Here are verified state resources for providing information about COVID-19 during this outbreak:
- Get information from trusted sources. Visit https://www.mass.gov/covid19 for the latest news, case counts, and lab testing results.
- Call 2-1-1 with questions.
- Text the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777 to receive notifications to your phone.
- Take care of your emotional health and help others do the same. If you need emotional support during these stressful times:
- Call 2-1-1 and choose the CALL2TALK option.
- Samaritans is continuing operations 24/7, as always. During this unprecedented time, it can feel overwhelming to receive constant messages about COVID-19. Call or text their 24/7 helpline any time at 877-870-4673.
- The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including disease outbreaks like COVID-19. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.
- Use Buoy Health’s new online resource for residents to check their symptoms and connect with the next appropriate health care resource. This tool does not replace emergency medical care, but it may be used as a support for residents during the COVID-19 outbreak to connect them with appropriate health care resources if they display coronavirus symptoms. Buoy Health’s online 24/7 tool is free for Massachusetts residents and uses current COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and DPH.
- Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is offering daily Virtual Town Halls. Sign up here for a town hall presentation on applying for unemployment assistance.
- The U.S. Department of Labor has issued guidance to the states instructing state agencies to apply existing unemployment law flexibly related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The fastest way to file a claim is to apply for unemployment benefits online. If you need help filing your unemployment claim, please use this form to contact DUA.