COVID-19: December 8, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema

December 9, 2020 / Press Release /

December 8th COVID-19 Update

As you have likely seen in these newsletters, most our key public health metrics are trending in the wrong direction in recent weeks. Our positive case numbers are up 193% in the last 30 days, and our hospitalization numbers are up 177%. Our positive test rate is up from 2.3% a month ago to 5.8% today.

In recognition of these concerning trends, the administration today announced that all communities will be returning to Step 1 of Phase 3 of reopening, which limits outdoor gatherings at event venues to 50 people and outdoor gatherings in private venues to 25 people. In addition, capacity limits have been lowered from 50% to 40% in a number of sectors, including gyms, libraries, museums, retail locations, offices, and places of worship.

Indoor dining at restaurants will face additional new limits as well, which include reducing maximum party size from 10 to 6, requiring masks to be worn at all times while seated except for when eating and drinking, and limiting diners to 90 minutes per party.

These new restrictions go into place Sunday, December 13th. You all can read updates to the statewide public health guidance in today’s announcement, as well as all statewide reopening guidance at mass.gov/reopening.

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 3,627 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 253,649 total cases and 30 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
The average new cases over the last 7 days is 4,639, and the average number of deaths is 42.
The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 5.8%.
58,501 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 12/8)

Hospitalization: 1,552 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 36 from yesterday.
Hospital Capacity: 22% of the Commonwealth’s 9,800 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 28,307 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,920 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