COVID-19: December 7, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema
December 7th COVID-19 Update
Today, the administration announced that it was expanding the availability of free COVID-19 testing across the Commonwealth, increasing access to testing sites in areas with a high incidence of COVID-19. You can learn about the new testing initiatives below:
Expansion of Stop the Spread sites: The successful Stop the Spread program, which allows for no-cost COVID-19 testing to all Massachusetts residents, will expand to 5 new communities, bringing the total to 25 cities and towns including Worcester, Marlborough, and Framingham. A full list of testing sites, hours, and procedures can be found at mass.gov/stopthespread.
New Regional Site in Framingham: The Project Beacon regional testing initiative, which is a targeted program designed to facilitate COVID-19 testing in large numbers each day, will be opening three new locations each month, including one in Framingham which opened today. These sites each have the capacity to test up to 1,000 individuals each day. You can sign up online for a test at the Framingham site here.
There are over 350 testing sites open to the public, which can be searched and found at mass.gov/gettested. If you are potentially exposed to COVID-19 or develop symptoms of COVID-19, your insurance is required to cover the cost of your test wherever you go. More information on the most recent expansion of testing can be found here.
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 2,463 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 250,022 total cases and 30 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 4,528, and the average number of deaths is 40.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 5.5%.
- 43,304 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 12/7)
- Hospitalization: 1,516 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 100 from yesterday.
- Hospital Capacity: 23% of the Commonwealth’s 9,700 non-ICU hospital beds are available for new patients if needed (35% of statewide ICU beds are available). In the MetroWest region, 29% of the region’s non-ICU 1,700 beds are available for new patients (33% of regional ICU beds are available).
- Long-term care: There are 403 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 28,147 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,900 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.
