, including potential delays in holding Town Meetings and adopting Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) municipal budgets. Provisions in the proposed legislation include:

• Amend existing statute authorizing Moderators to postpone Town Meetings by thirty days. State statute currently permits postponement for “public safety emergency,” and the legislation would add “public health emergency” as a second reason for postponement.
• Permit local Select Boards to postpone Town Meetings beyond the statutory June 30 deadline when the Governor has declared a state of emergency and conditions prevent the completion of a Town Meeting.
• Permit local Select Boards to temporarily adopt lower quorum rules. This would be an opt-in provision to allow a town-by-town determination, and it would enable Select Boards to designate the quorum level. Numerous towns have existing low quorum provisions in their by-laws.
• Permit continued month-to-month spending into FY21 by towns based on the prior fiscal year budget with approval of the Division of Local Services during states of emergency. The month-to-month authorization would continue so long as a state of emergency prevents the adoption of a budget. Cities have similar authority under existing state law.
• Permit towns to access their free cash balance for FY21 spending with approval of the Division of Local Services. This would be based on the July 2019 certified balance and could continue until an FY21 budget is adopted.
• Permit municipal spending from revolving funds at the level set by their Fiscal Year 2020 appropriation until an FY21 budget is adopted.
• Authorize a three-year amortization period for deficit spending incurred as a result of COVID-19 crisis. The default rule would require an FY21 tax rate to provide for one-year amortization and this change would follow the 2015 precedent for snow removal costs.

Boston Marathon: Governor Baker also filed legislation designating September 14, 2020 as a legal holiday to support the rescheduled 2020 Boston Marathon. Earlier this week, Governor Baker joined Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and marathon officials to announce that the Boston Marathon was being rescheduled from April 20, 2020 to September.

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is always available at mass.gov/COVID19. 

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March 14, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Clinical Protocols for COVID-19 Testing

(Official Press Release and additional information)

The Baker-Polito Administration continues to take action to expedite COVID-19 testing and ensure access to treatment. The Department of Public Health (DPH) and MassHealth released guidance related to access to clinical testing and care, respectively, in response to COVID-19. This announcement was made this morning at a press conference where Governor Baker announced the creation of a new COVID-19 Response Command Center.

Under DPH’s new clinical guidance, clinicians no longer need to receive testing approval from the State Lab prior to submitting specimens for patients that meet the following specific criteria:

• Symptomatic health care workers and emergency medical services personnel who have worked while sick
• Hospitalized individuals suspected of having COVID-19 infection
• Individuals who have had close contact with a someone with confirmed COVID-19 while symptomatic in congregate settings and clusters of acute respiratory illness in congregate settings
• Those with symptoms linked to recent travel to high-risk countries

For patients who do not meet these criteria, clinicians will continue to follow the existing protocols - call the EPI line to gain testing approval and then submit specimens to the State Lab.

Additional changes to procedures include that clinicians only need to collect one specimen type for testing at both the State Lab and commercial labs. This change was based on new CDC guidance that now requires one nasal swab instead of two. As clinicians change their practice and follow the new guidance, this change will allow more individuals to be tested.

Clinicians can also send specimens from suspected COVID-19 patients without approval from DPH to commercial labs that received federal approval to conduct COVID-19 testing.

The Department of Public Health will be releasing the number of people tested for COVID-19 in Massachusetts Beginning on Wednesday, March 18. Updated numbers will be provided weekly by 12pm on mass.gov/COVID19. This is in additional to daily case updates posted online at 4pm.

MassHealth – Massachusetts’ Medicaid program – released new policies to provide guidance and clarification for MassHealth plans to ensure access to care in response to COVID-19. These policies expand telehealth coverage, allow 90-day refills of prescriptions and early refills, make billing for COVID-19 tests easier for providers, and remind providers that there are no copays for lab tests and pharmacies that they cannot deny medications if a member cannot pay.  This announcement follows other focused efforts by Massachusetts to ensure that residents can access coverage for testing and treatment for COVID-19, including the Massachusetts Health Connector announced a special enrollment period to ensure everyone who wants access to covered coronavirus services has it, and the Division of Insurance announced that Massachusetts health insurers are now required to cover the cost of testing and treatment for members who may be affected by the  COVID-19.

The public is reminded that real-time COVID-19 information, resources, and referrals in multiple languages can be found by calling Massachusetts 2-1-1. Callers dialing 2-1-1 will hear an automated menu of options. Callers press 2-6 for coronavirus. Residents can also reach 2-1-1 through a live chat option on the Massachusetts 2-1-1 website. Through this partnership with Massachusetts 2-1-1 announced yesterday, DPH subject matter experts are expanding access to information 24/7, and empowering call operators to provide the latest information about prevention, symptoms, and treatment, information about testing, and guidance for travel.  This new service is in addition to a dedicated site mass.gov/COVID19, which is updated daily with information and resources.

Governor Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency to support the Commonwealth’s response to coronavirus. The Administration has updated guidance to the general public, specifically urging older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and events. The Administration also released new policies to protect individuals in long-term care facilities, and those served in community-based and congregate care settings from respiratory illnesses.

Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds to mitigate risk. This guidance is posted on the Department of Public Health’s website, mass.gov/COVID19.  

The public is reminded of steps to take to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Cover your mouth – when you cough or sneeze use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands
• Wash your hands – with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based sanitizing gel
• Stay home if you are sick – and avoid close contact with others

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is always available at mass.gov/COVID19.

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March 14, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Launches COVID-19 Response Command Center

(Official Press Release and additional Information)

 The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the creation of a new COVID-19 Response Command Center. Governor Charlie Baker has asked Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders to lead this cross-secretariat response to the outbreak of COVID-19 to complement the work that has been underway for weeks across state government to keep residents safe and healthy.

The Command Center, under the leadership of Secretary Sudders and reporting to Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, will be the Commonwealth’s single point of strategic decision making and coordination for the Administration’s comprehensive COVID-19 response.

“Our administration has been working for weeks to address the outbreak of COVID-19, and the new Response Command Center we are launching today is an important step in our planning and preparedness efforts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Led by Secretary Marylou Sudders, this team of experts will focus solely on pushing back against this disease and moving quickly to respond to the needs of our communities and residents.”

“State government has been committed to supporting communities and residents as the Commonwealth works together to respond to the Coronavirus, and this new Command Structure will help us further advance that mission,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This dedicated team will serve as a single point of decision-making for our ongoing response as we continue to collaborate with partners to address this rapidly changing situation.”

The Command Center will have complete authority and discretion to tap whatever state funds are necessary. This includes the $15 million recently appropriated by the Legislature for Coronavirus.

The Command Center will enable expert teams to advance key initiatives including:

• Working to expand lab capacity for testing
• Planning quarantine operations
• Coordinating communication and guidance across government
• Responding to the needs of our local boards of health
• Monitoring supply chains
• Identifying surge capacity in the Commonwealth’s health network.

“By convening decision-makers from key facets of state government, state government is able to continue to ramp up our dedicated response to COVID-19,” said Secretary Marylou Sudders. “This structure will build on the dedicated and continuing public health response.”

