COVID-19: June 18, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema
June 18 Coronavirus Update
This week, the Department of Public Health arranged for mass testing for individuals who have recently attended large gatherings at both by-appointment and walk-in locations, regardless of symptoms. This initiative was so successful that appointment slots quickly filled, which may be frustrating for those who hoped to be tested but is a promising sign that residents across the Commonwealth are continuing to take the threat of COVID-19 seriously and taking appropriate measures.
As a reminder, if you still need to get tested, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Detailed guidance on who is prioritized for testing can be found online, but generally speaking, individuals who should be tested fall under one of two categories:
- You have developed symptoms of COVID-19. All symptomatic individuals, no matter how mild symptoms are, should be tested for COVID-19. You can check your symptoms online here, and although a referral from a medical professional is not required for all testing locations, you should still contact your provider if possible.
- You come into close contact with COVID-19-positive individuals. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19 for at least 10-15 minutes, or being in direct contact (i.e. coughed or sneezed on) while not wearing PPE.
Additionally, asymptomatic individuals can be recommended for testing at the discretion of their healthcare provider, a state agency, or an employer, although individuals are encouraged to confirm with their insurance carrier that their test will be covered before getting tested.
There are more than 250 sites in Massachusetts who can provide COVID-19 testing. You can find a test site near you at mass.gov/covidtestmap or using this detailed list. Additionally, CVS offers by-appointment testing for qualified patients who answer a short screening survey. If you have additional questions about testing, feel free to visit the DPH testing page or contact my office.
New Updates
Below is a summary of the most recent efforts to respond to the wide range of needs in our communities. For a summary of previously issued guidance and state restrictions related to the coronavirus epidemic, visit mass.gov/coronavirus. For previous updates visit carolyndykema.com/covid19.
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- Today, the state has 106,422 total reported positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 271 new cases and 36 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 251, and the average number of deaths is 40.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 2.3%.
- 968 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, a decrease of 30 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.
Health Care System
- Hospital Capacity: As of 6/18, 35% of the Commonwealth’s 12,700 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 42% of the region’s 2,200 beds are available for new patients.
- Long-term care: As of 6/18, there are 369 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 23,013 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 4,899 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in long-term care facilities.
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.
