MA Coronavirus: Baker Requests 'Major Disaster' Declaration

Gov. Charlie Baker said on Thursday he is requesting a major disaster declaration from the Trump administration, a step that would unlock federal funding as the state continues to battle the coronavirus outbreak.

The request comes as Massachusetts — and the rest of the country — attempts to navigate record unemployment claims and an economy teetering on the brink of disaster. Other states hit hard by the outbreak, such as New York, California and Washington, have been granted a major disaster declaration

The declaration would make federal emergency aid available to cities and towns and some nonprofits, as well as state agencies. Baker said he would also use it to allow for unemployment assistance for those who don't qualify, calling unemployment benefits "one of the biggest challenges" states are going to be faced with.

State unemployment numbers released earlier Thursday show a record number of claims last week, with nearly 148,000 applying.

Baker also announced the former Newton Pavilion health care center in the South End will be used as a medical center for Boston's homeless affected by COVID-19. The state-owned facility can house about 250 beds.

There are 15 deaths related to COVID-19 and 1,838 cases across Massachusetts, according to numbers released Wednesday afternoon. The nearly 60 percent spike in cases from the previous day came as testing has skyrocketed and the virus continues to spread; Baker said there are now 21 labs testing samples.

The Department of Public Health is expected to release new numbers later Thursday.

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