Bedford State House Delegation Shares Update Regarding COVID-19 Outbreak

Senator Michael Barrett (D-Lexington) and Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) joined their legislative colleagues and Massachusetts Health and Human Services officials Tuesday on a conference call to discuss the Commonwealth’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Following this discussion, they issued an update for Bedford residents.

Rep. Gordon and Sen. Barrett ask constituents to do their part to combat the spread of COVID-19 by taking social distancing measures. Residents should remain at least six feet away from others, avoiding congregations of more than 25 people, and preventing exposure to all those who are medically compromised or elderly.

“We are carefully weighing all sides of these issues and taking measures to help our residents and businesses during this extremely difficult time,” said Barrett.

“Senator Barrett and I are working hard to address these issues and ensure that we get through this crisis safely, but we will need everyone to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of experts for the common good. These are tough times for sure, but working to

The Bedford delegation shared the following information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts and the State’s response:

As of this writing, 256 Massachusetts residents have tested positive for COVID-19, out of over 2200 individuals tested at state and commercial labs.
The Governor issued an executive order Wednesday that requires the temporary closing of all early education and childcare centers. These facilities must close within five days. Certain emergency child care programs will continue to operate in order to provide care for the children of healthcare professionals, first responders, and other essential workers.
Simon Property Group announced the closing of the Burlington Mall beginning Wednesday and ending March 29;
The Administration is conducting outreach to laboratories and universities to increase access to test kits and the labs that can analyze those tests. Representative Gordon and Senator Barrett are working directly with a testing lab in their district and the Administration to increase the State’s testing capacity. Discussions are ongoing and further updates will be provided as soon as possible;
Governor Baker issued an order expanding coverage for telehealth services. The order is not limited to COVID-19 related cases. It includes mental health diagnosis and treatment as well as physical health treatment covered by MassHealth, Group Insurance Commission (GIC) and private insurance carriers. Residents should contact their healthcare provider before traveling for necessary medical appointments;
The Governor and Legislature have made emergency loans immediately available to small businesses (50 employees or less) to compensate for lost revenue and sales. This is not limited to restaurants and bars, and includes certain non-profits. Information is available at empoweringsmallbusiness.org/. The Governor also issued an executive order postponing the payment of taxes for small hospitality and restaurant business through May;
On Wednesday, the Legislature passed Governor Baker’s emergency legislation eliminating the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits to begin for those whose employment is affected by COVID-19;
The Department of Children and Families is operating a 24/7 Care and Custody question line for those fostering or sheltering children. Families with questions about care hearings, health insurance, and more should contact their caseworker to find out departmental changes;
The MBTA Commuter Rail will reduce schedules to incorporate extra time needed for decontamination, as are the various subway lines. Bus routes and subway lines will be operating on Saturday schedules. Route information for all forms of transit may be found at mbta.com/covid-19;
Those with expiring licenses or learners permits up until April 30th are automatically approved for a 60-day extension. Vehicle registrations are not approved for extension, however, and must be filed electronically at mass.gov/rmv;
All visits to Massachusetts correctional facilities for family and friends have been suspended. Phone calls up to 30 minutes will be allowed by inmates to home. Visitation suspension does not apply to lawyers; and
Anyone who has trouble securing necessary medical equipment, or encounters a shortage at a pharmacy when seeking equipment for a preexisting condition should contact Representative Gordon’s office. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has the infrastructure in place to help assist individuals and pharmacies facing shortages of needles and other medical equipment to those with preexisting conditions to ensure their health.