City of Revere Response to COVID-19: March 18 Update City Confirms First Case; Number Expected to Increase
by Journal Staff • March 18, 2020 • 0 Comments
Mayor Arrigo Secures $1 Million for Revere Response Efforts
Emergency Response Team Publishes Mutual Aid Informational Packet for Residents
Outreach to Business Owners Continues
Message to Residents: Please Stay Home
The City of Revere's Emergency Response Team continues to take proactive steps to slow community transmission of COVID-19 and prepare for further spread of the disease. As of today, March 18, 2020, there is 1 confirmed case of COVID-19 in the City of Revere. The City expects this number to rise as testing becomes more widely available.
At Monday night's City Council meeting, Mayor Arrigo secured approval for a $1 million appropriation from the City's stabilization account, to be used as needed for response efforts. As part of the Baker-Polito Administration's distribution of emergency funds for local boards of public health, Revere, Winthrop and Chelsea have received $100,000 to support emergency resources regionally.
Today, the Emergency Response team published a mutual aid informational packet for residents, which includes a wide range of resources related to issues like access to food, health care, transportation, housing rights and more. The online document will be updated daily at 4 p.m. and is being shared with local nonprofits, community partners and faith-based groups, and via social media. It is available to the public at Revere.org.
This week City staff have been visiting all establishments affected by Governor Baker's Executive Order prohibiting on-site consumption. Businesses are being provided with a resource sheet outlining city contacts, small business loan programs, and employee assistance resources.
"Now more than ever, it's so important that our residents stay at home to the best of their ability. Lives are at stake and we all must do our part to slow community transmission of the virus," said Mayor Arrigo. "We know our residents and business owners are feeling so much uncertainty about what the next several weeks will bring, and our team is working tirelessly to provide them with as many resources as possible, as quickly as possible, to help alleviate hardships."
City Services Updates
There are no disruptions to basic City services provided by Revere Police, Fire, EMS, Department of Public Works and Revere 311.
All City buildings are closed to the public until further notice, and services to residents remain available at Revere.org.
Programming normally provided by the Library, Rec Department and Senior Center will be made available to the public online and via Revere TV this week.
Revere Public Schools began grab-and-go meal services to all students and families at all eight school sites on Monday.. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to any child that needs itMonday through Friday, with breakfast between 10-11 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Virtual learning plans for all grade levels will be made available on Thursday, March 19, at RevereK12.org. Devices will be provided to any student who does not have one at home.
Revere 311 remains fully staffed and residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach the City by dialing 311 (or 781-286-8311) or emailing [email protected]
The City of Revere's volunteer database opened on Friday for individuals seeking to lend a helping hand over the next several weeks. Volunteers who register with the City will be contacted if/when assignments are identified.
The Mayor is being briefed daily by members of his Emergency Response Team to coordinate efforts across City departments. City officials are also joining daily briefings with state and federal officials. All updates for Revere residents are being shared regularly at Revere.org and via social media.
Health & Wellbeing of Vulnerable Populations
The City remains focused on proactively supporting populations at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness, including older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions. Actions taken include:
The establishment of a network to connect with senior citizens throughout the City to allow for ongoing phone wellness check-ins
Partnership with Rite-Aid secured to offer delivery of prescription medications, and ongoing outreach to CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens to establish partnership commitments.
Outreach to all public and private facilities housing seniors in the City of Revere to establish information sharing protocols
Outreach to residents traditionally served by the Senior Center to determine ongoing needs for daily meal delivery
Ongoing coordination with service provider Mystic Valley to begin planning for extension of services offered to seniors
Actions for All Revere Residents to Take
The Centers for Disease Control has advised the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus, and has provided a number of basic steps all citizens can take to protect themselves, including: washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Revere Emergency Preparedness
City of Revere public safety and health teams are participating in regular briefings with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Authority (MEMA) and are prepared to dispatch emergency volunteers within the city as needed.
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City of Revere Response to COVID-19: March 18, 2020 Update →