The Command Center will hold daily briefings with the Governor, key secretariats and agencies and will communicate regularly with other stakeholders such as municipalities and local boards of public health. The Command Center will work closely with and support the Department of Public Health’s ongoing response in conjunction with federal and local partners, and will include decision -makers from across state government:

• Executive Office of Health and Human Services
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• Massachusetts Department of Transportation
• MBTA
• Executive Office of Education
• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
• Executive Office of Technology and Security Services
• Human Resources Division

The Command Center will also facilitate coordination and communication with key stakeholder groups like the CDC, FDA, cities and towns, the Legislature, local boards of public health, and others.

Today’s announcement follows the Administration’s announcements yesterday that Governor Baker issued an emergency order prohibiting the gathering of over 250 people and that 211 has been activated to provide real-time COVID-19 information, resources, and referrals in multiple languages.

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

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March 13, 2020

Governor Baker Issues Order Limiting Large Gatherings in the Commonwealth

(Official Press Release and addition information)

Today, Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order prohibiting most gatherings of over 250 people in an effort to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. The order includes, but is not limited, to the following events: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and any similar event or activity that brings together 250 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time in a venue such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theatre, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. 

“Everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of the Coronavirus, and by limiting large gatherings, we can further mitigate the spread of the disease,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “It is important to take these steps now to further protect the residents of the Commonwealth, and we will continue to encourage residents to maintain social distancing, and practice healthy personal hygiene to stop the spread of the virus.”

“Limiting attendance at large events will help our communities address Coronavirus at this crucial time,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration will continue to work with partners at all levels of government to address the virus and we urge residents to continue to pay close attention to official guidance to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.”

The Governor also directed the Department of Public Health (DPH) to issue guidance implementing the terms of the Emergency Order. The full DPH guidance is as follows:

1. Gatherings subject to this Order include, but are not limited to: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and any similar event or activity that brings together 250 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time in a venue such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theatre, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. 
2. The Order does not apply to normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, polling locations, grocery or retail stores, or other spaces where 250 or more persons may be in transit.
3. The Order does not apply to restaurants, provided that they should, when possible, encourage social distancing.
4. The Order does not apply to typical office environments, government buildings, or factories where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within arm’s length of one another.
5. The Order does not apply to higher education or K-12 schools when classes are in session; provided, that assemblies or classes of more than 250 people are prohibited.
6. The Order does not apply to events that exclude spectators; provided, however, that members of the media may attend the event. Athletic and other events do not need to be cancelled or postponed if spectators and other attendees are excluded. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall issue guidance that shall govern scholastic athletic events. 
7. This guidance shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until the State of Emergency declared by the Governor no longer exists or the Order is rescinded, whichever is earlier.
8. Regardless of whether an event or gathering falls within the scope of the Order, all persons are urged to maintain social distancing (approximately six feet away from other people) whenever possible and to continue to wash hands, utilize hand sanitizer and practice proper respiratory etiquette.
9. Regardless of whether an event or gathering falls within the scope of the Order, all higher risk individuals should avoid large gatherings. Higher risk individuals include older adults, anyone with underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, anyone with weakened immune systems, and anyone who is pregnant.  

The guidance takes effect today, March 13, and for the full order, please click here.

Earlier today, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education also issued updated guidance to superintendents. Click here for the full guidance.

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

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March 12, 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law

(Official Press Release and additional information)

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an emergency order temporarily modifying the state’s open meeting law in order to allow state, quasi and local governments to continue to carry out essential functions and operations during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

This emergency order suspends the requirement for public access to the physical location where a public meeting is taking place, provided there are other means of access available. This includes the use of a phone conference line for members of the public, social media or other internet streaming services, on-line meeting services, or methods of access.

Both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have advised residents to take extra measures to put distance between themselves and other people to further reduce the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC and DPH have advised high-risk individuals, including people over the age of 60, anyone with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, to avoid large gatherings.

Additionally, the order relieves the requirement that a quorum of members be physically present at a public meeting. During this period, members may all participate by remote or virtual means.

This order is applicable to meetings of public bodies including commissions, boards, and committees that engage in policy making at the state, quasi and local level, and it does not apply to Town Meetings or judicial and quasi-judicial hearings. It follows Governor Baker’s declaration of a State of Emergency on Wednesday, March 11, and it will remain in place until rescinded or the State of Emergency is terminated.

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March 10, 2020

Governor Baker Declares State of Emergency to Support Commonwealth’s Response to Coronavirus

(Official Press Release and addition information)

Today Governor Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts to support the Commonwealth’s response to the outbreak of Coronavirus.

The Baker-Polito Administration also announced new guidance for Executive Branch employees in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This includes discontinuing all out-of-state work-related travel, canceling or virtually holding conferences, seminars, and other discretionary gatherings, informing employees not to attend external work-related conferences, seminars, or events, reminding employees feeling sick with fever or flu symptoms to not come into work, and encouraging high risk employees to talk with their supervisors to review possible alternative work assignments.

Regular internal government business will continue, and these new measures complement other precautions that have been put in place in recent days encouraging proper self-care and hygiene and increasing cleaning and sanitizing of Executive Branch buildings and offices.

“Today, I have declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts to further support our response to Coronavirus,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We will continue planning and preparing to mitigate the spread of this disease, and have issued new guidance for Executive Branch employees in the Commonwealth. I urge employers and other large organizations to follow our example and limit or eliminate non-essential travel, limit or eliminate large events where possible, and explore telework where appropriate for your organization. We are also urging older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and large events.”

“Our Administration believes it is important to start taking additional actions now to mitigate spread based on the information we have available, including issuing the enhanced guidance for Executive Branch employees which prohibits nearly all  work-related travel, limits or cancels large events, and encourages teleworking where it is appropriate,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our state agencies will continue to coordinate daily with health care professionals, educational institutions and federal and local partners on preparedness efforts for COVID-19.”

The guidance for Executive Branch employees goes into effect on Wednesday, March 11, and will be revisited in 30 days or sooner as circumstances dictate. The full details are as follows:

• All work-related travel, both foreign and domestic, is to be discontinued until further notice. Executive Branch employees are also strongly encouraged to avoid any personal international travel.
• Conferences, seminars and other discretionary gatherings, scheduled and hosted by Executive Branch agencies involving external parties, are to be held virtually or cancelled. Regular internal business shall continue, including but not limited to mandated public hearings and board meetings. Meeting organizers are strongly encouraged to utilize alternatives like conference calls, WebEx and other group communication tools.
• Additionally, Executive Branch employees should not attend external work-related conferences, seminars or events. Alternatively, Executive Branch employees are encouraged to participate remotely.
• Executive Branch employees feeling sick with fever or flu symptoms should not come into work. Information available to date regarding COVID-19 indicates that the highest risk population includes older adults and individuals with serious chronic medical conditions. Employees in this risk group are encouraged to talk with their supervisors to review possible alternative work assignments.
• These actions complement additional precautions that have been undertaken in recent days including encouraging proper self-care and hygiene such as washing hands, ensuring bathrooms are stocked with hand washing materials and paper products, frequently cleaning touch points such as doorknobs, handles, elevator buttons and common area surface, and making cleaning products and sanitizers available in all Executive Branch workspaces.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has been activated and is bringing together health, human services, public safety and several other government agencies. This working group follows the Department of Public Health’s infectious disease task force that was stood up in January.

