Milton Waives Coronavirus Test Co-Payments For Town Employees

MILTON, MA — The Milton Select Board held an emergency session on Saturday and voted to waive all town employees' co-payments for doctor's office, urgent care and emergency room service for coronavirus testing, as well as telemedicine services, including behavioral health.

"This emergency action was necessitated based on the insurance carriers' requirement that the town's intentions be reported to the Massachusetts Division of Insurance by the close of business (Saturday)," the Milton Select Board said in a statement.

It was also announced that the public library will be closed until further notice amid the coronavirus pandemic. The library will still provide services, however, that include reference help and book recommendations through phone or email, curbside holds pickup, books and material returns through a book drop, free wifi in the parking lot and online assistance.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced Saturday morning he is setting up a coronavirus command center that will direct the state's response to the fast-spreading pandemic. The command center will be led by the state Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders.

The center will have "complete authority" regarding state resources to prevent the spread of and treat COVID-19. It will expand the state's testing testing capacity, allow the state to quickly respond to community needs and monitor the chain of health supplies.

The center will also coordinate across several branches of state government, including education and transportation, in order to help push back against virus.

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