August 21 Coronavirus Update

Despite ongoing uncertainty about the trajectory of our pandemic, this week’s COVID-19 numbers have brought good news. As of today, the total number of Massachusetts patients hospitalized with COVID-19 hit its lowest number since March 27th. Although the daily totals for new cases continue to be higher than in July, our weighted positive test rate has sunk to a low of 1.2%, a testament to the significant efforts undertaken by public and private institutions to increase testing capacity.

We do not know what the future holds moving into the fall, but we do know this: proven prevention methods, if taken seriously and consistently applied, work to keep us all safe. In that vein, I want to remind you of three key elements of our safe reopening strategy: continuing to limit large, close-proximity gatherings, providing tests for those who need them, and wearing masks when we cannot socially distance.

Gatherings: A significant body of evidence from across the country in the past few months suggests that many recent “cluster” outbreaks can be traced to ill-advised gatherings of large numbers of individuals in violation of state policies and CDC guidance. Recently, the Governor lowered the statewide gathering limits from 100 people to 50 people in an outdoor space, while maintaining the indoor limit at 8 people per 1,000 square feet, but no more than 25 people total. As a reminder, when participating in gatherings of any kind, social distancing and mask guidance always applies.

Testing: The Department of Public Health has a large amount of information and guidance online for individuals seeking testing. Recently, the widely successful “Stop the Spread” Initiative was extended into September and 3 new communities were added, and information on that initiative, which will test asymptomatic individuals at no cost, can be found here.

Face coverings: We all know the drill by now – if you can’t reasonably expect to stay 6 feet apart from those outside your household when you leave home, bring a mask and wear it whenever you are close to others. There has been some new information in the news recently about studies on the relative merits of cloth masks and “neck gaiters,” but the statewide guidance has not changed about acceptable face coverings. One trick suggested by the Governor and the Secretary of Health and Human Services is to use the “see through test”: if you can see through your mask when you hold it up to the light, it’s likely not thick enough to keep you and your neighbors safe. More information on mask use can be found here on the state’s #MaskUpMA page.

New Updates

Coronavirus Testing and Response

• Today, the state saw 431 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 115,741 total cases and 13  reported deaths as of today at 4pm. 
• The average new cases over the last 7 days is 287, and the average number of deaths is 13.
• The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.2%.
• 322 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, a decrease of 49 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 8/21, 33% of the Commonwealth’s 12,300 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 8/21, there are 379 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 24,551 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 5,701 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 Updates

• You can find this week’s DPH report on town-by-town COVID-19 testing and case numbers here, as well as counts of COVID-19 cases at long-term care facilities across the Commonwealth. Our towns’ numbers are below (through 8/19):
  • Holliston: 66 (+2)
  • Hopkinton: 136 (+0)
  • Southborough: 43 (+0)
  • Westborough: 360 (+3)
• The weekly public health report also contains facility-specific information on COVID-19 case rates on nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, which can be found here starting on page 24.
• In compliance with the new statewide data collection law, DPH has also begun reporting COVID-19 testing and infection rates at all state facilities, including state hospitals and congregate care facilities. You can find that data on this page.
• The statewide Department of Correction COVID-19 data can now be found in a new weekly report, which can be found here.

Education

• As announced earlier this week, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released a preliminary list of learning models by school district for the coming year. These models will be subject to change based on new public health data and circumstances. Our district models are as follows (a full list of learning models by district can be downloaded here).
  • Holliston (lower risk): in-person elementary, hybrid middle school, hybrid high school
  • Hopkinton (lower risk):  hybrid elementary, hybrid middle, hybrid high school
  • Southborough (lower risk): hybrid elementary, hybrid middle
  • Westborough (moderate risk):  hybrid elementary, hybrid middle, hybrid high school
  • Northborough-Southborough: hybrid
  • Assabet Valley Vocational Technical: hybrid
• When school districts experience signs of a “cluster” of infections, usually signified by multiple individuals testing positive within the same space in a short period, the Commonwealth will be be providing mobile rapid response testing for districts in need. More information on the mobile testing program can be found here.
• Today, the Commissioner of Education announced that the deadline for school districts to submit Student Opportunity Act district improvement plans has been extended to January 15, 2021 to allow for adequate time for districts to plan and design improvement strategies given the extraordinary circumstances of this year.
• For the 2020-2021 school year and forward, all students in Massachusetts from pre-K through college will be required to be vaccinated for influenza each year. More information on school immunization requirements can be found online here.
• The DESE COVID-19 page has updated guidance for a number of important areas within the last week, including in-school COVID-19 protocols, support for remote learning districts, and health guidance for schools. You can download all DESE messages and guidance here.

Transportation

• Earlier this week, the Registry of Motor Vehicles extended its authorization of the “Renew Today, REAL ID tomorrow” initiative to allow those who renew their licenses this year online to receive a free upgrade to REAL ID next year. The date for REAL ID requirements in airports going into effect is now October 2021. The extension order can be found here, and all RMV updates related to COVID-19 and online versus in-person services can be found online here.

Additional Items

• Information on early and mail-in voting can be found online here. If you are planning on voting by mail or have done so already, you can track your ballot online. As a reminder, early voting for the September 1 primary begins tomorrow, August 22. For early voting hours and locations, you can search by town online.
• The Department of Conservation and Recreation extended the period during which DCR-managed spray decks are open. They will now be open through Sunday, September 27th. DCR-managed pools will still close for the season on Sunday, August 23.

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