The Administration also issued updated guidance to members of the public. This guidance is posted on the Department of Public Health’s website, www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.  

The Administration urges older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and events. Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds.

Tomorrow, DPH will distribute guidance to long term care facility operators. This guidance will outline how these facilities should protect elderly residents at higher risk for Coronavirus. This will include banning visitors who show signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat). Visitors will be prohibited if in the last 14 days they had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, are under investigation for COVID-19 or has been sick. Visitors will be prohibited if they have travelled internationally in the last 14 days or are residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring. Visitors will not be allowed to visit long term care facilities if they currently feel sick or exhibit symptoms.

On public transportation, the MBTA will continue to disinfect surfaces and vehicles in line with its new cleaning protocol, but the Administration encourages older adults and those with underlying health issues to avoid large crowds of possible.

Regarding K-12 schools, the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) is providing local schools with relief from attendance and school year requirements so that schools have the flexibility to make decisions on temporary closures due to Coronavirus concerns. More specifically:

• The longest that any school district will be required to go is its scheduled 185th day.  No schools will be required to be in session after June 30th.
• For accountability purposes for school year 2019-20, DESE will calculate chronic absenteeism as of Monday, March 2, 2020 and disregard all attendance data for the remainder of the school year.
• DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley is strongly urging all districts to cancel all out-of-state travel at this time. This is in addition to the Administration’s existing request for schools to cancel international trips.
• The Department of Public Health will be issuing updated guidance to Superintendents on how to address cases that arise at a school, including potential school closures.

The public is also reminded of steps to take to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Cover your mouth – when you cough or sneeze use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands – with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based sanitizing gel.
• Stay home if you are sick – and avoid close contact with others.

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

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March 4, 2020

Community Preparedness With Health Care, Infectious Disease Experts and Front Line Leaders

(Official Press Release and additional information)

 Today, the Baker-Polito Administration convened a meeting with front-line leaders representing hospitals, local public health boards, emergency response, long-term care, and higher education to discuss ongoing preparations for Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Massachusetts. Governor Charlie Baker was joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel, MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak and Massport CEO Lisa Wieland.

Leaders joining Governor Baker and administration officials included: Chief of the Division of Emergency Preparedness at Mass General Hospital and Director of the Mass General Hospital Center for Disaster Medicine Dr. Paul Biddinger, Director of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiologist at UMass Medical Center Dr. Richard Ellison III, Chief Public Health Office at Cambridge Public Health Department Claude-Alix Jacob, University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, Manager of the Metro Regional Preparedness Coalition at the  Cambridge Health Alliance Jendy Dunlop, Director of Special Projects for ProEMS Ambulance Service Gibson McCullagh, and Louis J. Woolf, President and CEO of Hebrew Senior Life.   

“Our administration’s top priority continues to be the health and safety of Massachusetts residents, and our ongoing collaboration with medical experts, first responders, school officials, local public health leaders and other stakeholders is a crucial part of our ongoing preparedness efforts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “While the risk for COVID-19 in Massachusetts remains low, our partnership with these organizations and leaders is crucial to ensuring that the Commonwealth remains safe and prepared.”

“We appreciate our ongoing collaboration with a wide range of organizations as we work together to ensure Massachusetts remains prepared for a potential outbreak of COVID-19,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration is committed to remaining a resource for entities on the front lines of the Commonwealth’s ongoing preparedness efforts.”

"The Department of Public Health has been working closely with the CDC since the beginning of the outbreak in China, and has worked tirelessly to plan and communicate with state and local partners to prepare our communities and share specific strategies all of us can take to stay healthy,” said Secretary Marylou Sudders.

Yesterday, the Department of Public Health held its second conference call with local colleges and universities, in part to address questions and concerns about upcoming international travel for universities, like study abroad programs, which often require significant planning and investment. With this in mind, the administration is urging colleges, universities and high schools to cancel upcoming, organized international trips at this time.

“The Department of Public Health continues to monitor this dynamic situation and we have been coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders, including educational institutions that frequently sponsor, organize, or are associated with individual and group international travel,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel. “While the risk of COVID-19 is low in Massachusetts, the administration strongly urges schools to cancel all upcoming organized international travel for the foreseeable future.”

Earlier today, the CDC issued an updated Travel Health Alert for all United States residents starting today, instructing travelers returning from countries with a Level 3 alert (currently China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy) to stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the US. This guidance also instructs travelers from countries with a Level 2 alert (currently Japan) to monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the US. The guidance advises against any non-essential travel to Level 3 countries. The Department of Public Health will be issuing more detailed guidance related to this development shortly.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced its first confirmed case of COVID-19 in early February and on Monday, DPH announced its first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 since the FDA approved testing at the State Public Health Laboratory on February 28^th, with results being confirmed by the CDC. This morning, DPH announced 719 people who did not show symptoms of COVID-19 have been in self-quarantine in their homes following international travel and/or contact with individuals who have been exposed to the virus, with 470 of those individuals completed monitoring and are no longer quarantined and 249 are currently quarantined. This information will be posted online today.

Coronaviruses are respiratory viruses and are generally spread through respiratory secretions (droplets from coughs and sneezes) of an infected person to another person. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, pneumonia (fluid in the lungs). Information is still limited about how this novel coronavirus spreads. More information on COVID-19 is available at mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

There have been more than 100 U.S. cases of COVID-19 confirmed since January. Globally, more than 90,000 cases have been confirmed. Late Tuesday, the CDC reported a total of 9 COVID-19-related deaths in the U.S.  

Although the risk of COVID-19 to Massachusetts residents remains low, and the risk of the flu is high, people are advised to take many of the same steps they do to help prevent colds and the flu, including:

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes and face.
• Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• Stay home when feeling sick.
• Stay informed.
• Get a flu shot.

Clinicians who have patients they think may have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should  contact DPH via the 24/7 EPI line (617-983-6800).

The State Lab has an adequate supply of test kits from the CDC for testing. The anticipated turnaround of test results from the State Lab is 24 hours, depending on testing volume.

Individuals who are in voluntary self-quarantine continue to be monitored by their local boards of health.

People who have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19 and who have symptoms of the disease (fever, cough, shortness of breath) should immediately contact their healthcare provider immediately and call ahead before going to a healthcare facility.

For more information on COVID-19 visit mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

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March 27, 2020

Massachusetts Public Health Department reports 10 more COVID-19 deaths, bringing statewide total to 35; more than 29,000 people have been tested

(Official Press Release and additional information)

For the second day in a row, 10 new deaths from COVID-19-related illness were announced by state public health officials, as the number of people tested in Massachusetts grew to over 29,000.

There were 823 new positive cases reported in the state in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of positive cases to 3,240 in Massachusetts.

The 10 new deaths were men and women who ranged in age from their 60s to their 90s and who lived in Bristol, Barnstable, Middlesex, Franklin, Berkshire, and Norfolk counties.

