COVID-19: August 18, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema

August 18 Coronavirus Update

Food insecurity and protection of our food supply chain continues to be a challenge throughout the pandemic, and the COVID-19 Command Center recently convened a multi-stakeholder Food Security Task Force to address these concerns.

This week, the Baker administration announced $3.3 million in awards to 34 recipients of Food Security Infrastructure grants. The grant program, which will total $36 million in full, support local projects to increase access to healthy, locally-grown food for individuals and families. Projects awarded funding in our region include the United Way of Tri-County food pantries, Northborough-Southborough Public Schools, ad the Neighborhood Farm in Sherborn. 

Applications for the Food Security Infrastructure Grant program are still being accepted on a rolling basis through September 15. Interested parties, including businesses, school districts, nonprofit organizations, and food producers can apply or learn more online. Massachusetts residents interested in food supply efforts can search for local vendors on MassGrown or learn more about the Healthy Incentives Program for farmers and SNAP recipients. 

New Updates

Coronavirus Testing and Response

Source: Department of Public Health data
  • Today, the state saw 175 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 114,786 total cases and 6 reported deaths as of today at 4pm. 
  • The average new cases over the last 7 days is 260, and the average number of deaths is 13.
  • The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.4%.
  • 374 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 7 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  8/18, 38% of the Commonwealth’s 12,400 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 35% of the region’s 2,000 beds are available for new patients.
  • Long-term care: As of 8/18, there are 379 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 24,522 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 5,662 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.

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

Statewide Information

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

Reopening guidance can be found at mass.gov/reopening

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

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