COVID-19: November 24, 2020 Update from Representative Dykema

November 24th COVID-19 Update

As the holiday near and the COVID-19 pandemic persists, this may be a difficult time for many of us and our loved ones. The stress and anxiety created by the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 haven’t gone anywhere, and for some, the holidays may be painful reminders of the loss of loved ones or the isolation created by social distancing.

There are many statewide supports you can and should take advantage of if you need help during this difficult time. The MassSupport program offers counseling and support systems for those impacted by COVID-19 in any way, with local and regional counselors available via phone at 888-215-4920 or online at MassSupport.org. You can also call the statewide 2-1-1 hotline for a number of resources, including domestic violence support.

You can review the state’s full menu of emotional health and well-being resources during COVID-19 for support that works for you. Please stay well and practice self-care during this difficult time, and check in on your neighbors and loved ones who may be struggling in silence.

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 2,225 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 204,060 total cases and 20 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
The average new cases over the last 7 days is 2,469, and the average number of deaths is 27.
The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 3.0%.
80,819 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 11/24)

Hospitalization: 954 individuals are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 34 from yesterday.
Hospital Capacity: 32% of the Commonwealth’s 11,100 non-ICU hospital beds are available for new patients if needed (47% of statewide ICU beds are available). In the MetroWest region, 32% of the region’s non-ICU 1,900 beds are available for new patients (33% of regional ICU beds are available).
Long-term care: There are 400 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 26,991 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,697 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