COVID-19: December 9, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema
December 9th COVID-19 Update
Too often these newsletters contain sobering, but necessary updates about the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, I have good news to report today.
This morning, the Governor announced the first planned rollout for the acquisition and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. The Commonwealth has already requested 59,475 doses of vaccine from the federal government and expects to receive 300,000 total by the end of December.
The first doses will go directly to hospitals in Massachusetts to be distributed to front-line health care workers providing COVID-19-facing care. The next round of vaccine doses will be distributed to residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities. Residents of long-term care facilities are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, with over 60% of statewide COVID-19 deaths occurring in long-term care populations.
A full description of the priority timeline for vaccine distribution can be found in the graphic above and at mass.gov/COVIDvaccine. This schedule was designed to provide safe, equitable, and effective distribution of the vaccine with two primary goals in mind: 1) maximizing preservation of life, and 2) protecting the integrity of our health care system.
More information on today’s announcement can be found here, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine can be found online as well. Please keep in mind that, although we can see a path forward to a “new normal,” that it will likely be several more months until vaccine distribution and immunity is at a level where we can relax public health guidelines. In the meantime, our actions to keep ourselves and each other safe can and will continue to save lives.
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 5,675 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 259,324 total cases and 89 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 4,791, and the average number of deaths is 48.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 5.9%.
- 109,009 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 12/9)
- Hospitalization: 1,576 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 24 from yesterday.
- Hospital Capacity: 19% 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, 19% of the region’s non-ICU 1,600 beds are available for new patients (33% 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 28,381 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,946 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.
