COVID-19: September 22, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema
September 22 Coronavirus Update
One state agency where services have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 has been the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Although the RMV has worked in recent years to automate its services and move as many transactions as possible online, there are still many services that require in-person visits to a service center, including upgrading Massachusetts driver’s licenses to “REAL ID” licenses in compliance with federal law.
Driver’s licenses that expired earlier this year were extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with driver’s licenses expiring in March, April, and May extended to September 2020 and licenses expiring in June, July, and August to October, November, and December 2020, respectively. All learner’s permits set to expire during the pandemic have been extended to December 2020, and part of the permit application is now available online. In recent months, some RMV and AAA service centers have reopened in a limited capacity, most requiring appointments to be made in advance. For a detailed list of service center hours, visit this page.
The federal deadline requiring REAL ID-compliant licenses to board an airplane or enter a federal building has been extended a year, to October 1, 2021. Because REAL ID upgrades require an in-person visit to a service center, the RMV has offered a special program offering Massachusetts drivers whose licenses are set to expire during the state of emergency free upgrades to REAL ID if they renew their license online this year and return next year for a REAL ID upgrade, which equates to a $25 discount (total cost is $25 vs. $50).
For more information on changes to RMV services during COVID-19, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information.
New Updates
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- Today, the state saw 143 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 125,866 total cases and 11 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 349, and the average number of deaths is 15.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 0.8%.
- 371 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 4 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 9/22, 37% of the Commonwealth’s 12,500 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 43% of the region’s 2,100 beds are available for new patients.
- Long-term care: As of 9/22, there are 382 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 24,789 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 5,989 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
