April 2nd Coronavirus Update

As our communities continue to be diligent about social distancing, the state’s COVID-19 Command Center continues to use sophisticated statistical modeling to estimate the trajectory of the pandemic in Massachusetts. The model’s latest projections estimate that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts could range from 47,000 to 172,000 (or 0.7% to 2.5% of the state’s population). The models show hospitalizations would potentially peak between April 10-20. The current fatality rate in Massachusetts is lower than other areas – approximately 1.5% of those infected.

Coronavirus Testing and Response

• There are 8,966  confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 813 hospitalizations and 154 deaths as of today at 4pm. 
• For a breakdown of cases by county and age, check here. These data are also now available in a dynamic model.
• Over 56,608 tests have been conducted by the State Public Health Laboratory and private testing facilities. As of this week, between 3,000-5,000 tests a day are being administered in MA.

Health Care

• The Massachusetts Health Connector will now be able to support local boards of health and the Department of Public Health with “contact tracing” efforts to identified alert possibly impacted individuals who have interacted with a COVID-19-positive person.

Preparing for Caseload Surge

• The Command Center is working with hospitals to provide them with flexibility to expand ICU capacity. But after hospitals execute on their “surge plans,” the model estimates there could be a remaining gap in ICU capacity of more than 500 beds. The Commonwealth is aiming to find or build an additional 750-1,000 beds in field medical hospitals and other alternate care sites. Possible sites include the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Joint Base Cape Cod, and Springfield’s MassMutual Building.
• The Command Center is also securing 1,000 beds in nursing facilities for stabilized COVID-19 patients who can be transferred out of the hospital to make room for those with higher medical need.
• A joint effort between the state DPH, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and China secured the delivery of over 1 million N95 masks for frontline health care workers. DPH is actively working to inventory and deliver masks and other PPE to high-need areas as shipments arrive.

Workforce and Employment

• In recognition of the continuing risk of COVID-19 spread in workplaces, the Massachusetts Building Trades Council has called on Governor Baker to declare a statewide suspension of all regular activity at non-essential construction sites in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• The updated list of essential businesses and services can be found online. To request designation as an essential service, fill out this online form.
• The next virtual Unemployment Town Hall is tomorrow, April 3, at 2pm. To learn more or to sign up, visit here.

Small Business

• The offices of U.S. Senators Warren and Markey provided this easy-to-read fact sheet on stimulus programs created to support small businesses. 

Transportation

• The MBTA continues to operate modified service and has updated its bus service schedules, effective April 6. For a full list of service modifications, visit https://mbta.com/coronavirus.
• Rideshare services are currently designated as essential services, although significant concerns about driver and rider safety remain. Lyft has released guidance on driver and rider safety  and Uber has developed a coronavirus webpage with tips, guidelines, and additional information.

Parks and Open Space

• The Governor issued an emergency order requiring all coastal beach reservation parking areas managed by DCR to close effective Friday, April 3 to reduce large concentrations of people at beaches during the COVID-19 outbreak. 
• Effective Friday, April 3, DCR will open select seasonal state parks early and expand access at other parks to provide additional open space opportunities for residents to enjoy and alternatives to popular state parks throughout the Commonwealth, provided visitors stay in small groups and practice social distancing.
• State beaches will remain open and available to pedestrians for transitory use only (walking, jogging, biking, solitary fishing, etc.).
• DCR’s playgrounds, visitors centers, and ice rinks will remain closed until May 4.

Additional items of note

• Today, the House of Representatives passed H.4615, which would place a moratorium on all non-emergency evictions and foreclosures until 30 days after the end of the state’s COVID-19 emergency order. The bill will now be taken up by the Senate.
• The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security is reviewing H.4611/S.2602, An Act relative to emergency health hazard duty. This legislation would create special protections for public safety officials and other first responders to ensure that they are able to safely take appropriate time off for quarantines or other COVID-19 related issues. Public testimony is being collected by email only.
• Baypath Elder Services has put together a helpful flyer of wellness tips for self-care while maintaining the physical distancing required of seniors during this time. Although the flyer’s tips are designed for seniors, they include suggestions we can all take to heart!

Updated Resources for Residents Experiencing Job Loss or Loss of Income

COVID-19 is causing broad disruption to the economy which is affecting incomes of many residents and families. There are a number of state resources and supports available to support workers who may find themselves unemployed or otherwise income-constrained during this uncertain time. 

New: This page has been updated to reflect changes due to the passage of the federal CARES Act and to provide additional guidance based on frequently asked questions my office has received.

For your convenience, you can find a guide of resources and information at: https://carolyndykema.com/covid19-state-resources/.