Governor Baker announced a 2-day COVID-19 testing campaign for June 17th and 18th. Anything you can do to help spread the word is greatly appreciated!
The Commonwealth is urging anyone who has attended a large gathering in the past two weeks to get tested for COVID-19. Attached are our social media graphics and here is the link to the website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/get-tested-for-covid-19-june-17th-and-18th. We have more than 50 sites participating.
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 18. 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 18th.
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.”
Click here for COVID-19 Essential Services FAQs created by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.
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 protocols 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 18.
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 (FMS) 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 FMS that will be deployed to the DCU Center in the City of Worcester
New Hampshire Testing Locations
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-testing-sites.pdf
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/covid-rapid-testing-sites.pdf
Rhode Island Testing Locations
http://rihealth.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Nearby/index.html?appid=a126c6b1c7fb4f1a8efab3b781ed6a0a&locale=en-us&¢er=-71.4232,41.8647&level=12
Connecticut Testing Locations
https://www.211ct.org/search?terms=COVID-19%20Diagnostic%20Tests&page=1&location=Connecticut&taxonomy_code=11048&service_area=connecticut
Massachusetts Locations
https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing