Opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts continued a steady decline in the first three months of the year, according to the latest opioid-related overdose deaths report released today by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

In the first three months of 2020, preliminary data show there were 467 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths, an estimated 28 fewer deaths compared to the first three months of 2019 for a 5.7 percent decline. That trajectory underscores the Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to stem the opioid overdose epidemic at an unprecedented time in which it is intersecting with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The March figures included in this latest quarterly report are the first this year to overlap with the state of emergency declaration and stay-at-home advisory put in place due to the coronavirus.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we have taken action to ensure that crucial substance use disorder treatment and recovery systems remain available in the ongoing fight against opioid addiction,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “While we remain encouraged that opioid-related overdose deaths continue to decline from their peak four years ago, we will continue to carefully consider and monitor any impact the social isolation practices that are helping us fight the virus may have on the battle against opioid addiction.”

“Our administration remains committed to ensuring that the hard-won progress we’ve made in the fight against opioid addiction in Massachusetts continues, even during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “That has included boosting the availability of lifesaving tools that can prevent an overdose, and using technology to facilitate treatment options while traditional methods are not possible.”

During the pandemic, DPH has worked to ensure that substance use treatment centers have the supplies they need and are able to meet the needs of clients. For example, DPH provided over 13,000 naloxone kits and more than 1,000 survival kits that include naloxone and local resources to help reduce the risk of accidental opioid-related overdose fatality among high risk populations, including people recently released from incarceration. DPH also has worked to expand access to telemedicine in licensed facilities, including providing counseling, group support services, and referrals to treatment.

“From the earliest days of the pandemic, we have worked quickly to implement innovative solutions that keep people struggling with substance use connected to the treatment and recovery services they need,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “Moving forward we must remain vigilant in our efforts to reduce the impact of the opioid epidemic.”

“COVID-19 is demanding a great deal of our focus and attention, but we know the opioid epidemic has not gone away,” said Public Health Commissioner, Monica Bharel, MD MPH. “Creative and aggressive measures by DPH have ensured uninterrupted treatment and support systems in the midst of a pandemic, including access to medication for our priority populations and those at highest risk.”

In 2019, preliminary data show there were 2,015 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths, continuing a downward trend from the previous two years, and a four percent drop from the 2016 peak of 2,102 deaths.

Use of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl continued to increase through 2019, while the rate of heroin or likely heroin has been on a decline since 2014, according to toxicology reports of opioid-related overdose deaths. Among opioid-related overdose deaths in 2019 where a toxicology screen was also available, 94 percent were positive for fentanyl while heroin was present in approximately 24 percent of these toxicology screens.

Although the presence of fentanyl continues to rise, the 2019 opioid-related overdose death rate of 28.9 per 100,000 people is approximately six percent lower than the 2016 rate of 30.6 per 100,000.
Toxicology screens also indicated that the presence of cocaine, benzodiazepines and amphetamines in opioid-related overdose deaths has remained stable, while the presence of prescription opioids continued to trend downward.

At the municipal level, several communities experienced a notable decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths from 2018 to 2019, including Lowell, Worcester, and Gardner. Meanwhile, Middlesex County marked its third consecutive year with declining opioid-related overdose deaths. Last year, Middlesex County had 95 fewer deaths, a 24 percent decrease, compared to 2016.

Among the findings of the latest opioid report are:
The confirmed opioid-related overdose death rate for females increased in 2019 compared with 2018. Death rates for Black non-Hispanic females increased, while the rate for White non-Hispanic, and Hispanic women decreased.

Males comprise 74 percent of all opioid-related overdose deaths. Between 2018 and 2019 the confirmed opioid-related overdose death rate for Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic men increased, while the rate decreased for White non-Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander non-Hispanic men.

In the first quarter of 2020 there were just under 479,000 Schedule II opioid prescriptions reported to the Massachusetts Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), just over a 43 percent decrease from the first quarter of 2015 when there were 841,990 Schedule II opioid prescriptions.

Just over 213,000 individuals in Massachusetts received prescriptions for Schedule II opioids in the first quarter of 2020, which is nearly a 45 percent decrease from the first quarter of 2015, when 390,532 people were receiving these prescriptions.

In 2019, males aged 25-34 continued to represent the greatest number of suspected opioid-related incidents treated by Emergency Medical Services (EMS), accounting for 24 percent of opioid-related incidents with a known age and sex.

Norfolk County had 40 fewer opioid-related overdose deaths, a notable 23 percent decrease, in 2019 compared with 2018.

Both Bristol and Plymouth counties had an increase in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2019 compared with 2018.

The following cities and towns experienced a notable decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2019 compared with 2018.

The following cities and towns experienced a notable increase in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2019 compared with 2018.

Michael P. Norton
State House News Service

The Department of Correction (DOC) announced Thursday that it met its goal on Monday of conducting universal COVID-19 testing, with 7,679 tests performed as of Wednesday and many inmates having been tested more than once.

So far, according to the DOC, 390 inmates have tested positive, for a positivity rate of 5.07 percent. Of those cases, 339 inmates have recovered and about 50 have an active diagnosis. There have been three or fewer positive cases at 11 of the 16 facilities that DOC oversees, with no positive cases at seven facilities. The testing was conducted by mobile teams consisting of DOC employees and workers at Wellpath, which provides medical services to the department. The Department of Fire Services and Brewster Ambulance Service also helped with testing.

Mobile testing will continue within all facilities on a “strategic basic” and “any inmate who meets criteria for testing is tested, and any inmate requiring a hospital-level of care is hospitalized.” The department confirmed eight COVID-19 deaths to date.

Colin A. Young
State House News Service

Part of a recent state law restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products, including mint and menthol cigarettes, to smoking bars for on-premise consumption takes effect on Monday. Massachusetts in November became the first state in the country to prohibit retail sales of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.

“Keeping flavored tobacco products off the shelves here in Massachusetts is a huge win. Not only does it protect kids from starting on the path to a lifetime of tobacco addiction, but it protects population groups that we know Big Tobacco continually and intentionally targets with aggressive advertising campaigns and other predatory tactics including African Americans, Latinos, and the LGBTQ community,” Marc Hymovitz, Massachusetts director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, said. “For years the tobacco industry has made efforts to appeal to kids and communities of color through the promotion of flavored tobacco products, including mint and menthol. Taking this weapon out of Big Tobacco’s arsenal will help prevent future generations from a lifetime of addiction.”

Convenience store owners and at least one community leader have called for a one-year delay for the new restrictions, arguing that the ban will drive menthol smokers to other states for their cigarettes and that Massachusetts does not have a plan to deal with an illicit market for flavored tobacco. Gov. Charlie Baker this week rejected those calls. “It was a public health issue at the time and it was particularly important to a number of folks in the public health community and to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus and the leadership, and we supported it and we signed it and we want to see it go into effect,” he said.

The flavor ban law gained traction on Beacon Hill amid a national outbreak of vaping-related lung disease, including five deaths in Massachusetts.

MaskNB, an initiative announced by Mayor Jon Mitchell in partnership with the Southeastern Massachuestts chapter of the American Red Cross and Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation, will begin mask distribution this weekend, May 30 and 31 at New Bedford High School’s parking lot.

The distribution of cloth masks at no cost to City residents begins with North End residents this weekend, as the distribution is organized by Ward. The distribution will be done through an organized drive-through system for cars, observing social distancing. Residents are asked to limit their mask requests to those in their household and/or any elderly or vulnerable neighbors (who have been advised against leaving their homes).

On Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 1 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 1 contains most of the far North End, roughly the area of the city located north of Tarkiln Hill Road.

On Sunday, May 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents of Ward 2 may pick up masks at New Bedford High School’s parking lot, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Ward 2 contains most of the near North End, roughly the area of the city located north of Coggeshall Street and south of Tarkiln Hill Road.

Residents of Ward 3 and Ward 4 may pick up masks the weekend of June 6 and 7.

Residents of Ward 5 and Ward 6 may pick up masks the weekend of June 13 and 14.

Any resident who is unsure of the Ward in which they live may visit wheredoivotema.com and enter their address. This website provides polling location, and the first information noted is the Ward in which the resident lives. Residents do not need to be registered voters to use this online tool.

