COVID-19: Time Sensitive Update

From Representative Carolyn Dykema

I wanted to make you aware of an event happening tonight at 6pm organized by Congresswoman Katherine Clark. Rep. Clark, whose district includes Holliston and Southborough, invites you to join her for a tele-town hall to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine.

The call will be held tonight at 6pm with public health experts to update participants on the COVID-19 vaccine and answer any questions. The experts provide important public health information about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and share updates on actions currently being taken at the federal, state, and local level to get the vaccines into the hands of our communities and keep us safe. You can join the town hall by dialing in at 1 (844) 734-8764.

If you would like to submit a question in advance of the tele-town hall, you can do so using this form.

NOTE: Today’s COVID-19 case numbers reflect data updated through yesterday, 1/13, as we are sending out this email earlier in the day than usual. As always, the DPH daily dashboard from which we compile our data 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

  • Yesterday, the state saw 5,278 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 427,752 total cases and 86 reported deaths.
  • The average new cases over the last 7 days is 5,957, and the average number of deaths is 68.
  • The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 7.1%.
  • 100,276 new molecular tests for COVID-19 were reported in the Commonwealth yesterday.
  • 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 1/13)

  • Hospitalization: 2,200 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, a decrease of 19 from yesterday. The 7-day average of hospitalizations is 2,263.
  • Hospital Capacity: 13% of the Commonwealth’s non-ICU hospital beds are available for new patients if needed (21% of statewide ICU beds are available). In the MetroWest region, 13% of the region’s non-ICU beds are available for new patients (24% of regional ICU beds are available).
  • Long-term care: There are 418 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 32,370 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 7,666 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.

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