COVID-19: August 26, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema
August 26 Coronavirus Update
Since last week’s announcement of preliminary learning models by school district, many students, families, and educators have had questions about what reopening will look like, how our education system and our public health officials will work together to keep students and staff safe, and what to expect in the coming school year.
Today, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released an updated version of its reopening-related Frequently Asked Questions. In addition, the Department has set up an email for parents/caregivers to reach out with any questions not addressed by existing guidance. Parents/caregivers with questions can email COVID19K12ParentInfo@mass.gov.
Additional useful resources:
- Download a list of school districts and reopening models.
- Learn about the mobile rapid response testing initiative offered to schools in need.
- Review the initial school reopening guidance in English and five other languages.
As schools welcome back students, which in our district will primarily take place with a hybrid learning model, conditions may change and districts may make adjustments as the school year progresses. This process reflects a careful acknowledgement that the trajectory of the pandemic is still unknown, that we are still learning more every day about the best and most effective practices for prevention, and that individual communities may have wildly different experiences with respect to COVID-19. I will be sure to provide additional updates from our state and local partners as soon as they become available.
New Updates
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- Today, the state saw 315 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 117,085 total cases and 26 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 291, and the average number of deaths is 16.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.1%.
- 356 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 29 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 8/26, 34% of the Commonwealth’s 12,500 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 30% of the region’s 2,000 beds are available for new patients.
- Long-term care: As of 8/26, there are 379 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 24,577 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 5,755 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
Department of Transitional Assistance: https://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
