UPDATE #2 ON COVID-19 IN MASSACHUSETTS
3/30/20-4/03/20
The COVID-19 Response Center and the administration are releasing new information daily on cases of Coronavirus in the state. As of Sunday, March 29th:
Total cases in Massachusetts – 4,955 Total COVID-19 related fatalities in Massachusetts - 48 Patients tested in the MA state public health laboratory, commercial laboratories, and hospitals – 39,066
Malden COVID-19 updates
Updates from Governor Baker:
Stay at Home Advisory - Massachusetts residents are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, limit outings to essential trips, and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
All Non-Essential Businesses must close until April 7th. To see which businesses are considered essential, please visit this link.
All schools and non-emergency child care centers will remain closed until May 4th.
Governor Baker announced a federal disaster declaration for COVID-19 response.
To keep up to date with announcements from Governor Baker, please visit this link.
Updates from the Federal Government:
The IRS announced that anyone making less than $1 million/year will receive a 90-day tax filing extension, moving the deadline to file from April 15 to July 15.
President Trump announced that he is directing the Secretary of Education to suspend repayment of federal student loans for at least 60 days.
Congress is proposing a personal stimulus bill that would pay each American $1,200 to help with the COVID-19 outbreak (with some limitations).
Updates from the State Government:
The legislature passed a bill that would eliminate the one-week waiting period for applications for unemployment. The Department of Unemployment Assistance may no provide benefits to people who have been quarantined, are ordered to leave work, or leave work to take care of a family member.
Governor Baker mobilized members of the Massachusetts National Guard to assist with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Schools will remain closed until at least April 7th. No decision has been made yet regarding MCAS testing requirements for this year.
A loan fund of $10 million has been created to provide financial relief to Massachusetts businesses that have been affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.
The legislature passed a bill allowing cities and towns to postpone 2020 municipal elections, push back deadlines for voter registration, and increase voting options while Massachusetts is in a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The state tax filing deadline has been moved to July 15th.
Important phone numbers and community resources:
Call 2-1-1 to get current updates about COVID-19 related news and announcements in multiple languages.
Text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 to receive text updates regarding COVID-19
City of Malden Resources:
Malden Health Department: 781-397-7000 x 2049
Malden Senior Center: 781-397-7144
Malden Treasurer: 781-397-7090
Malden Veterans' Services: 781-397-7139
Domestic Violence/Crisis Help:
Portal to Hope
781-338-7678
Housing:
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)
617-357-6000
Housing Families
781-322-9119
Mystic Valley Elder Services
781-324-7705
Food:
Bread of Life
781-397-0404
Fuel Assistance:
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)
617-357-6000
Elder Care:
Mystic Valley Elder Services
781-324-7705Other Helpful Links:
For more information regarding programs and resources to help individuals and businesses during this time, please visit my website.
If you need assistance of any kind please do not hesitate to call my office at 617-722-2460, or email me at Steven.Ultrino@mahouse.gov. You may also email my Legislative Aide at Sarah.Gonsenhauser@mahouse.gov.
Remember to:
Wash your hands diligently for at least 20 seconds with warm water
Avoid crowds or gatherings over 10 people
Stay as home as much as possible to limit exposure and potential spread of the virus