Under the MaskNB distribution plan, interested residents in each of the City’s six Wards will have an opportunity to obtain free cloth face masks at New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Boulevard, on the following assigned dates and times:

Ward 1 – Saturday, May 30 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 2 – Sunday, May 31 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 3 – Saturday, June 6 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 4 – Sunday, June 7 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 5 – Saturday, June 13 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ward 6 – Sunday, June 14 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The dates are listed at www.masknb.com. Additional dates may be announced based on available supplies.

Residents should arrive at the main vehicle entrance of New Bedford High School, located at 230 Hathaway Boulevard, and remain in their vehicles as Red Cross volunteers hand out masks based on their requests. Residents are asked to limit their mask requests to those in their household and/or any elderly or vulnerable neighbors (who have been advised against leaving their homes).

Mayor Jon Mitchell announced the MaskNB initiative on May 14. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the wearing of cloth face coverings in public where social distancing is difficult to maintain; cloth face coverings are not a substitute for medical-grade masks, but provide more protection against the spread of viruses than not covering one’s face. More information about the use and effectiveness of cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the award of four contracts to provide Mobile Addiction Services Vans in Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Fall River, and New Bedford, that will serve individuals at high risk for overdose and other medical complications associated with substance use.

The mobile vans will provide treatment and basic clinical care including medications for addiction treatment, naloxone distribution and training, and syringe exchange. They will also offer primary care services such as wound care, vaccinations, screenings for communicable diseases including HIV and tuberculosis, and referrals to behavioral health services and specialty care.

“The disproportionate impact on underserved communities and populations requires that we bring treatment and care to people who otherwise would not get it,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “These vans will bring treatment directly into areas most affected and connect them to potentially lifesaving services.”

The goal is to provide care to individuals not receiving services through other means, initiate medication for addiction treatment, and provide connections to long-term, community-based care in an effort to prevent overdose deaths, support long-term recovery, and improve health and quality of life for vulnerable individuals.

“Offering low threshold, low barrier access to treatment, clinical care and harm reduction services is crucial,” said Deirdre Calvert, Director of DPH’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. “These vans will provide additional access and help us to connect with individuals we’ve been unable to reach before.”

DPH will provide each of the van service providers, Boston Health Care for the Homeless in Boston, Tapestry Health Systems in Springfield, UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, and Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR) in New Bedford, $350,000 annually to provide these services. The Kraft Family Foundation has donated the vans in Worcester and Springfield. The anticipated start of Mobile Addiction services is July 1, 2020.

Chris Lisinski
State House News Service

More than two-thirds of lawmakers on a legislative committee endorsed a bill that would launch medically supervised drug-use facilities in Massachusetts, underlining what one sponsor described as a long-running effort to overcome discomfort with the controversial but life-saving proposal.

Thirteen of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Recovery’s 19 members supported legislation creating a 10-year pilot program for at least two supervised consumption sites, where individuals could consume controlled substances, including illegal drugs, without threat of arrest and could be revived from any potential overdose or medical emergency.

Four representatives voted against advancing the bill, which now moves to another legislative committee with an uncertain future and opposition from Gov. Charlie Baker. Two senators declined to support or oppose it.

Every lawmaker who backed the committee’s redraft (H 4723) is a Democrat, but the vote did not break down exactly along party lines: votes against it came from Republican Reps. William Crocker and Alyson Sullivan, independent Rep. Susannah Whipps and Democratic Rep. Angelo Scaccia, an aide to co-chair Rep. Marjorie Decker told the News Service.

Fellow co-chair Sen. Julian Cyr’s office said that five senators voted in favor of the bill and two reserved their rights, but refused to say which two lawmakers did not take a position.

Of the committee’s seven senators, four — Cyr, John Keenan, Cindy Friedman and Brendan Crighton — either cosponsored an earlier version of the legislation or confirmed they voted in support of the rewritten version.

The remaining three, Democratic Sens. Jo Comerford and Walt Timilty and Republican Sen. Patrick O’Connor, [a]could not be reached Tuesday.

