COVID-19: September 1, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema
September 1 Coronavirus Update
As we enter our seventh month of the pandemic, I wanted to take a moment to share some data that illustrates both how far we’ve come and how important continued vigilance will be.
The chart to the right shows 7-day lagging averages for daily new cases and hospitalizations at the first of each month since we began reporting COVID-19 data. During our “surge” in late April, we were seeing over 2,000 new cases each day and had nearly 4,000 Massachusetts patients hospitalized with COVID-19. In the months since, prevention measures and social distancing have helped us get hospitalizations under control, with a little over 300 Massachusetts residents currently being hospitalized.
You’ll notice, however, that our daily case totals have begun creeping up since mid-July. This is in large part due to our increase in testing, which is indicated by our positive test rate continuing to fall to around 1%. However, it should a timely reminder that this pandemic is far from over and we must continue to be vigilant: hundreds of Massachusetts residents are still being diagnosed every day.
Thank you all for your work to keep our Commonwealth safe and healthy over these past few months. I hope you will join me in continuing to wear masks, stay socially distant, stay home if you are sick, and practice good personal hygiene. Together we can keep our numbers trending positive and keep ourselves, our families, and our neighbors safe.
New Updates
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- Today, the state saw 301 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 119,138 total cases and 4 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 338, and the average number of deaths is 15.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.0%.
- 320 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 6 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 9/1, 37% of the Commonwealth’s 12,300 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 40% of the region’s 2,000 beds are available for new patients.
- Long-term care: As of 9/1, there are 379 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 24,617 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 5,803 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
