COVID-19: November 3, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema

November 4, 2020 / Press Release /

November 3rd COVID-19 Update

Thank you to all of you who did your civic duty by voting today, and a special thanks to all who voted by mail or voted early to keep Election Day crowds low which in turn helps keep our poll workers, public safety officials, election officials, and neighbors healthy. Finally, thank you to all who worked hard to make participating in this election safe and accessible under extraordinary circumstances.

This week, the Department of Public Health revamped our daily COVID-19 dashboard, which contains new and updated information to accurately communicate our state and local public health data to the public. In particular, I want to highlight the fact that we are consistently seeing over 50,000 new tests reported daily. As our numbers begin to climb, many are worried about a “second surge” of cases, and one of the key ways we can contain the spread of the virus much more effectively than we could in March is through huge increases to testing capacity and contact tracing operations. We will now be able to identify and track outbreaks far more quickly than we could before, which will be essential to “flattening the curve” again as cases increase.

Today’s daily dashboard can be found here and, as always, I highlight key updates and regional metrics below.

News Updates

Coronavirus Testing and Response

Today, the state saw 923 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 157,308 total cases and 12 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
The average new cases over the last 7 days is 1,135, and the average number of deaths is 21.
The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.8%.
54,843 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

Hospitalization: 483 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 14 from yesterday.*
Hospital Capacity: As of 11/3, 33% of the Commonwealth’s 10,800 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: As of 11/3, there are 391 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 25,740 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,436 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.

*NOTE: The updated DPH data dashboard has changed its reporting of hospitalization numbers to reflect only confirmed, rather than confirmed and suspected, COVID-19 cases. This is due to the increased availability of testing in hospital settings that allow hospitals to more accurately report hospitalization numbers using positive test results rather than reporting of symptoms.

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

Department of Transitional Assistance