The committee’s endorsement is a major step for the proposal, which has floated around Beacon Hill for years.

The Senate adopted language calling for a pilot program in its version of a 2018 opioid bill, but dropped it during private negotiations with the House. Both branches set up an expert panel, which included Friedman, to study the idea further.

Supporters argue that supervised consumption facilities, sometimes referred to as safe injection sites, will give people struggling with addiction a safe place to consume heroin or other drugs without risk of overdose.

According to the most recent Department of Public Health data, 2,023 Massachusetts residents are confirmed or suspected to have died from opioid-related overdoses in 2019.

Fentanyl has become increasingly common in overdose cases, and because it is so potent — according to the CDC, it is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine — it can trigger a fatal overdose in a matter of seconds. Public health experts who support supervised consumption sites say they allow for immediate intervention with the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, a timely response that is critical to preventing death.

“This is a notion that makes people really uncomfortable, and I started out being uncomfortable, too,” Friedman said in a Tuesday interview. “But then when you look at the data and realize it’s not about me, it’s not about us, it’s about saving people’s lives. It’s a really important thing to do, and I’m so glad they did it. I think it’s a big step.”

The committee’s bill would pilot at least two sites over the next decade. Any community would need to opt in to open a site.

Drug users would have to acquire substances outside the facilities. Workers would provide sterile syringes and other injection supplies, and they would also refer users to addiction treatment whenever possible.

It is unclear if there is enough support among legislative leaders to bring the proposal to a full vote in either chamber this session, particularly because the COVID-19 pandemic is consuming almost all attention.

Neither House Speaker Robert DeLeo nor Senate President Karen Spilka indicated Tuesday whether they support or oppose the bill, or what their plans may be for the legislation.

“In this time of crisis, we must be very cautious of the most vulnerable around us, and certainly, that includes those struggling with addiction,” Spilka said in a statement. “I was pleased to see regulatory rules modified during this public health crisis to streamline the availability of medication assisted treatment and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue the conversation on the committee proposal.”

A DeLeo spokesperson said the bill that cleared the Mental Health Committee “will continue to be reviewed as it goes through the process.”

Baker previously described the idea as a non-starter — even after the panel chaired by his health and human services secretary, Marylou Sudders, recommended piloting one or more sites as part of a statewide harm-reduction strategy — because U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling has stressed such facilities would violate federal law and draw enforcement.

In October, a federal judge ruled that Pennsylvania nonprofit Safehouse would not violate the so-called “crack house statute” of the Controlled Substances Act by opening a supervised consumption site in Philadelphia.

One day after the ruling, Lelling said he “respectfully disagrees” with the judge’s decision and renewed his argument that the sites are illegal under federal law. “Efforts to open injection facilities, including here in Massachusetts, will be met with federal enforcement,” he said.

Friedman cited the ruling as a key step toward the committee’s embrace of legislation, and she said she hopes the decision will help bring Baker on board.

“We need to be willing to take a chance,” she said. “I think saving these lives is worth it, and I’m going to try to convince people that if we have to go to court, then we’ll let the courts decide. But I think we have a very, very good argument that this is health care. We’re not encouraging people to use drugs. There’s no data that this encourages people to use drugs. We’re keeping people safe.”

The legislation is now pending before the Health Care Financing Committee that Friedman co-chairs. Since former Rep. Jennifer Benson resigned Jan. 8 to become president of the Alliance for Business Leadership, the committee has lacked a permanent House chair, with several duties falling to Vice Chair Rep. Daniel Cullinane.

Friedman said she is optimistic the committee can advance the supervised consumption legislation even with only one permanent chair.

“We have bills we have to report out, and I hope this can be one of them,” she said. “I would push for it, because I’m very much committed to it.”

During National Nurses Week, Southcoast Health announced its annual nursing awards and scholarship recipients, honoring nurses, certified nursing assistants, health unit coordinators and other staff from across the not-for-profit community health system.

