BROOKLINE — The Town of Brookline and Department of Brookline Public Health seek to provide regular updates to residents on the town’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are currently 308 positive cases of coronavirus that have been identified among Brookline residents, and 33 of those people have died as a result of COVID-19.
Further data about Brookline’s COVID-19 cases is updated periodically online at brooklinecovid19.com/cases. The data is updated as regularly as possible, while Health Department staff continue to dedicate the majority of their time to contact tracing.
Brookline Launches Diverse Community Virtual Display
Brookline’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations is hosting a Diverse Community Virtual Display, which celebrates the many diverse communities, heritages, identities and stories shared by residents.
In the past, the Office has marked Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May and celebrated diverse communities and identities in June by displaying items at the library. Due to ongoing social distancing requirements, that programming has been moved online. Residents are invited to submit photographs, videos, written content and any other creative media they have that highlights their heritage.
Click here to see the virtual display.
The virtual display is online here, and residents can make submissions through the end of June by emailing Caitlin Starr at [email protected] or calling 617-730-2345.
Safety Net Fund Update
The Brookline Community Foundation’s Safety Net Fund has been mobilized to support members of the community who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those who are eligibile to draw support from the Safety Net Fund include anyone who lives, works or attends school in Brookline.
Since it began raising money in response to COVID-19 in mid-March, the Fund has raised $424,929, including $55,786 since April 28. In addition, the town has pledged $175,000 of support for the fund to help provide critical financial aid to those in need.
To donate to the Safety Net Fund, click here.
For information on accessing the services provided by the Safety Net Fund, call The Brookline Center at 617-277-8107.
Additional Updates, In Case You Missed Them:
Town of Brookline Urges Voters to Vote Early by Mail
Brookline Town Officials are encouraging voters to vote early by mail for next month’s Annual Town Election in an effort to promote the health and safety of all voters, as well as election workers. Any registered voter may vote early by mail, as long as their ballot is received by the Town Clerk’s office before the close of polls on election day.
For more information on voting early by mail, click here.
Answer the Call to Support Community Contact Tracing
While the Town of Brookline’s Department of Public Health is conducting contact tracing of its own, residents may receive calls from public health staff in other communities, or the state’s Community Contact Tracing Collaborative.
When a person tests positive for COVID-19, contact tracers will reach out to them by phone, as well as individuals they have come into close contact with in order to slow the spread.
When they call, contact tracers are also tasked with ensuring that people’s medical needs are being met and that they are supported while in quarantine.
Residents can recognize a contact tracing call by looking at their phone’s caller ID, which will display “MA COVID Team.” Information shared during the call is strictly confidential and is treated as private medical information. Click here to learn more about the collaborative.
Outside Your Home? Cover Your Face
The Town of Brookline and the Brookline Department of Public Health continue to require all individuals over age two to wear a mask while in public, and the Commonwealth has likewise required those in public to wear a mask where social distancing is not possible.
Those with a chronic medical condition that inhibits their breathing are exempted from wearing a mask or face covering.
The Commonwealth’s order takes effect on Wednesday, May 6. For the state order, click here.
For more information about face coverings, visit BrooklineCOVID19.com/face-coverings.
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