August 17 Coronavirus Update

Continuing to provide services through state agencies online without disruption has been a significant challenge that requires creative solutions. In particular, our Registry of Motor Vehicles has taken significant steps over the past few months to continue to provide secure, reliable services online.

Last week, the RMV announced an expanded portal for online customer services for both individuals and businesses. The portal can be accessed online here. More information on the changes to RMV services during COVID-19, including permit exams, drivers’ tests, and license extensions, can also be found online.

In addition, the federal government has extended by one year the requirement to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license to use a driver’s license as identification to fly domestically. Travelers will now be able to fly using standard driver’s licenses through October 2021. The RMV has also offered a free upgrade initiative to allow customers with expiring licenses to renew their licenses online through the end of the state of emergency and receive a free upgrade to REAL ID once in-person services resume in full. More information can be found here.

New Updates

Coronavirus Testing and Response

• Today, the state saw 213 new positive cases* of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 114,611 total cases and 4  reported deaths as of today at 4pm. 
• The average new cases over the last 7 days is 277, and the average number of deaths is 13.
• The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.4%.
• 367 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, a decrease of 5 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

• Hospital Capacity: As of 8/17, 38% of the Commonwealth’s 12,500 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 38% of the region’s 2,100 beds are available for new patients.
• Long-term care: As of 8/17, there are 379 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 24,512 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 5,658 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in long-term care facilities.
• For information on COVID-19 testing and guidance on whether you should get tested, how to get tested, and where to get tested, visit the COVID-19 testing portal at mass.gov/gettested.

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

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
• CARES Act Unemployment Changes
• Unemployment Town Halls

Department of Transitional Assistance: https://www.mass.gov/dta-covid-19-resources-and-support

• Pandemic-EBT benefits for schoolchildren

Statewide Information

Information on the state of emergency and related orders can be found here.

• Face covering advisory
• Large gatherings/social distancing advisory

Reopening guidance can be found at mass.gov/reopening. 

• Sector-specific guidance
• Health care-specific guidance
• “When can my business reopen” chart

Information on COVID-19 testing can be found at mass.gov/gettested.

How You Can Help (updated)

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.

Southborough’s Community Fund has supported local COVID-19 response efforts and families impacted by the pandemic, as well as other charitable organizations in Town. 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