Gov. Charlie Baker announces supports for hard-hit coronavirus hot spot Chelsea

Apr. 14--The city of Chelsea, hard hit by coronavirus, will be getting some support from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday.

"For individuals who are homeless and have tested positive for COVID-19 in Chelsea, the command center is helping to set up an isolation hotel," Baker said.

MEMA will help to stock the hotel with linens and personal protective equipment, Baker said, along with assisting with food services.

"For individuals that test positive and are unable to stay with their family due to density issues, the command center and MEMA will provide technical assistance and support to both Chelsea and Revere to access isolation capacity at the Quality Inn there," Baker said.

The command center will also contract an additional 50 beds in case of overflow, Baker said.

The city of Chelsea said in a statement on Monday there were 541 confirmed coronavirus patients in the city and all the residents are now in isolation.

"Our prayers are with them for a full and quick recovery. 72 patients have now recovered but 19 have died. The City is terribly saddened by the loss of life occurring as a result of the COVID-19 virus, here and among our neighbors," the statement read.

The numbers are expected to continue to grow daily, the update from the city said.

"Our best weapon against the spread of this virus, and the terrible toll it is taking, is compliance with physical distancing rules. We urge you to comply," the statement said.

The city also announced that starting this week, residents with symptoms of coronavirus can get tested at Massachusetts General Hospital Chelsea.

Those who have symptoms and wish to get tested do not need to be a patient of MGH or have health insurance. The city said immigration status also does not matter when it comes to getting a test.

Residents experiencing fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, muscle aches, shortness of breath or loss of smell should get tested.

Across the state, cases topped 26,000 on Monday with 844 total deaths, according to the Department of Public Health.

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