They are:

• Male, 60s, Berkshire County, preexisting conditions, hospitalized
• Female, 80s, Norfolk County, unknown preexisting condition, hospitalization unknown
• Female, 80s, Norfolk County, unknown preexisting condition, hospitalized
• Female, 80s, Norfolk County, preexisting conditions, hospitalization unknown
• Female, 90s, Berkshire County, unknown preexisting condition, hospitalized
• Male, 60s, Norfolk County, unknown preexisting condition, hospitalization unknown
• Female, 90s, Franklin County, unknown preexisting condition, hospitalization unknown
• Male, 80s, Middlesex County, preexisting conditions, hospitalization unknown
• Male, 90s, Barnstable County, unknown preexisting condition, hospitalized
• Female, 90s, Bristol County, preexisting conditions, hospitalization unknown

Thirty-five Massachusetts residents have now died from COVID-19 related illness, up from 25 deaths yesterday.

A total of 29,371 Massachusetts residents have been tested for COVID-19 by the State Public Health Laboratory, commercial and clinical labs, a jump of 5,750 tests since yesterday. The DPH daily online dashboard reflects testing results for 20 clinical and commercial labs performing testing in Massachusetts, in addition to results from the State Public Health Laboratory.

Expanded testing capacity in Massachusetts continues to be a focus of the work of the COVID-19 Response Command Center, and the effort to increase testing capacity across the state will continue.

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Massachusetts. At this time, if people are only mildly symptomatic, they should speak to their healthcare provider about whether they need to be assessed in person. If not, they should stay at home while they are sick. Asymptomatic family members should practice social distancing and immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

In the United States, there have been 85,356 cases of COVID-19 and 1,246 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jurisdictions reporting cases include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.

In Massachusetts and nationwide, the public is being asked to avoid crowds, stay 6 feet away from others, not shake hands or hug, and call/Facetime and online chat with friends and loved ones rather than meet face to face.

To keep updated regarding COVID-19 in Massachusetts, residents can text "COVIDMA" to 888-777 to receive COVID-19 text message alerts straight to their phone.  More information about COVID-19 can be found at www.mass.gov/covid19. For general questions, a 24/7 hotline is available by calling 2-1-1.

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March 27, 2020

Massachusetts Announces State Income Tax Filing Deadline Being Extended to July 15

(The Official Press Release and additional information)

Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo today announced an agreement to extend the 2019 state individual income tax filing and payment deadline from April 15 to July 15 due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. This income tax relief is automatic and taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms to qualify.

“Massachusetts will move the state personal income tax filing and payment deadline to July 15, consistent with the federal government, in order to provide additional flexibility to filers during this crisis,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “In partnership with our colleagues in the Legislature, we are committed to providing this flexibility to taxpayers in a way that protects the Commonwealth’s strong fiscal footing that we have all worked hard to develop over the past several years.”

“We are proud to work with the Legislature to provide meaningful relief to people throughout the Commonwealth during this public health emergency,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This extension will afford taxpayers additional time to file their Massachusetts individual income tax returns as we carry out the historic response to the COVID-19 outbreak.”

"The top priority during this public health crisis is to address the immediate needs facing our residents,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “Our message is clear: residents should stay home and avoid social contact to be safe. Extending the tax deadline helps us accomplish that goal and provides peace of mind. I want to thank Chair Rodrigues, as well as our partners in the House and the Administration for their continued collaboration in confronting the challenges facing our Commonwealth."

“The House, in partnership with the Senate and the Administration, agreed to an extension of the state tax filing deadline to ease the burden on individuals while agreeing to borrowing measures that would protect the Commonwealth’s revenue stream,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “Thank you to Chair Michlewitz for his leadership in ensuring the Commonwealth’s fiscal viability while providing tax relief to those unduly effected by this crisis.”

Today’s announcement will move the state income tax filing deadline to match the July 15 deadline for filing federal individual income taxes. Legislation will be filed in the near future to finance the extension, and accompanying administrative changes will be implemented through the Department of Revenue. Specifically, the legislation will authorize the Commonwealth borrowing flexibility to manage deferred revenue this fiscal year and repay it in the next fiscal year, which starts July 1, 2020.

Individuals with questions or concerns regarding taxes can contact the Massachusetts Department of Revenue at (617) 887-6367 or send a secure e-message through MassTaxConnect.

The Commonwealth will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is always available at mass.gov/COVID19.

###

March 26, 2020

Massachusetts Dedicates Former Hospital for Shelter, Treatment of Homeless Individuals

(The official Press Release and additional information)

To ensure the care and safety of the Boston area’s homeless population during the COVID-19 epidemic, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced that a former Boston Medical Center hospital building will be temporarily reopened and used to meet COVID-19 related medical needs of area homeless residents.  

The building, known as Newton Pavilion, is currently owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The new facility will be operated by a consortium of providers, including Boston Medical Center, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, shelters including the Pine Street Inn, and the City of Boston’s COVID-19 response team.

“As we continue to urge residents to stay at home, it’s vitally important to provide for the safety of individuals who don’t have a place to call home,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We continue to take steps to protect the health and safety of all residents, particularly our more vulnerable residents including older adults, individuals with underlying health conditions, and individuals experiencing homelessness.”

“This action is a critical protection for the health care needs of individuals experiencing  homelessness, a population at high risk for the virus that needs a place to recover safely in cases of mild illness,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. 

The facility will be able to be used as needed for a range of care needs, potentially including treatment of homeless patients who:

• Are confirmed COVID-19 positive with mild symptoms who do not require hospitalization but do require isolation from the general population
• Are symptomatic and awaiting test results who require isolation to avoid spreading infection to the general population
• Post-discharge facility for COVID-19 patients who have been hospitalized but who don’t have a home to return to
• Acute care for sicker patients, up to and including ICU care

Capacity of the facility can grow with demand to 250 beds, marking a significant increase in clinical capacity to treat homeless individuals who contract COVID-19. 

"It’s critical that we continue to support our most vulnerable residents, especially our homeless population," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "In Boston, we are putting in place measures to protect shelter guests and prevent the virus from spreading, including new facilities for screening, testing and isolating patients, and identifying additional overnight beds in the city. The reopening of the Newton Pavilion at Boston Medical Center will be essential to relieving stress on our health care system and increasing medical care for our homeless population as we continue to respond to this public health crisis." 

“This new facility will be a critical asset in our hospital’s and our community’s ability to care for Boston’s homeless patients affected by COVID-19 and in turn will help us prevent further spread of the virus,” said Kate Walsh, President and CEO of Boston Medical Center Health System. “We applaud and thank Governor Baker and his Administration for taking this crucial step and are grateful for the partnership of our fellow providers in this effort.”

“This is a huge step forward in ensuring that our patients and the City’s homeless community are able to get the care they will need and deserve in the weeks and months ahead,” said Barry Bock, CEO of Boston Health Care for the Homeless. “We’re ready and eager to work closely in partnership with our fellow providers to make this new facility a reality, and we’re so grateful to Governor Baker for his leadership in making this possible,” 

“We are very grateful to the Governor and Secretary Sudders for designating this building as a site for homeless individuals during this crisis. This site will be crucial in helping contain the spread of this virus in our community,” said Lyndia Downie, President of Pine Street Inn. “I want to thank our partners in the fight, Boston Medical Center and Boston Health Care for the Homeless, for the work they are doing to get this building operational.”

###

March 26, 2020

Massachusetts Public Health Department reports 10 more COVID-19 deaths, bringing statewide total to 25; to date more than 23,500 individuals tested

(The Official Press Release and additional information)

State health officials today announced 10 additional deaths from COVID-19, the largest number of deaths in Massachusetts reported in a single day, as the number of tests grew by 3,827 people since yesterday.

