COVID-19 resurfaces at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home after weeks of no cases; family visits halted again
After a month of the facility being COVID-19 free, officials at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke confirmed a renewed case in a veteran who appeared to be “clinically recovered” after the widespread outbreak that cropped up in March. Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/coronavirus/2020/07/covid-19-resurfaces-at-holyoke-soldiers-home-after-weeks-of-no-cases-family-visits-halted-again.html
Amid Pandemic, Mass. Schools Given 10 Extra Days to Prepare for Reopening
After a push from teachers unions, Massachusetts is allowing schools to start 10 days later so districts can have more time to prepare for the school year amid the coronavirus pandemic. Teachers unions and state officials signed a memorandum of understanding Monday that shortens the upcoming school year by 10 days, from 180 to 170 days. The agreement requires, however, that schools start their academic years no later than September 16. Read the full story here: https://www.nbcboston.com/news/coronavirus/massachusetts-schools-to-start-two-weeks-late/2167186/
Free COVID Testing Available in Springfield and Agawam Until August 14th
The Commonwealth is launching a strategic testing program in communities across Massachusetts that have continued to see a higher number of residents testing positive for COVID-19. Springfield and Agawam are two of those communities. There are no residency restrictions, you do not need insurance, and you do not need to have symptoms. Get the full information here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread
Currently there are 977 positive COVID cases in Holyoke < 1% increase
7326 confirmed cases in Hampden County < 1% increase
1095 in Hampshire –no change
398 in Franklin < 1% increase
647 in Berkshire county <1% increase
Weekly Public Health Report (Updated Wednesday) Contains town-by-town numbers, long-term care facility information, and more: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-weekly-public-health-report-
Massachusetts comprehensive daily “dashboard” illustrating the spread of this virus across regions and demographics: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-daily-dashboard-
Testing has a turnaround time of 4-6 days and many cases are being clinically diagnosed (no testing or reporting involved). All are advised to behave as though they are carriers of Covid-19.
The curve we need to flatten: County numbers graphed over time can be found here: https://www.wmasscovid.com/
Massachusetts has now experienced a total of 8,331 deaths among the 108,740 confirmed Covid-19 cases. *Massachusetts is now reporting “probable” Coronavirus deaths in addition to confirmed cases.
Mass website featuring all Covid-19 testing sites: www.mass.gov/covid-testmap
Please be advised that you may be contacted by Public Health officials as part of the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Initiative sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to someone who has tested positive, you may receive a call from your local Board of Health or from the MA Department of Public Health. The call will only take a few minutes and is a necessary step to limit the spread of the virus. Your information will not be shared with any other agencies and these officials will never ask for your social security number or health insurance information. If you have any questions about a call you received, contact us at coronaresponse@holyoke.org
Click here for Governor Baker’s Phase II Executive Order
Click here for Governor Baker’s Revised Gatherings Executive Order
Full list and safety protocols available at : www.mass.gov/reopening