COVID-19: October 8, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema
October 8th Coronavirus Update
As both K-12 and higher education continue to operate in a variety of learning models, many of which incorporate in-person learning whenever possible, engaging in school-specific testing and data collection helps us ensure we are keeping our students, staff, and learning communities safe.
Both the Department of Public Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education now report information on testing and positive cases for K-12 school districts and higher education institutions on a weekly basis.
You can find higher ed data beginning on page 37 of the DPH weekly public health report. This week, 211 positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed as a result of higher ed-related testing, for a total of 1,058 statewide.
District-by-district data on positive cases associated with students and staff at schools with in-person or hybrid learning models can be downloaded from the DESE website here. I’m pleased to report that student and staff cases in our communities continue to be extremely low, with only one positive case across Holliston, Hopkinton, Southborough, and Westborough in the last 7 days.
I will continue sharing weekly data on education-related COVID-19 cases in Friday newsletter updates. You can find general information on COVID-19 guidance and information for K-12 schools and public higher education online.
New Updates
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- Today, the state saw 409 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 134,277 total cases and 8 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 545, and the average number of deaths is 13.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.0%.
- 484 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, a decrease of 31 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 10/8, 29% of the Commonwealth’s 12,700 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 28% of the region’s 2,100 beds are available for new patients.
- Long-term care: As of 10/8, there are 387 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 25,155 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,168 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
