COVID-19: December 2, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema

December 2nd COVID-19 Update

As a reminder of the need for continued vigilance in the coming months as we await the rollout of additional effective treatments and, ultimately, widespread use of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, the administration has launched the #GetBackMass campaign.

This public awareness campaign is designed to remind residents and visitors of the goals that we are all working toward as we hope to end this pandemic, as well as the ways that we can all contribute to our containment of the spread of the virus. The risk of “COVID fatigue,” the idea that the longer we are subject to public health guidance that can sometimes feel frustrating or fruitless, the higher the temptation to relax our behaviors, is real and it remains important that we all hold ourselves and each other accountable to taking this pandemic just as seriously as we did in March and April. Doing so can save lives and help get us back to normal as quickly as is safely possible.

You can learn more at mass.gov/getback.

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 4,613 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 225,787 total cases and 46 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
  • The average new cases over the last 7 days is 2,643, and the average number of deaths is 31.
  • The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 4.9%.
  • 105,845 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 12/2)

  • Hospitalization: 1,259 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 68 from yesterday.
  • Hospital Capacity: 27% of the Commonwealth’s 11,000 non-ICU hospital beds are available for new patients if needed (44% of statewide ICU beds are available). In the MetroWest region, 32% of the region’s non-ICU 1,900 beds are available for new patients (50% of regional ICU beds are available).
  • Long-term care: There are 402 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 27,776 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,819 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

Department of Transitional Assistance

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.

Press Release

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