These 10 people are:

• Male, 50s, Essex County, preexisting conditions, hospitalized
• Male, 80s, Essex County, preexisting conditions, hospitalized
• Male, 80s, Middlesex County, unknown preexisting conditions, hospitalized
• Male, 70s, Middlesex County, preexisting condition,  hospitalization status under investigation
• Male, 80s, Hampden County, unknown preexisting conditions, hospitalization status under investigation
• Male, 90s, Suffolk County, preexisting conditions, hospitalized
• Male, 80s, Worcester County, preexisting conditions, hospitalized
• Female, 70s, Norfolk County, preexisting conditions, hospitalization status under investigation
• Male, 80s, Franklin County, unknown preexisting conditions, hospitalization status under investigation
• Female, 80s, Middlesex County, preexisting conditions, hospitalized

These deaths bring to 25 the total number of deaths from the novel coronavirus in Massachusetts.

As of 4 p.m. today, Massachusetts has 579 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 for a total of 2,417 cases.  A total of 23,621 Massachusetts residents have been tested for COVID-19 by the State Public Health Laboratory, commercial and clinical labs, a jump of more than 3,827 since yesterday. The DPH daily online dashboard reflects testing results for 20 clinical and commercial labs performing testing in Massachusetts in addition to results from the State Public Health Laboratory.

Expanded testing capacity in Massachusetts continues to be a focus of the work of the COVID-19 Response Command Center, and the effort to increase testing capacity across the state will continue.

The 25 people who have died ranged in age from 50s to 90s. They include residents from Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Worcester, Hampden, Berkshire, Essex, Barnstable, and Franklin counties.

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Massachusetts. At this time, if people are only mildly symptomatic, they should speak to their healthcare provider about whether they need to be assessed in person. If not, they should stay at home while they are sick. Asymptomatic family members should practice social distancing and immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

In the United States, there have been more than 68,440 cases of COVID-19 and more than 994 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Massachusetts and nationwide, the public is being asked to avoid crowds, stay 6 feet away from others, not shake hands or hug, and call/Facetime and online chat with friends and loved ones rather than meet face to face.

To keep updated regarding COVID-19 in Massachusetts, residents can text "COVIDMA" to 888-777 to receive COVID-19 text message alerts straight to their phone.  More information about COVID-19 can be found at www.mass.gov/covid19. For general questions, a 24/7 hotline is available by calling 2-1-1.

###

March 25, 2020

Massachusetts Public Health Department reports four more COVID-19 deaths, bringing total in state to 15; to date 19,794 individuals have been tested

(Official Press Release and additional information)

State health officials today announced four additional deaths from COVID-19. These include:

• A male, 80s, from Norfolk County with pre-existing conditions
• A male, 80s, from Barnstable County with pre-existing conditions
• A male, 70s, from Worcester County with unknown pre-existing conditions
• A woman, 70s, from Worcester County with pre-existing conditions

All four had been hospitalized. These deaths bring to 15 the total number of deaths from the novel coronavirus in Massachusetts.

As of 4 p.m. today, Massachusetts has 679 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 1,838 cases.  A total of 19,794 Massachusetts residents have been tested for COVID-19 by the State Public Health Laboratory and commercial and clinical labs. The DPH daily online dashboard reflects testing results for all of the clinical and commercial labs performing testing in Massachusetts in addition to results from the State Public Health Laboratory.

In addition to the State Public Health Laboratory, Quest Diagnostics, and LabCorp, the online dashboard includes 10 more labs and their testing data.  Expanded testing capacity in Massachusetts continues to be a focus of the work of the COVID-19 Response Command Center, and the effort to increase testing capacity across the state will continue.

The 15 people who died ranged in age from 50s to 90s. They include residents from Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Worcester, Hampden, Berkshire, Essex, and Barnstable counties.

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Massachusetts. At this time, if people are only mildly symptomatic, they should speak to their healthcare provider about whether they need to be assessed in person. If not, they should stay at home while they are sick. Asymptomatic family members should practice social distancing and immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

In the United States, there have been more than 54,453 cases of COVID-19 and more than 737 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Massachusetts and nationwide, the public is being asked to avoid crowds, stay 6 feet away from others, not shake hands or hug, and call/Facetime and online chat with friends and loved ones rather than meet face to face.

To keep updated regarding COVID-19 in Massachusetts, residents can text "COVIDMA" to 888-777 to receive COVID-19 text message alerts straight to their phone.  More information about COVID-19 can be found at www.mass.gov/covid19. For general questions, a 24/7 hotline is available by calling 2-1-1.

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March 24, 2020

Massachusetts Public Health Department Reports Two More COVID-19 Deaths, Bringing Total Number in the State to 11; State Case Count Now at 1,159

(Official Press Release and additional information)

Two females, one in her 80s from Middlesex County and one in her 60s from Berkshire County - have died from COVID-19-related illness, bringing the total number of deaths from the novel coronavirus in Massachusetts to 11. Both were hospitalized and had underlying health conditions.

As of 4 p.m. today, 13,749 Massachusetts residents have been tested for COVID-19 by the State Public Health Laboratory and commercial and clinical labs, up from 6,004 residents on Sunday. Of those 13,749 people, 1,159 have tested positive. The DPH daily online dashboard reflects testing results for all of the clinical and commercial labs performing testing in Massachusetts in addition to results from the State Public Health Laboratory.

In addition to the State Public Health Laboratory, Quest Diagnostics, and LabCorp, the online dashboard includes 10 more labs and their testing data.  Expanded testing capacity in Massachusetts continues to be a focus of the work of the COVID-19 Response Command Center, and the effort to increase testing capacity across the state will continue.

The 11 people who died ranged in age from 50s to 90s. Three of the six men were from Suffolk County, the other three from Norfolk, Hampden, and Berkshire counties. The five women were from Worcester, Essex, Middlesex, and Berkshire counties.

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Massachusetts. At this time, if people are only mildly symptomatic, they should speak to their healthcare provider about whether they need to be assessed in person. If not, they should stay at home while they are sick. Asymptomatic family members should practice social distancing and immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

In the United States, there have been more than 44,183 cases of COVID-19 and more than 544 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Massachusetts and nationwide, the public is being asked to avoid crowds, stay 6 feet away from others, not shake hands or hug, and call/Facetime and online chat with friends and loved ones rather than meet face to face.

Today the Administration introduced another way to keep updated during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Residents can text "COVIDMA" to 888-777 to receive COVID-19 text message alerts straight to their phone.  More information about COVID-19 can be found at www.mass.gov/covid19. For general questions, a 24/7 hotline is available by calling 2-1-1.

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March 24, 2020

Massachusetts Launches a COVID-19 Text Message Notification System Text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 for Important Updates

(Official Press Release and additional information)

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the launch of a new text-based notification system to deliver important information about the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 response to Massachusetts residents.

“Throughout this outbreak, we have consistently reminded our residents to get their information from trusted sources. Today we’re making that easier,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With the addition of this new communication tool, we’re making it easier for everyone to stay informed about state actions and important announcements related to COVID-19.”

