COVID-19 UPDATE

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Dear Neighbors and Friends,I would like to update you with information regarding COVID-19 and on the work that is being done within the legislature to address concerns.What can I do to prevent the spread of the virus?  We must continue to apply best practices in order to prevent the spread of the virus and keep ourselves and others safe. These recommendations come directly from the Department of Public Health.

  • Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and warm water
  • Cough and sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue
  • Avoid touching your face, nose and eyes
  • Clean items that are frequently touched with household cleaners (i.e. doorknobs, light switches, cell phones, etc.)
  • Stay home if you feel sick
  • Practice social distancing whenever possible, people may be most contagious prior to showing symptoms.

What is the Legislature doing? We in the Legislature have been following the COVID-19 outbreak closely and are working to implement safeguards in order to protect vulnerable populations and those who will be most affected by the economic impact of the virus. On Thursday, we passed a $15 million emergency spending bill to assist in the monitoring, treating, and containment of the virus, as well as support public awareness and prevention. Governor Baker has set up a COVID-19 Response Command Center in order to help expand testing, lab capacity, and facilitate coordination between healthcare facilities.I have been working with my colleagues to file bills to create an assistance fund for those unable to work, support sick time for workers and support efforts to stop evictions and foreclosures. We will continue to work to ensure that everyone in the Commonwealth can continue to access basic needs during this time.Where can I get consistent up-to-date and accurate information?

If you have any questions about prevention, symptoms, travel or self-isolation you can contact:

    • Boston’s Healthline at 617-534-5050 or Toll-Free: 1-800-847-0710
    • Cambridge’s Public Health at covid19inquiries@challiance.org or leave a message on the department's COVID-19 phone line: 617-665-3648
    • You can also call 211 for real time COVID-19 updates.

If you need any assistance or have any further questions or concerns you can call my office at 617-722-2013 or email me at Jay.Livingstone@mahouse.gov. You can also reach out to my Legislative Aide Sarah Mills at Sarah.Mills@mahouse.gov.Please reach out to my office if you need assistance. We must continue to look out for each other during this time.Sincerely,Jay    

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