October 1st Coronavirus Update
As we enter a new month, I wanted to provide a brief snapshot of where we are in the Commonwealth’s experience with the pandemic. In the last 6 months, a lot has changed in the way we track and respond to the COVID-19 virus, but there are certain key metrics we can track over time to get a sense of the “curve.”
The chart to the right tracks 7-day averages of new cases and daily hospitalization totals. Our daily positive test numbers are still significantly below our peaks during the April “surge,” although they have continued to trend upward since July. This may be in part due to our large increases in testing in recent months, and our statewide positive test rate has hovered around 1 percent. However, it is also important to note that our hospitalization numbers, which are not dependent on testing capacity, have also trended up in the last month.
Massachusetts has made a lot of progress in both containing the spread of the virus through our social distancing and safety practices as well as quickly increasing our ability to engage in widespread pandemic response activities like testing and contact tracing. As the weather gets colder and we will inevitably be spending more time inside, it’s critical that we all remain vigilant.
If you feel sick, please stay home and get tested. This week, the Commonwealth announced that it was extending the Stop the Spread Initiative through October, which provides free, no-cost molecular testing to all Massachusetts residents. For more information on getting a COVID-19 test, visit mass.gov/gettested.
In addition, the Department of Public Health is recommending that everyone receive a flu vaccine as soon as possible to prevent increased stressors on our health care system as we prepare to fight a possible second wave of cases. For more information, visit mass.gov/influenza.
New Updates
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- Today, the state saw 708 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 130,461 total cases and 23 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 514, and the average number of deaths is 16.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.1%.
- 436 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, a decrease of 2 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 10/1, 28% of the Commonwealth’s 12,700 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 28% of the region’s 2,100 beds are available for new patients.
- Long-term care: As of 10/1, there are 384 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 24,921 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,086 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
