State Actions – Updated: September 1, 2020
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:
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
Connecticut Testing Locations
Massachusetts Locations
Helpful Links:
Find and share printable flyers on prevention measures and social distancing on the Department of Public Health’s website. Flyers available in multiple languages.
Ongoing Blood Product Shortage
The Red Cross is facing a critical shortage of blood products due to cancellations of blood drives across the Commonwealth because of implementation of necessary prevention and mitigation actions during COVID-19 outbreak. The Governor has deemed “Blood and plasma donors and the employees of the organizations that operate and manage related activities” as an essential service.
Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
To schedule a new blood drive contact Bill Forsyth at (617) 699-3808 or email William.Forsyth@redcross.org.
Visit https://www.mass.gov/covid19 for the latest news, case counts, and lab testing results.
Call 2-1-1 with questions
Text the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777 to receive notifications to your phone
Take care of your emotional health and help others do the same. If you need emotional support during these stressful times:
Communications Resources:
COVID-2019 infographic for posting in all public places: https://www.mass.gov/doc/stop-the-spread-of-germs-respiratory-diseases-like-flu-and-covid-19/download
Social media – follow and retweet DPH on Twitter @MassDPH, updated several times per day.
