COVID-19: June 15, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema
June 15 Coronavirus Update
As you know, a large part of our reopening strategy hinges on the ability of the state to rapidly and easily test large numbers of residents for COVID-19 to ensure that anyone who may be exposed to the virus can be identified and take precautions as soon as possible.
Currently, the Commonwealth tests about 10,000 people a day for COVID-19. Recently, the administration filed a plan with the federal government to use $374 million in federal funding to increase testing capacity to 45,000 tests a day by July.
As part of this effort, this week on Wednesday, June 17th and Thursday, June 18th, the Commonwealth will be offering free testing to anyone who has attended a large gathering in recent weeks, regardless of whether or not you have symptoms. There are over 50 sites across the Commonwealth where you can receive this testing. For our area, the closest drive-thru/walk-in site is UMass Memorial (University Campus) and there are several CVS locations offering by-appointment testing nearby, including in Shrewsbury and Bellingham. For more info and a full list of sites, visit Mass.gov/GetTested.
New Updates
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- Today, the state saw 87 new reported positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 105,690 total cases and 23 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 296, and the average number of deaths is 42.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 2.8%.
- 1,026 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, a decrease of 13 from yesterday.
- The Department of Public Health regularly releases a daily reporting dashboard containing detailed information on hospitalizations, demographic data, and county-by-county breakdowns of cases. To view the DPH dashboard, visit here.
Heath Care Capacity
- Hospital Capacity: As of 6/15, 53% of the Commonwealth’s 17,300 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 53% of the region’s 2,800 beds are available for new patients.
- Long-term care: As of 6/15, there are 366 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 22,659 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 4,736 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in long-term care facilities.
Reopening Update
- There are several business types eligible to reopen during Phase 2 that have not received sector-specific guidance. To account for these businesses, the Reopening Advisory Board has released general guidance for Phase 2 businesses not covered by other sector-specific guidance.
- As a reminder, just because a business is eligible to reopen does not mean it is required to reopen. Many business that are able to provide their primary services remotely or in a “curbside” capacity or who have a large number of staff in a high-risk category have chosen to delay reopening on their own.
- As always, any questions or comments can be submitted to the Reopening Advisory Board, and any concerns about workplace safety during reopening can be submitted to the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division.
Transportation
- My office has received many questions about RMV services. Up-to-date information on RMV operations, including locations, changes to eligibility, deadline extensions, and service changes can be found here. As of this week, RMV by-appointment hours are extended to 8am-8pm at all open service centers, and road tests are resuming for customers who had scheduled road tests cancelled.
- MBTA service levels have also been changing to reflect increased demand in Phase 2 of reopening. Currently, Commuter Rail is still operating on a reduced schedule, but some subway lines have returned to modified weekday service. For more information on all service changes, visit the MBTA COVID-19 page.
Local Resources
All of the towns in the 8th Middlesex District now have centralized COVID-19 resource pages with resources, updates, and alerts regarding town services.
Holliston | Hopkinton | Southborough | Westborough
The Department of Public Health also releases weekly reports on town-by-town COVID-19 case numbers and rates, which can be found online here.
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.
Guide for job/income loss resources: https://carolyndykema.com/covid19-state-resources
Department of Unemployment Assistance: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance
Department of Transitional Assistance: https://www.mass.gov/dta-covid-19-resources-and-support
How You Can Help
Holliston Youth and Family Services requests your support of the Community Action Fund, which provides emergency assistance to those affected by COVID-19. Learn more or donate here.
The Westborough Rotary Club has launched a COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to provide assistance to those affected by COVID-19. Learn more or donate here.
The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations, the need for which is significant due to blood drive cancellations. The need is dire due to the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives. People can donate at the Worcester American Red Cross Donor Center, 381 Plantation St. Worcester or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Some local donor sites, including the Natick Senior Center, are available for appointments as well.
Information on our local food pantries can be found below. The most pressing need right now is cash donations to ensure that food drop-off and delivery do not inadvertently contribute to the spread of the virus.
Holliston Pantry Shelf | Project Just Because | Southborough Food Pantry | Westborough Food Pantry
Current Statewide Advisories
Safer at Home: As of May 18, the statewide stay-at-home advisory is now the Safer at Home advisory. In many ways, this advisory remains in the same spirit as previous policies: You should practice social distancing and limit your non-essential interactions as much as possible.
Face Covering: As reopening continues, the statewide face covering advisory remains in effect for public indoor and outdoor spaces in situations where social distancing is not possible. The full advisory and detailed guidance can be found online.
Reopening Guidance: For more information on the state’s phased reopening plan and particular industry-specific guidance, visit mass.gov/reopening. For questions about business reopening timelines, visit this page.
A list of all executive orders in place during the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 state of emergency can be found here.
