WRENTHAM — Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Kevin Sweet reports that the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has provided Wrentham residents with the latest details relating to COVID-19 in Massachusetts.
According to the Thursday, March 26 MEMA COVID-19 Response Command Center Report, a total of 2,417 total confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported thus far in Massachusetts, including 292 in Norfolk County. Of those cases, there have been 25 reported deaths statewide.
A total of 23,621 patients have been tested to date by the State Public Health Laboratory, hospitals and commercial laboratories, up by 3,827 since March 25.
Highlights of the Command Center report include:
Disaster Declaration: On March 26, Gov. Charlie Baker submitted a request to the federal government for a Major Disaster Declaration for Massachusetts. If approved, this declaration would provide the Commonwealth additional federal assistance beyond what was included in the Emergency Declaration declared by President Trump on March 13.
The disaster declaration request includes a request for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which would make financial assistance available to cities and towns, state agencies and certain non-profits statewide.
The disaster declaration request also requests FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Crisis Counseling Assistance to help support residents in need during this unprecedented incident.
The full letter can be found here.
The Town of Wrentham issued a Local Emergency Declaration on March 16. Read more about the Town’s declaration here.
New Public Health Orders: The Department of Public Health has issued three emergency orders to support the health care system’s response to COVID-19.
The orders make changes regarding pharmacy practices, including expedited approval for pharmacists licensed in other states to practice in Massachusetts; supporting health care facilities in their response to COVID-19; and ensuring hospitals have the flexibility they need to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak by exempting hospitals from certain nurse staffing requirements.
Personal Protective Equipment: Governor Baker and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders provided an update on the Command Center’s continuing efforts to secure Personal Protective Equipment for health care providers and other essential COVID-19 responders.
Stay Informed: For the latest news, case counts, and lab testing results, visit the state’s COVID-19 website at www.mass.gov/covid19.
Residents can also call 2-1-1 with questions, or text the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777 to receive notifications via their smartphone.
Wrentham residents can stay up-to-date on the COVID-19 news as it relates to the Town by visiting wrentham.ma.us.
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