The new messaging tool called “AlertsMA” will allow residents to subscribe to real-time notifications by texting the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777.  After signing up, state and public health officials can send short messages and links to information directly to a resident’s cell phone or other mobile device.

“Being well-informed during this public health emergency, and following health officials’ advice, can help us to slow and eventually stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Secretary Marylou Sudders, the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Command Center Director. “Staying connected with our residents is a central part of our response.”

The AlertsMA notifications can be used to share news, prevention information, and help connect residents to information that they are looking for through other public information channels, such as the state’s Information line, 2-1-1, and website searches on Mass.Gov.

The Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Technology Services and Security partnered with Everbridge, whose platform powers AlertsMA, to bring the notification service online during the COVID-19 response. Everbridge is a Massachusetts-based company located in Burlington. The company’s notification service is assisting the public health response around the country, including New York City, San Francisco, and Houston.

“During this public health emergency, it is increasingly important that we leverage technology to enhance our ability to communicate with the residents and businesses of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Curtis M. Wood.  “This text message notification service is a tool that reaches people in the easiest way possible – on their mobile devices – to keep them informed on the latest updates from the Commonwealth.

“Statewide public notification systems like AlertsMA will keep people safe and businesses running when critical events occur,” said David Meredith, CEO of Burlington-based Everbridge. “With our headquarters here in Massachusetts, Everbridge proudly serves the Commonwealth as their statewide mass notification provider, keeping citizens informed during COVID-19.  We would like to thank the Governor and the State for their continued prioritization on emergency readiness, response and communications.”

The Commonwealth will promote the service on Mass.gov, through digital displays and billboards at the MBTA, via MassDOT, and through social media.  

Download a HiRes image to promote this service to MA residents.

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March 23, 2020

Massachusetts Public Health Department Reports Four More Deaths from COVID-19, Bringing the Total Number in the State to Nine

(Official Press Release and additional information)

Two females, both in their 70s and from Essex and Worcester counties, and two men -  one in his 60s from Suffolk County and the other in his 80s from Norfolk County - have died from COVID-19-related illness, bringing the total number of deaths from the novel coronavirus in Massachusetts to nine. All four were hospitalized and had underlying health conditions.

As of 4 p.m. today, 8,922 Massachusetts residents have been tested for COVID-19 by the State Public Health Laboratory and commercial and clinical labs, up from 6,004 residents on Sunday. Of those 8,922 people, 777 have tested positive.  For the first time, testing results for all of the clinical and commercial labs performing testing in Massachusetts is posted, in addition to results from the State Public Health Laboratory, on its COVID-19 online dashboard.

Today’s case numbers reflect additional testing being performed in Massachusetts by several additional labs. In addition to the State Public Health Laboratory, Quest Diagnostics, and LabCorp, the online dashboard includes 10 more labs and their testing data.  Expanded testing capacity in Massachusetts continues to be a focus of the work of the COVID-19 Response Command Center, and the effort to increase testing capacity across the state will continue.

The nine people who died ranged in age from 50s to 90s. Three of the six men were from Suffolk County, the other three from Norfolk, Hampden, and Berkshire counties. The three women were from Worcester, Essex, and Middlesex counties.

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Massachusetts. At this time, if people are only mildly symptomatic, they should speak to their healthcare provider about whether they need to be assessed in person. If not, they should stay at home while they are sick. Asymptomatic family members should practice social distancing and immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

In the United States, there have been more than 33,400 cases of COVID-19 and more than 400 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Massachusetts and nationwide, the public is being asked to avoid crowds, stay 6 feet away from others, not shake hands or hug, and call/Facetime and online chat with friends and loved ones rather than meet face to face.

More information about COVID-19 can be found at www.mass.gov/covid19. For general questions, call 2-1-1.

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March 22, 2020

Massachusetts Public Health Department reports three more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the total number in the state to five

(Official Press Release and additional information)

Three men - two in their 70s from Hampden and Berkshire counties and a third man in his 90s from Suffolk County– have died from COVID-19-related illness, bringing the total number of deaths from the novel coronavirus in Massachusetts to five. All three men were hospitalized. The Berkshire County man was reported to have an underlying health condition but all three men were in an age group that is more likely to experience severe disease from COVID-19 regardless of prior health status.

The confirmation of their deaths followed a weekend during which the commonwealth’s first two COVID-19 deaths were confirmed: a man in his 80s from Suffolk County who had been hospitalized and had pre-existing health conditions and a woman in her 50s from Middlesex County who had a pre-existing condition, predisposing them both to more severe disease.

As of 4 p.m. today, 6,004 residents of Massachusetts have been tested for COVID-19 by the State Public Health Laboratory and commercial labs. Of those, 646 people have tested positive.  For the first time, DPH is also providing data on the age range of COVID-19 cases to the online dashboard.

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Massachusetts. At this time, if people are only mildly symptomatic, they should speak to their healthcare provider about whether they need to be assessed in person. If not, they should stay at home while they are sick. Asymptomatic family members should practice social distancing and immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

In the United States, there have been more than 15,219 of COVID-19 and more than 200 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Massachusetts and nationwide, the public is being asked to avoid crowds, stay 6 feet away from others, not shake hands or hug, and call/Facetime and online chat with friends and loved ones rather than meet face to face.

More information about COVID-19 can be found at www.mass.gov/covid19.

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March 21, 2020

Massachusetts Public Health Department Reports State’s Second Death from COVID-19

(Official Press Release and additional information)

 A woman in her 50s from Middlesex County is the second person in Massachusetts to die from COVID-19 related illness, the Department of Public Health announced today. She had a pre-existing condition predisposing her to more severe disease.

As of today, more than 5,200 residents of Massachusetts have been tested for COVID-19 by the State Public Health Laboratory and commercial labs. Of those, 525 people have tested positive. 

Yesterday, DPH announced that a man in his 80s from Suffolk County was the first person in Massachusetts to die from COVID-19 related illness. The man had been hospitalized and had pre-existing health conditions that put him at higher risk for COVID-19.

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Massachusetts. At this time, if people are only mildly symptomatic, they should speak to their healthcare provider about whether they need to be assessed in person. If not, they should stay at home while they are sick. Asymptomatic family members should practice social distancing and immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

In the United States, there have been more than 15,219 of COVID-19 and more than 200 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Massachusetts and nationwide, the public is being asked to avoid crowds, stay 6 feet away from others, not shake hands or hug, and call/Facetime and online chat with friends and loved ones rather than meet face to face.

More information about COVID-19 can be found at www.mass.gov/covid19.

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March 20, 2020

Massachusetts Public Health Department Reports State’s First Death from COVID-19

(Official Press Release and additional information)

A man in his 80s from Suffolk County is the first person in Massachusetts to die from COVID-19 related illness, the Department of Public Health announced today. The man had been hospitalized and had pre-existing health conditions that put him at higher risk for COVID-19.

To date, 3,132 residents of Massachusetts have been tested for COVID-19 by the State Public Health Laboratory and commercial labs. Of those, 328 people have tested positive. These figures will be updated on DPH’s online coronavirus dashboard at 4 p.m. today.

“I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends who lost their loved one,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “We are living in uncertain and challenging times, and our administration is bringing every available resource to bear in the fight against this disease, and remind everyone in our Commonwealth to continue to work together, follow social distance protocols and look after each other to keep our communities safe.”

