May 4 Coronavirus Update
As we enter a new week and a new month, the statewide data we are seeing is slowly beginning to indicate that we are entering a new phase in our COVID-19 response. To better represent our evolving conditions, I have updated the format of our daily chart. The following includes more detail below about the significance of each metric. Going forward, this new chart will replace the chart you’ve regularly been seeing in these newsletters.
New cases: 1,000
This number reflects the number of new confirmed cases reported to the Department of Public Health each day, but it is important to remember that new cases depend the number of tests performed in the state each day. Although we are still seeing 1,000 or more new cases each day, we are testing more and more patients and positive rates are now consistently below 20%, down from 35% a few weeks ago. What these numbers don’t represent are the potentially large numbers of asymptomatic individuals who, while free of symptoms, are still able to transmit the virus.
Daily deaths: 86
The number of Massachusetts residents who have fallen victim to the virus continues to grow. While it’s frustrating to experience the impacts of the pandemic on our economy and daily activities, it’s important to remember that our continued vigilance and thoughtful planning is a matter of life or death for many.
Total hospitalizations: 3,539
This is one of the key metrics the state is looking to for sustained, declining trends as a guide to when to begin reopening the economy. During our “surge,” the total COVID-19 hospitalizations remained high but, fortunately, manageable. However, we have yet to see the consistent, sustained decrease that state officials, federal agencies, and public health officials agree is necessary before restrictions can safely be lifted.
Total cases: 69,087
Ultimately, it is important to remember how broad this virus’s impact is. Countless families across the Commonwealth have been touched by this disease, whether they or their loved ones become sick, they have friends and family working the front lines of our response, or they feel the burden of prolonged separation. Over 1% of our total population has become sick in a few short months, an unprecedented phenomenon in modern history.
Together, I believe the data in this updated chart present a concise but detailed snapshot of each day in the Commonwealth. For more detailed information, I encourage you to review the DPH data dashboards, and I will continue to highlight important regional metrics such as our hospital capacity, PPE distribution, and nursing home testing in these updates.
Health Care
- Hospital Capacity: As of 5/4, 53% of the Commonwealth’s 17,900 permanent and temporary hospital beds are available for new patients if needed. In the MetroWest region, 42% of the region’s 2,400 beds are available for new patients.
- Personal Protective Equipment: PPE distribution continues across the Commonwealth, with over 1,219,000 pieces of PPE distributed in the MetroWest region, including 274,000 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 542 visits and conducted 29,417 tests as of 5/4.
Contact Tracing
- All Massachusetts residents are being encouraged to “Answer the Call” if and when they are contacted by the Commonwealth’s growing contact tracing operation.
- If someone tests positive for COVID-19, the Community Tracing Collaborative‘s contact tracers will reach out by phone to that person, and their close contacts, to slow the spread of the virus. Contact Tracers will make sure residents are getting the medical attention and support they need during isolation and quarantine.
- The caller ID will show the call is coming from “MA COVID Team”. Information shared during the call is strictly confidential and is treated as private medical information.
Economy
- The Reopening Advisory Board continues to meet with stakeholders and consider input from all over the Commonwealth and across every sector of our economy. The Board is also soliciting public online comment from business owners, workers, state and local officials, and others who may have valuable perspectives to offer.
- 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.
Legislative Updates
- Today, the House of Representatives adopted historic emergency rules to hold sessions remotely with unanimous bipartisan consent, to ensure that we can continue to advance legislation essential to our health, safety, and economy. The temporary emergency rules can be read online here.
- The Senate passed legislation allowing for modifications to quorum requirements for Town Meeting during the pandemic. The bill now travels to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Additional Items
- Reminder: This week, a statewide executive order requiring face coverings for all individuals in public spaces where social distancing is not possible goes into effect. You can read the order and guidance in full here.
- 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.
- Westborough: Today, the Westborough Rotary Club launched the Westborough COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to support those most impacted by this pandemic. More information and a link to donate online can be found 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.
For your convenience, you can find a guide of resources and information at: https://carolyndykema.com/covid19-state-resources/.
Additional Guidance on Unemployment Assistance
- Updated Guidance for Self-Employed Individuals and those who have exhausted existing benefits.
- Massachusetts Employee Unemployment Benefits FAQ
- Department of Unemployment Assistance Virtual Town Hall Schedule and Sign-Up