The Baker-Polito administration expects a surge in positive coronavirus cases in a few weeks time, in mid-April and is launching initiatives to be ready. Baker says testing capacity in te state is continuing to grow. Almost 10,000 tests were administered over the weekend. The state recently launched online programs for PPE donations and medical professional volunteers. The state is also working to secure 1,000 respirators from the federal government and to clear 1,000 beds outside hospitals for older COVID-19 patients. Baker says this program will take some pressure from hospitals and prevent healthy people from being infected.

Governor Charlie Baker, "We know this isn't an easy task, but without these designated sites, hospitals would have to discharge patients to any skilled facility with an open capacity. This would put the rest of the healthy residents and staff at those facilities at risk."

Baker also took the time to thank the brave nurses, doctors and hospital staff...and residents who are social distancing. He is also reminding people looking to apply for unemployment benefits to wait until the state receives guidance from Washington, DC on how funds from the federal relief package will be distributed.