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Massachusetts. At this time, if people are only mildly symptomatic, they should stay home. If they become more ill, they should speak to their healthcare provider about whether they need to be assessed in person. If not, they should stay at home while they are sick. Asymptomatic family members should practice social distancing and immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms.

In the United States, there have been more than 10,400 cases of COVID-19 and more than 150 deaths, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Massachusetts and nationwide, the public is being asked to avoid crowds, stay 6 feet away from others, not shake hands or hug, and call/Facetime and online chat with friends and loved ones rather than meet face to face.

More information about COVID-19 can be found at www.mass.gov/covid19.

###

March 15, 2020

Statement from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on patient testing for COVID-19

(Official Press Release and additional information)

 As of 10:45 a.m. Sunday, March 15th, 799 patients had been tested by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory, up from the 475 people tested that Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders shared at the March 14th press conference.

The Department of Public Health has implemented the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance on clinical testing protocols, which means clinicians are required to only submit one nasal swab, rather than the previous requirement to submit both nasal and throat swabs. With this change in clinical testing protocols, the State Lab’s testing capacity will increase to approximately 400 patients a day, up from 200 patients a day.

In addition, in Massachusetts, clinicians now have more flexibility to determine which patients should be tested without having to call DPH’s Epi Line.

With national labs now being approved by the FDA to conduct testing, clinicians can submit specimens for testing directly to these labs. This change will enable more people to be tested and for more tests to be conducted. With more clinical labs in Massachusetts working to get FDA approval, even more testing capacity will be coming online soon.

March 13, 2020

State Health Officials Announce Launch of 2-1-1 to Provide COVID-19 Information and Referrals 24/7

(Official Press Release and additional information)

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Massachusetts 2-1-1 will now provide real-time COVID-19 information, resources, and referrals in multiple languages. This expansion is the result of an increased investment in resources directed towards this 24-hour state-supported telephone hotline.

Through this partnership with Massachusetts 2-1-1, DPH subject matter experts are expanding access to information 24/7, and empowering call operators to provide the latest information about the status of COVID-19 response efforts in Massachusetts. At peak call times, DPH staff will augment the call team to ensure residents’ questions are answered without delay. This new service is in addition to a dedicated site mass.gov/covid19, which is updated daily with information and resources.

“We are committed to providing the most updated and accurate information about COVID-19 response efforts in Massachusetts,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “Mass 2-1-1 is an invaluable partner in helping us to ensure that every resident of the Commonwealth has access to the information they need to keep themselves and their families healthy and safe.”

Beginning today, residents can call 2-1-1 to learn more about:

• COVID-19 prevention, symptoms, and treatment
• Information about testing
• Guidance for people planning or returning from travel

Massachusetts 2-1-1 is open to callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Operators fluent in Spanish are available, and more than 150 other languages are supported through an interpreter services line that is available 24/7.

Residents with questions should dial 2-1-1 from any landline or cellphone. Callers dialing 2-1-1 will hear an automated menu of options. Callers press 2-6 for coronavirus. Residents can also reach 2-1-1 through a live chat option on the Massachusetts 2-1-1 website.

Yesterday, two labs received federal approval to conduct testing for COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Clinicians can send specimens from suspected COVID-19 patients to commercial labs that are now up and running.  These tests do not need to be approved by DPH.

DPH also received an initial shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) yesterday, in response to a formal request to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for needed PPE from the National Strategic Stockpile. The shipment included surgical gowns, gloves, eye protection and masks, which are being distributed to local public health practitioners. A portion of the shipment was expedited to Berkshire Medical Center, which received it yesterday.

Earlier today, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and DPH issued instructions and guidance to Elementary and Secondary Schools regarding COVID-19, including:

• Effective immediately, all schools must cancel or reschedule large events or gatherings (including assemblies) of 250 people or more for the foreseeable future, and schools are strongly urged to postpone or cancel other events if participants cannot maintain the recommended minimum 6 feet distance – known as “social distancing.”
• All schools must implement policies on expanded environmental cleaning, whether or not there has been a known case of COVID-19 in the school. Schools must clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily using an EPA-registered disinfectant.
• At this time, the administration does not recommend school closures on a statewide basis, but the guidance allows for flexibility within school districts where there has been exposure to COVID-19.

The full guidance can be found online at Guidance to Elementary and Secondary Schools Regarding COVID-19.

On Tuesday, Governor Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency to support the Commonwealth’s response to coronavirus. The Administration has updated guidance to the general public, specifically urging older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and events. The Administration also released new policies to protect individuals in long-term care facilities, and those served in community-based and congregate care settings from respiratory illnesses.

Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds to mitigate risk. This guidance is posted on the Department of Public Health’s website, mass.gov/covid19.  

The public is reminded of steps to take to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Cover your mouth – when you cough or sneeze use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands
• Wash your hands – with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based sanitizing gel
• Stay home if you are sick – and avoid close contact with others

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is available at mass.gov/covid19.

                                                                                ###

March 12, 2020

Massachusetts Issues Guidelines to Assisted Living Facilities, Community-Based Providers and Other Caregivers to Reduce Risk of Coronavirus

(Official Press Release and additional information)

Today the Baker-Polito Administration released new policies  to further protect individuals served in community-based and congregate care settings from respiratory illnesses, including Coronavirus (COVID-19). The new guidance is for Assisted Living Residences, Congregate Care Settings, In-Home Caregivers and Workers (Agency Based and Non-Agency Based), and Community Day Program Settings. This follows Governor Charlie Baker’s Tuesday declaration of a State of Emergency in Massachusetts that was ratified by the Public Health Council on Wednesday as a public health emergency.

“Everyone has a role to play to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts, and it’s particularly important that we take precautions to keep older adults and those with health conditions safe,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This new guidance is critical to protecting residents served by community-based providers and other caregivers and those at assisted living residences from COVID-19 and we appreciate the public’s willingness to observe these important rules for the foreseeable future.” 

“In Massachusetts we have a strong  system of community-based health and human service  providers. Recognizing that these services are vital for the residents they serve, we acted to develop guidance that will help organizations protect their employees, and to protect Massachusetts residents,” said Secretary Marylou Sudders.

Earlier today, Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH signed a public health order requiring the restriction of visitation at Assisted Living Residences.

The guidance released today  for Assisted Living Residences, as well as Congregate Care Settings, In-Home Caregivers and Workers (Agency Based and Non-Agency Based), and Community Day Program Settings, is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of COVID-19. As each industry group faces specific challenges associated with implementation based on its population and organizational needs, these guidelines have been tailored accordingly.

With today’s release, the organizations and institutions are receiving specific guidance that addresses their industry’s unique programming and services. All of these groups are strongly urged to follow core guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in these settings:

• Screen employees, vendors, and clients for sickness with fever, new respiratory illness, recent international travel, and close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
• Prepare and educate individuals with updated guidance and policies.
• Avoid unnecessary out of state or international travel and avoid large gatherings or crowds, and reinforce the practice of good hygiene with staff, vendors, and clients.

Yesterday, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services released updated guidance for long term care facility policies to protect older adults at higher risk. The guidance was updated following an order by the Commissioner of Public Health requiring all facilities – nursing and rest homes – to actively screen all visitors and to take measures to restrict visitors under certain circumstances under her authority during this public health emergency.