“In 2020, designated as the Year of the Nurse by the World Health Organization, our civilization is facing a crisis that has reshaped nearly all aspects of modern life. But there is one constant: Nurses. Your commitment is steady, and your clinical expertise is calming,” Southcoast President and CEO Keith Hovan told nursing staff. “All of us at Southcoast Health thank you for the wonderful work you do every day. But it’s not just the physical effort we appreciate. It’s more. It’s your spirit and the example you set for others inside and outside of Southcoast.”

Awardees are nominated and selected in five distinct categories: The Spirit of Nursing Award, the Eagle Leadership Award, the Care Team Partnership/Support Services Award, the Medical Staff Partnership Award, and the New to Practice Award.

“This year and at this time, when our staff are giving so much of themselves to care for the patients we are seeing with COVID-19, along with all others, it is especially meaningful to celebrate these individuals,” Chief Nursing Officer Jacqueline Somerville said. “They represent the high-quality care and exceptional service that we are accustomed to throughout all of Southcoast Health.”

The Spirit of Nursing Award recognizes staff nurses who demonstrate excellence in clinical skills, customer service and commitment to patients and families; and serve as professional role models for nurses and as exceptional colleagues, displaying collaboration, teamwork and a positive attitude.

The 2020 recipients:

• Sandra Silva, RN, Charlton Memorial
• Elizabeth Ferreira, RN, St. Luke’s
• Jessica Vinjerud, RN, Tobey
• Mary Finsness, RN, Southcoast Visiting Nurses Association
• Ana Oliveira, LPN, Southcoast Physicians Group

The Eagle Leadership Award recognizes Patient Services leaders who set high standards, live their standards and mentor others, create and share a vision, make hard choices when necessary, are visible and out front and instill hope in others.

The 2020 recipients:

• Susan Lemieux, Manager, Charlton Memorial
• Kim Pina, RN, Nurse Manager, St. Luke’s

The Care Team Partnership/Support Services Award recognizes the valuable role of a care team member who has exhibited compassion, caring patient advocacy, service and a commitment to quality.

The 2020 recipients:

• Stacy DeSa, CNA, Charlton Memorial
• Patrick Griffin, HUC, St. Luke’s
• Maria C. Joseph, Environmental Services, Tobey
• Deborah Burchill, Revenue Cycle Authorization Specialist, Southcoast Central Authorization
• Staci Cronin, Office Coordinator, Southcoast Physicians Group

The Medical Staff Partnership Award recognizes and acknowledges outstanding physician and advanced practice clinician colleagues who exemplify exceptional teamwork, partnership and collaboration with nursing and other members of the patient care team.

The 2020 recipients:

• Kristina Amaral, NP, Charlton Memorial, General Surgery/Breast Care Center
• Alicia Pimentel, NP, Southcoast Physicians Group
• Sarah Bernier, MD, Tobey
• Nicole Coleman, DO, Southcoast Physicians Group

The New to Practice Award recognizes nurses with up to one year of experience who show enthusiasm in their practice of nursing; demonstrate a questioning and positive attitude, passion for customer service and outstanding commitment to continual learning and growth; represent nursing professionalism; and seek to learn and grow.

The 2020 recipients:

• Molly Mendonca, RN, Charlton Memorial
• Ashley Fidalgo, RN, St. Luke’s
• Katie McCarthy, RN, Tobey

During National Nurses Week, Southcoast Health also awards several nursing scholarships to a select group of nurses.

Recipients for this year:

• Rachel Aguiar, RN, Charlton Memorial
• Courtney Cogliano, RN, St. Luke’s
• Christopher A. Ferreira, RN, Charlton Memorial
• Alyssa Franco, RN, Charlton Memorial
• Jennifer Gudmundsson, RN, Charlton Memorial
• Holly Huffine, RN, Charlton Memorial
• Kiana Jeronimo, RN, Charlton Memorial
• Allison Johnson, RN, St. Luke’s
• Keri Mossman, RN, Charlton Memorial
• Maria Neto, RN, Charlton Memorial
• Shelly Paiva, RN, Charlton Memorial

With the Commonwealth’s latest field hospital set to open this week at UMass Dartmouth, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Representatives Bill Keating and Joseph Kennedy III, and other officials visited the campus’s Tripp Athletic Center on Tuesday for a tour.

