October 28th Coronavirus Update
As case numbers and rates continue to fluctuate around the country, it is important to stay up to date on COVID-related travel guidance and restrictions, particularly as some of us begin to make decisions about holiday-related travel in coming months.
As you know, our statewide travel order divides states into “lower-risk” and “restricted” based on their positive test rates and case rates adjusted by population. Currently, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, Washington, and Hawaii are considered “lower risk” and travel from all other states requires a 14-day quarantine or proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in Massachusetts (with limited exceptions for Rhode Island). For more information on our policies, visit mass.gov/covidtravel.
Today, we received two new updates from neighboring states that affect Massachusetts residents. New York now “highly discourages” non-essential travel to and from Massachusetts but does not consider quarantines to be “practically viable” given the interconnected nature of the two states. You can read the full advisory from New York here. Connecticut has added Massachusetts to its list of restricted states, which does require a 14-day quarantine for visitors who enter the state and stay for 24 hours or longer. You can find more information on Connecticut’s travel advisory here.
While travel from New York and Connecticut is still allowed without quarantine or testing from our Commonwealth’s perspective, it is important to be cognizant and respectful of all local, state, and federal guidance designed to keep all of us safe and healthy. The most reliable way for us to curb the spread of the pandemic is for all of us to follow all rules set by public health officials and reliable data as best we can, and I thank you for your cooperation in this effort.
New Updates
Coronavirus Testing and Response
- Today, the state saw 1,137 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 150,498 total cases and 36 reported deaths as of today at 4pm.
- The average new cases over the last 7 days is 1,080, and the average number of deaths is 20.
- The 7-day weighted average positive test rate in Massachusetts is 1.8%.
- 582 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide, an increase of 15 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 10/28, 32% of the Commonwealth’s 12,800 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 34% of the region’s 2,100 beds are available for new patients.
- Long-term care: As of 10/28, there are 391 long-term care facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 and 25,590 staff and residents in facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19. 6,373 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
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