COVID-19: May 5, 2020 Update From Representative Dykema

Holliston Reporter

May 5 Coronavirus Update

In coming editions, I’ll be providing some answers to frequently asked questions raised by constituents, and I hope to continue this dialogue as our policies continue to evolve in this new phases of the pandemic. As always, if you have questions, comments, or requests related to the types of information that you receive or want to receive via this newsletter, please reach out via email to let me know.  

As a reminder, TODAY the statewide mask and face covering advisory goes into effect. For more information on implementation of this order, please review the advisory guidance and the video to the right. 

Coronavirus Testing and Response

Source: Department of Public Health data
  • There are 70,271 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 1,184 new cases and 4,212 deaths as of today at 4pm. 
  • Overall, over 333,000 tests have been conducted by public and private sources. 13% of the 9,081 tests reported today were positive.
  • 3,542 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, a drop of 78 from yesterday.
  • The Department of Public Health has regularly released 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.

Health Care

  • Hospital Capacity: As of 5/5, 53% of the Commonwealth’s 18,200 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 36% of the region’s 2,500 beds are available for new patients.
  • Personal Protective Equipment: PPE distribution continues across the Commonwealth, with over 1,307,000 pieces of PPE distributed in the MetroWest region, including 283,000 N95/KN95 masks and 136 ventilators.
  • Mobile testing: The MA National Guard mobile testing unit continues to visit and conduct test at the Commonwealth’s long-term care facilities, having made 554 visits and conducted 30,894 tests as of 5/5.
  • The Supreme Judicial Court has released this week’s count of individuals in Massachusetts’s jails and correctional facilities with COVID-19. The full report can be read here.

Economy

  • The Governor today released updated essential business guidance to allow for non-essential businesses with a significant remote fulfillment role to bring in a limited number of employees to fulfill online or phone orders. These businesses include car dealerships and flower shops, and more detailed guidance can be found online.
  • The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, together with MassHire, is holding a free webinar/Q&A for business owners on pandemic resources for businesses in the region on Friday, 5/8 at 10 a.m. You can register online here.

Transportation

  • For individuals who need to visit a Registry of Motor Vehicles, online reservations for the RMV’s open service centers have been expanded to allow for reservations to be made 7 days in advance. Customers are still encouraged to do business online whenever possible and many license, permit, and registration categories are under extension. For more info, please visit the RMV COVID-19 page.

 Additional Items

  • Those who are frontline workers or with family members who are frontline workers are encouraged to visit Frontline MA, the Attorney General’s statewide website for frontline worker support resources and information.
  • The statewide mental health helpline, Call2Talk, is open to all who have mental health needs or who need guidance or support. The hotline can be accessed by calling 2-1-1 or (508) 532-2255.

Local Resources

All of our towns now have centralized COVID-19 resource page with resources, updates, and alerts regarding town services.

HollistonHopkintonSouthboroughWestborough

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 resourceshttps://carolyndykema.com/covid19-state-resources

Department of Unemployment Assistancehttps://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

Department of Transitional Assistance

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.

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 dropoff and delivery do not inadvertently contribute to the spread of the virus.

Holliston Pantry Shelf | Project Just Because | Southborough Food Pantry | Westborough Food Pantry