The facility, a partnership among the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, UMass Dartmouth, and Southcoast Health, is licensed through Southcoast for 98 acute care beds. The field hospital was readied within a span of two weeks and will be ready to accept patients as early as Wednesday should the additional capacity be needed amid a surge in patient volume, officials said.

“Our administration is committed to providing patients and frontline health care workers with the resources and care necessary to continue battling COVID-19,” Polito said. “This facility will support ongoing efforts to establish field hospitals throughout the Commonwealth and we are grateful for to UMass Dartmouth and Southcoast Health for their collaboration and hard work to protect residents and communities.”

The fifth field hospital established in Massachusetts since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic will be staffed and supplied by Southcoast physicians and providers, nurses, and clinical and operational personnel. UMass Dartmouth will provide food services for patients and employees, as well as external security. MEMA installed generators, portable restroom and shower facilities, washers and dryers, and air conditioning units.

“I am proud of UMass Dartmouth’s participation in this regional, collaborative effort to protect the citizens of the South Coast region,” said Chancellor Robert E. Johnson. “I applaud the Baker-Polito Administration’s nation-leading response to the spread of COVID-19 and the commitment shown by Keith Hovan and Southcoast Health as they prepare for any possible scenario. We will get through these unprecedented times together and be stronger for it.”

Hovan, President and CEO of Southcoast Health, agreed.

“Lieutenant Governor Polito’s steadfast commitment and enduring efforts to protect residents across the Commonwealth were instrumental in this achievement, as were Governor Baker’s, Secretary Mary Lou Sudders’ and MEMA’s,” Hovan said during the tour. “And Southcoast could not ask for a better partner than Chancellor Johnson and the entire UMass Dartmouth community. While we hope this facility will not be desperately needed, it represents the aggressiveness of our preparation and the scope of our response. We’re grateful to all who made it possible, especially our frontline healthcare workers.”

In addition to Polito, Keating and Kennedy, other elected officials in attendance for Tuesday’s tour included State Representatives Antonio Cabral, Christopher Hendricks, Christopher Markey and Paul Schmid and Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan.

“UMass Dartmouth has been transforming lives for years,” Keating said. “Now, they’re working to save lives by partnering with Southcoast Health, where all our heroic health care workers on the front lines are dedicated to keeping us safe.”

Said Kennedy:

“Expanding our health care capacity is absolutely critical in our efforts to save lives as COVID-19 continues to creep throughout communities. By opening this field hospital today, UMass Dartmouth and Southcoast Health will ensure our neighbors will always have somewhere to turn when they are in need of treatment and care.”

Dr. Will Blair will serve as the field hospital’s medical director. Kelly Shanley, RN, Director, will act as operations leader. And Bill Tavares, Emergency Department RN, will serve as nurse leader.

Massachusetts Coronavirus Update

On April 24, the Massachusetts Public Health Department reported that the state added 4,946 more positive cases of COVID-19 bringing to total to 50,969. This is an increase from Thursday’s 3,079 reported cases. 196 new COVID-19 related deaths were reported since yesterday, up from 178, bringing the total deaths in Massachusetts to 2,556.

As of 4 pm today, 215,213 people in Massachusetts have been tested for COVID-19 – 20,137 new tests since yesterday.

A Bristol County Sheriff’s Office corrections officer has tested positive for COVID-19. Full details here.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Chelsea, a city that’s been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus, has more than doubled in the past week, according to new state data. Full details here.

New Bedford Coronavirus Update

Mayor Jon Mitchell’s office reported 58 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases in New Bedford Friday morning, bringing the total positive cases in the city to 410, up from 352 on Thursday. No new deaths reported today. New Bedford added two more COVID-19 related death on Thursday bringing the total to 12. No specific details (age, sex of the patient, etc) are available.

Fall River Coronavirus Update

Fall River reported 23 more confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 on Friday. According to Mayor Coogan’s Office, Fall River has seen 337 total positive cases. Full details here.

“We hope this message finds you well. We are writing with an URGENT ask to assist your communities during these difficult times. Our office has prepared two important informational posters regarding access to health care and other rights for community members during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’d like to ask you to please distribute it widely to as many people as possible.

