4/10/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On April 10th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide COVID-19 updates on Testing, a Department of Public Health Advisory, Command Center, Ventilators, Mobile-testing Program, the Nursing Home Call Line, and COVID-19 Text Alerts in Spanish.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • Yesterday, the state reported 2,151 new cases of COVID-19 and 70 new fatalities.

Department of Public Health Advisory

  • Today, the state is issuing a Department of Public Health Advisory that is consistent with the CDC guidance that recommends people wear a mask or cover their face in public when they cannot safely socially distance. 

    • Especially in places like supermarkets and pharmacies.

Command Center

  • The command center has worked to make approximately 14,500 treatment beds currently available statewide. 

  • Through hospital surge planning and the field hospitals, it is bringing in approximately 3,500 additional beds for ICU care and acute care. 

  • The state along with its partners in the healthcare community is likely to meet its target of 2,700 ICU beds available very soon.

    • Approximately 2,200 ICU beds will be specifically for COVID-19 patients.

  • The command center has set up an online portal, “Mass Responds” that is seeking skilled volunteers, from medical and non-medical backgrounds, to support the Commonwealth’s efforts.

    • Over 4,000 volunteers have signed up so far. To help, please go to maresponds.org

Ventilators

  • The state has distributed 109 ventilators to 19 sites so far. The state has received more from the federal stockpile and they are being tested to be allocated today. The state will be receiving 200 more ventilators sometime next week as well. 

Mobile-testing Program

  • Since the program began, more than 27 tests have been collected from about 150 facilities. 

  • Today, the National Guard will be visiting another 20 locations in the state.

  • The program has now started a partnership with the largest EMS provider in New England and is now doing mobile-testing at group homes for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Nursing Home Call Line

  • The nursing home call line has been used by over 1,000 people since it was launched on Monday, April 6th.

    • If you have questions and/or concerns about the nursing or rest-home care that your loved one is in, please call the hotline. This number is 617-660-5399 and is open 7 days a week.

COVID-19 Text Alerts

  • COVID-19 text message alert system “AlertsMA” is now available in Spanish. 

    • Please subscribe to the Spanish language service by texting ‘COVIDMAESP’ to 888-777.