November 23rd COVID-19 Update

As of Friday, the statewide travel order, which rates other states’ risk level based on their positive test and new case rates, now lists only Vermont and Hawaii as “lower-risk” states not requiring quarantine or testing upon entering Massachusetts.

As a reminder, anyone traveling to Massachusetts or returning from out-of-state travel has three options for complying with the travel order:

• Quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
• Report a negative test result administered within 72 hours of arrival.
• Quarantine until receiving a negative test result in MA.

Those entering Massachusetts from a restricted state must complete the online travel form unless they meet certain exemptions, including work- or school-related commuter travel, receiving medical care, and transitory or “pass through” travel. Failure to comply with COVID-19 travel requirements can result in monetary fines. For more information, visit mass.gov/covidtravel.

News Updates

Below is a summary of the most recent efforts to respond to the wide range of needs in our communities. For a summary of previously issued guidance and state restrictions related to the coronavirus epidemic, visit mass.gov/covid19. For previous updates visit carolyndykema.com/covid19.

Coronavirus Testing and Response

• Today, the state saw 1,785 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 201,835 total cases and 18 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
• The average new cases over the last 7 days is 2,475, and the average number of deaths is 27.
• The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 3.1%.
• 52,280 new molecular tests for COVID-19 were reported in the Commonwealth today.
• 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 (as of 11/23)

• Hospitalization: 922 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 29 from yesterday.
• Hospital Capacity: 33% of the Commonwealth’s 10,900 non-ICU hospital beds are available for new patients if needed (50% of statewide ICU beds are available). In the MetroWest region, 33% of the region’s non-ICU 1,800 beds are available for new patients (50% of regional ICU beds are available).
• Long-term care: There are 398 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 26,872 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,685 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 and State Resources

Town Resources

All of the towns in the 8th Middlesex District have centralized COVID-19 resource pages with resources, updates, and alerts regarding town services.

Holliston | Hopkinton | Southborough | Westborough

Job/Income Loss Resources

COVID-19 is also 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

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
• CARES Act Unemployment Changes
• Unemployment Town Halls

Department of Transitional Assistance

• Pandemic-EBT benefits for schoolchildren

Statewide Information

Information on the state of emergency and related orders can be found here.

• Face covering advisory
• Large gatherings/social distancing advisory

Reopening guidance can be found at mass.gov/reopening. 

• Sector-specific guidance
• Health care-specific guidance
• “When can my business reopen” chart

Information on COVID-19 testing can be found at mass.gov/gettested.