COVID-19: October 6, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema
October 6th Coronavirus Update
As of yesterday, communities with local COVID-19 case rates in the lower- and moderate-risk categories are now allowed to enter step 2 of the “Vigilant” Phase III of reopening.
Based on current data, in our district, Hopkinton, Southborough, and Westborough are allowed to enter step 2. “Lower-risk” communities, for the purpose of advancing to this new step of reopening, are considered cities and towns that have not been a “red” community in any of the last three weekly Department of Public Health reports.
Additional businesses, including indoor performance venues and indoor recreation businesses, will be allowed to reopen at limited capacity. Some businesses that have already reopened will be allowed to expand capacity, such as libraries and gyms, and retail stores will be allowed to reopen fitting rooms. For a full list of changes, read the announcement here.
Most notably, the statewide gatherings order has been revised to allow outdoor gatherings in event venues and other public settings to be increased to 100 people with proper social distancing protocols in step 2 communities. The capacity limit for gatherings remains at 25 for indoor gatherings and 50 for private, outdoor gatherings for all communities. There is an important distinction between professionally-managed outdoor gatherings, which must undergo significant planning and preparation in compliance with state and local guidance, and private or otherwise impromptu gatherings. It is still critically important that no matter where we go or what we do, we all continue to be vigilant about mask use, social distancing, and personal hygiene.
New Updates
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- Today, the state saw 454 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 133,359 total cases and 8 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 588, and the average number of deaths is 16.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.1%.
- 494 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 35 from 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
- Hospital Capacity: As of 10/6, 34% of the Commonwealth’s 12,500 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 35% of the region’s 2,000 beds are available for new patients.
- Long-term care: As of 10/5, there are 387 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 25,128 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,150 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 Resources
All of the towns in the 8th Middlesex District now have centralized COVID-19 resource pages with resources, updates, and alerts regarding town services.
Holliston | Hopkinton | Southborough | Westborough
The Department of Public Health also releases weekly reports on town-by-town COVID-19 case numbers and rates, which can be found online here.
Resources for Residents Experiencing Job Loss or Loss of Income
COVID-19 is 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: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance
Department of Transitional Assistance: https://www.mass.gov/dta-covid-19-resources-and-support
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.
How You Can Help
Holliston Youth and Family Services requests your support of the Community Action Fund, which provides emergency assistance to those affected by COVID-19. Learn more or donate here.
Southborough’s Community Fund has supported local COVID-19 response efforts and families impacted by the pandemic, as well as other charitable organizations in Town. Learn more or donate here.
The Westborough Rotary Club has launched a COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to provide assistance to those affected by COVID-19. Learn more or donate here.
The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations, the need for which is significant due to blood drive cancellations. The need is dire due to the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives. People can donate at the Worcester American Red Cross Donor Center, 381 Plantation St. Worcester or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Some local donor sites, including the Natick Senior Center, are available for appointments as well.
Information on our local food pantries can be found below. The most pressing need right now is cash donations to ensure that food drop-off and delivery do not inadvertently contribute to the spread of the virus.
Holliston Pantry Shelf | Project Just Because | Southborough Food Pantry | Westborough Food Pantry
