Massachusetts up to 260 COVID-19 deaths, 13,837 cases; state launches relief fund

BOSTON (WPRI) — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and First Lady Lauren Baker announced Monday the state has launched a COVID-19 Relief Fund to help people in need across the state.

Through community donations, the fund is starting with $13 million which will be used to support those dealing with financial, housing and food insecurity as well as front-line medical workers, first responders and the homeless population. The funds will be administered to local organizations by Eastern Bank.

“The COVID-19 crisis is probably the biggest challenge any of us have faced,” First Lady Baker said. “But I know that the people of Massachusetts are going to work together and support each other and do their part to help their neighbors survive and succeed, and I know that if we all work together, we’re going to make it through this just fine.”

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The Mass. Department of Public Health (DPH) on Monday reported 29 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the state’s total to 260. Nearly 76,500 residents have been tested so far, of which 13,837 have tested positive — an increase of 1,337 since Sunday, according to the DPH.

Breakdown of cases and deaths by county (Mass.gov) »

Baker also announced that CVS Health plans to open a new testing site in Lowell on Tuesday, and the state has received 100 ventilators which will be distributed to medical facilities around the state.

On Sunday, Baker visited a new drive-through testing site for first responders set up in the Gillette Stadium parking lot.