In addition to specific policies for long term care facilities and other community-based providers, earlier this week, the Administration updated its guidance to the general public, specifically urging older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and events. Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds to mitigate risk. This guidance is posted on the Department of Public Health’s website, www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.  

The public is reminded of steps to take to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Cover your mouth – when you cough or sneeze use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands
• Wash your hands – with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based sanitizing gel
• Stay home if you are sick – and avoid close contact with others

 The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

###

March 11, 2020

Massachusetts Issues Policies and Procedures Restricting Visitors to Nursing Homes and Rest Homes to Reduce Risk of Coronavirus

(Official Press Release and additional information)

 Today the Baker-Polito Administration released policies restricting visitors to nursing homes and rest homes in order to protect older adults at higher risk for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory illness. Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel and their teams reviewed the guidance with long term care facility operators via teleconference today.

This action follows Governor Charlie Baker’s Tuesday declaration of a State of Emergency in Massachusetts that was ratified by the Public Health Council earlier today granting the Commissioner of Public Health with the authority to implement the Governor’s State of Emergency.

With this authority, the Commissioner of Public Health issued an order requiring all facilities – nursing and rest homes – to actively screen all visitors and to take measures to restrict visitors under certain circumstances.

“Everyone has a role to play to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts, and it’s particularly important that we take precautions to keep older adults and those with health conditions safe,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “This new guidance for long-term care facilities is critical to protecting older adults from COVID-19 and we appreciate the public’s willingness to observe these important rules for the foreseeable future.”

“Today’s actions are being taken to protect older adults that are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus and other respiratory diseases, as we have seen as its spread across the world, including the United States,” said Secretary Marylou Sudders. “Massachusetts, as we all know has an aging population – with 20% of residents being over 60 – and so we needed to act to protect our older residents, especially those in long term care facilities.”

“Our goal at DPH is to protect the health and well-being of all Massachusetts residents, especially those at highest risk for COVID-19,” said Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “We will continue to update our guidance as this outbreak evolves.”

This guidance outlines how these facilities should protect older adult residents, who are at higher risk for Coronavirus. The guidance includes the following restrictions:

• Banning visitors who show signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat)
• Visitors will be prohibited if in the last 14 days they had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, are under investigation for COVID-19 or has been sick
• Visitors will be prohibited if they have travelled internationally in the last 14 days or are residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring
• Visitors will not be allowed to visit long term care facilities if they currently feel sick or exhibit symptoms

In addition to specific recommendations for long term care facilities, the Administration updated its guidance to the general public, specifically urging older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and events. Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds to mitigate risk. This guidance is posted on the Department of Public Health’s website, www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.  

The public is reminded of steps to take to limit the spread of COVID-19:

• Cover your mouth – when you cough or sneeze use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands
• Wash your hands – with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based sanitizing gel
• Stay home if you are sick – and avoid close contact with others

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

###

March 9,2020

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases in New Online Dashboard

(Official Press Release and additional information)

The Department of Public Health (DPH) has updated the number of confirmed and presumptive positive cases at mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring.  Starting today, the case information will be posted once daily by 4 p.m.

There are 13 new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed or presumptive positive cases in Massachusetts to 41.Of the 13 new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, nine are associated with the Biogen employee meeting held in late February: the cases are either employees or close contacts of employees. All of today’s presumptive positive cases are isolating at home or in a healthcare setting. Of the 41 confirmed or presumptive positive cases, 32 are associated with the Biogen conference.

The State Public Health Lab’s result is considered presumptive positive and the specimens are sent to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation. 

Additional updates to the site include case breakdowns by county, gender, and source.

For more information on COVID-19 visit mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

March

Coronavirs Preventive Tips

There have been changes several to the COVID-19 testing protocol in Massachusetts:

1. The criteria for patient testing has been expanded. The criteria released today is outlined the post below.  Click Here to Review the New Testing Protocols
2. Health care providers can now determine if a patient meets the criteria for testing. The requirement for the providers to receive approval from the Massachusetts Department of Public has been waived.
3. A single swab test is now the protocol for testing. The reduction is an effort to expedite the results especially since the expansion of testing parameters for patients and patients being tested will increase.
4. The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three private testing laboratories to provide assistance with the expected increase in patient specimen volume.

Cleaning

Keeping our workplace clean is important in slowing the spread of the virus.  The CDC recommends routinely cleaning all frequently touched areas in the workplace, such as workstations, counter-tops and doorknobs using cleaners regularly used in these areas. Staff should keep their areas clean by using cleaning products supplied by the town on frequently contacted surfaces.

 Our facilities staff regularly clean Town building common areas with disinfectant and take the following additional steps:

• Building Custodians perform a daily extensive disinfecting with Facilipro A-456 II Disinfectant Cleaner;
• Facilities work with Department Heads to address any areas that may need to get additional disinfecting.
• Additional Hand sanitizer dispensers will be added, if they are available.
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be added to areas outside of restrooms and other strategically identified common areas.
  • Unfortunately shortages of hand sanitizer have been reported by our suppliers which may delay the deployment.
• Maintenance staff are also providing support:
  • The HVAC equipment has been adjusted to increase fresh air flow from 10% to 20%.
  • The HVAC equipment has been adjusted to change the occupancy times in the buildings to an earlier time to increase the airflow in the buildings.

At this time, the CDC does not recommend any additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning.  However, if there is staff member of visitor in your area that appears symptomatic (see below) please contact your supervisor.

How do I help stop the spread of the virus?

The CDC offers the following guidance -

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Get a flu shot if you haven’t already.  It’s not effective against the coronavirus but the fewer people that come down with the flu and come into clinics with nonspecific symptoms such as fever and cough, which overlap with symptoms of COVID-19 makes it easier to identify coronavirus.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face-mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• 
  
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus as well as other types of viruses. For more information please visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/

How do I tell if I’m sick?

According to the CDC watch for the following symptoms:

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Call your doctor if you…

Develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19

OR

Have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.  Please check the CDC website for a list of areas.

If you feel that are developing symptoms while at work, please contact your supervisor.

Here are some things your family can do from home!

Story Time - Natick Recreation & Park Facebook page is going "live" every day for story time with Melissa Carter and guest readers.  You can find previously recorded stories on their Facebook page as well.

Learn to Draw - Natick Recreation & Park Facebook page is going "live" for their Learn to Draw.  Everyone could use tips on how to draw different animals.  Head over to Facebook and check it out.

Recreation and Parks family is also providing a page with all their vendors, contractors and partners helping keeping everyone happy.  Click here to check it out.

Please stay tuned..other things will be posted as it becomes available.

How to Talk with Kids About the Coronavirus

Town Meeting Postponed

After consultation with the Select Board and Public Safety Officials, the Town Moderator and Town Clerk have executed a declaration providing that Town Meeting will convene on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.  Click here for official declaration of postponement.

Natick Town Meeting
May 12, 2020
Wilson Middle School
7:30 PM

Natick Public School Information

All Natick schools are closed from March 13 through May 4.  For the most up-to-date information regarding the schools please visit their dedicated page at http://www.natickps.org/news/covid19