COVID-19: June 2, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema

June 2 Coronavirus Update

This week, many industries will be preparing for an eventual reopening with safety standards for staff and customers alike. To help industries, individuals, employers, and employees prepare for this reopening, the administration has released detailed guidance for a number of industries.

  • For more detailed information on all the industries opening in phase 2, click here.
  • For safety standards and guidance specifically related to child care and youth programs (including summer camps, click here.
  • For guidance related to sector-specific best practices and safety standards for other industries, click here.
  • For a full chart of industries and reopening timeline, click here.

As a reminder, the timeline for transition to phase 2 of reopening has not yet been announced. The administration has indicated that enough public health data will be available to make a determination on timing by Saturday, June 6 and will be releasing plans for advancing in phases (if data allows) then.

New Updates

Coronavirus Testing and Response

Source: Department of Public Health data
  • Today, the state has 101,163 total reported positive cases* of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 358 new cases and 50 reported deaths as of today at 4pm. 
  • The average new cases over the last 7 days is 565, and the average number of deaths is 67.
  • The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 6.5%.
  • 1,657 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, a decrease of 90 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  6/2, 55% of the Commonwealth’s 17,200 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 52% of the region’s 2,900 beds are available for new patients.
  • Long-term care: As of 6/2, there are 350 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 21,608 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 4,382 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in long-term care facilities.

*NOTE: The jump in total cases in today’s graph reflects the inclusion of backdated “probable” cases of COVID-19, allowing the Department of Public Health to bring its reporting into accordance with CDC guidelines.

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.

HollistonHopkintonSouthboroughWestborough

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 resourceshttps://carolyndykema.com/covid19-state-resources

Department of Unemployment Assistancehttps://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

Department of Transitional Assistancehttps://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.

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