Everyone should immediately seek assistance to health care, should they need it, if COVID-19 related symptoms or any other medical need. It is also important for everyone to know that health care is available regardless of immigration status. So please distribute the information attached to this message to your communities at your place of worship and abroad, and let us know if we can be of any assistance.

DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS YOU ARE PROTECTED:

• FROM EVICTION & FORECLOSURE
Landlords cannot evict or threaten to evict their tenants. Mortgage companies cannot foreclose on homeowners. During this crisis, your home is secure.

• FROM DEBT COLLECTION
Harassment from debt collectors is prohibited. They cannot come to your home or workplace, file lawsuits against you, repossess your car, or garnish your wages.

• FROM UTILITY SHUTOFFS
Utilities are prohibited from shutting off your gas or electricity. You should be able to keep your lights on and hot water running.

• FROM PRICE GOUGING
Businesses cannot charge inflated prices on common goods and critical items like masks, hand sanitizer and gloves.

• WHEN SEEKING HEALTH CARE
If you feel sick, seek health care. Insurance covers COVID-19 testing and treatment. For immigrants not eligible for public health insurance programs, MassHealth Limited will cover the cost.

• FROM DISCRIMINATION
You cannot be discriminated against because of your race, ethnicity, national origin, disability or other protected category in housing or when seeking health care.

• YOU COULD QUALIFY FOR
MassUndocuFund, mutual aid organizations, and worker organizations are providing small cash grants for undocumented people and others who might not be eligible for other assistance. Jobs with Justice has more information.

• ASSISTANCE FROM NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
You may apply for unemployment benefits if you lose your job and are authorized to work in the United States. File a claim with the Division of Unemployment Assistance.

• UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Under Massachusetts law, workers are eligible for benefits from their employers, including earned sick time, regardless of their immigration status. Additional sick leave and paid family leave may be available through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

• EARNED SICK TIME
Uninsured residents may qualify for coverage through the Health Connector’s extended open enrollment period.

• HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE CASH ASSISTANCE
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act), provides one-time cash payments of $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for couples, and $500 per child for anyone who files taxes with a social security number. Other benefits, including SNAP (food stamps), TAFDC (welfare for families with children), and WIC may be available through the Departments of Transitional Assistance and Public Health.

For Immigrants:

• EQUAL ACCESS TO CARE
You have a right to health care regardless of your immigration status. Don’t be afraid to seek medical care. Go to your community heath center if you are sick, injured, or receiving routine care. Call your doctor if you are coughing, feverish, feeling tired, or lacking sense of smell; or suspect that you have been exposed to the virus.

You have the right to safely get tested and seek care. Federal and state privacy laws require health care providers to keep patients’ personal information confidential (including immigration status). There are government resources available to you.

MassHealth Limited can pay for testing and treatment for immigrants not eligible for other government programs. MassHealth Limited will NOT be considered for Public Charge decisions, meaning it will not affect access to a Green Card.

Tiene derecho a la atención médica independientemente de su estado migratorio. No tengas miedo de buscar atención médica. Vaya al centro de salud de su comunidad si está enfermo, lesionado o recibe atención de rutina. Llame a su médico si tiene tos, fiebre, cansancio o falta de olfato; o sospecha que ha estado expuesto al virus.

Tiene derecho a hacerse la prueba de manera segura y buscar atención. Las leyes de privacidad federales y estatales requieren que los proveedores de atención médica mantengan la confidencialidad de la información personal de los pacientes (incluido el estado migratorio). Hay recursos gubernamentales disponibles para usted.

MassHealth Limited puede pagar las pruebas y el tratamiento para inmigrantes que no son elegibles para otros programas gubernamentales. MassHealth Limited NO será considerado para decisiones de carga pública, lo que significa que no afectará el acceso a una tarjeta verde.

This message is from the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.”

CONTACT US

CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINTS
(617) 963-2917

HEALTH CARE HELPLINE
(888) 830-6277

MAIN HOTLINE
(617) 727-8400

WORKER ISSUES
(617) 727-3465

AGO RESOURCES
mass.gov/ago/covid19