COVID-19: September 17, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema
September 17 Coronavirus Update
Although we have made significant progress in our efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the effects of the nationwide “second wave” here in Massachusetts, it’s important to remember that there is significant town-by-town variation in the ongoing impacts of the virus.
As of yesterday, 6 additional communities were given “higher risk” designation, while 2 were downgraded to moderate, bringing the total of communities with a higher risk of community spread to 17, including the nearby cities of Framingham and Worcester. Of our four communities in the 8th Middlesex District, Holliston, Hopkinton, and Southborough are currently lower risk while Westborough is moderate risk. Cities and towns that have higher risk receive additional enforcement support from the state, and this designation also helps guide the recommended learning model for school districts. You can view the weekly public health report here or by clicking the photo to the right.
In addition, the state Department of Public Health is now tracking testing and positive case numbers at institutes of higher education. Through yesterday, over 500,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered through 59 colleges and universities that reported data, with 499 confirmed cases reported among college students and staff. Unlike other universities around the country that have seen major outbreaks, the widespread testing embraced by our higher education institutes has yielded extremely low positive test rates, which has hovered around 0.1% since mid-August. This increased tracking and reporting will help those institutions work with the state to identify possible areas of concern and will provide needed transparency to communities where college and universities are located. This data will be found on page 37-29 of the weekly public health report moving forward.
New Updates
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- Today, the state saw 419 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 124,139 total cases and 15 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 340, and the average number of deaths is 13.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 0.8%.
- 377 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 25 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 9/17, 31% of the Commonwealth’s 12,500 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 9/17, there are 382 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 24,755 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 5,941 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
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
