COVID-19: October 5, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema

October 5th Coronavirus Update

Countless public servants, volunteers, communities, and experts have worked to ensure that the ongoing pandemic does not prevent all of us from exercising our most significant civic duties in a safe, accessible manner. I wanted to share two brief updates on these efforts.

Census 2020: Late last week, a federal court ruled that the deadline for 2020 census data collection should be extended to October 31, 2020. All four of our communities have a census response rate of over 75% so far, but if you have not responded to the Census yet, please  visit this page.

Voting:As with the 2020 statewide primary election, Massachusetts voters have three methods through which they can participate in the 2020 general/presidential election. You can vote by mail, vote early in person between October 17 and October 30, or vote in person on Tuesday, November 3. If you wish to vote by mail, you can request a ballot online or via paper form until October 28 (although the Secretary of Commonwealth recommends submitting your application by October 20 to ensure it is processed). Ballots will be mailed in the coming weeks and you can track your ballot online here.

If you have additional questions about the voting process in Massachusetts or your options, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Elections page or contact your local town clerk. 

Once again, I want to thank all of the municipal officials, election officials, poll workers, public safety officials, and volunteers who are working tirelessly to keep our residents safe and healthy while protecting everyone’s right to vote.

New Updates

Coronavirus Testing and Response

Source: Department of Public Health data
  • Today, the state saw 465 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 132,905 total cases and 20 reported deaths as of today at 4pm. 
  • The average new cases over the last 7 days is 587, and the average number of deaths is 16.
  • The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.1%.
  • 473 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 35 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 10/5, 36% of the Commonwealth’s 12,800 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 38% of the region’s 2,100 beds are available for new patients.
  • Long-term care: As of 10/5, there are 386 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 25,104 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,147 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.

HollistonHopkintonSouthboroughWestborough

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 resourceshttps://carolyndykema.com/covid19-state-resources

Department of Unemployment Assistancehttps://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

Department of Transitional Assistancehttps://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

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