City of Worcester, MA

COVID-19 Update for May 5; 2,504 Positive Cases

For Immediate Release: 5/5/2020 5:08 pm

The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for May 4:

• There are 2,504 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. This is an increase of 44 cases from May 4.
  
  
• Since April 1, Worcester has seen an increase of 2,392 new cases (average of 68 new cases per day).
  
  
• Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 210; Holden: 62; Grafton: 57; Leicester: 100; Millbury: 173
  
  
• All combined medical facilities of Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care had 266 total COVID-positive in-patients and 109 total COVID-positive ICU patients today. To date, their facilities have had 137 total COVID-related deaths. A total of 206 of their employees have tested positive for the virus.
  
  
• Shelter update: As of today, the DCU Center has 14 positive homeless clients and 27 non-homeless clients on the field hospital side.
  
  
• Beaumont Rehabilitation census: 71 positive inpatients (3 admissions, 2 discharges)
  
  
• Small Business Grants: The second round of the City of Worcester’s small business grants is now live at worcesterma.gov/coronavirus/business. Grants for the second round are capped at $5,000 per business due to limited funding. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. tomorrow Wednesday, May 6.
  
  
• Walmart update: The Walmart at 25 Tobias Boland Way reopened this morning. Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh has lifted the cease and desist order that was issued on April 29. A city inspection of the store yesterday (May 4) revealed that all benchmarks that were ordered have been met. This includes: a deep cleaning by a third party vendor; providing documentation of the cleaning; testing of all Walmart employees (a list of employees not tested has been provided and Walmart is assisting in having those individuals tested and will provide results to WDPH); proper signage and policies in place communicating expectations of PPE and social distancing. It is expected that these protocols will remain in effect and be adhered to. Periodic, unannounced inspections should be expected. Walmart must also report any new or suspected cases of COVID-19 to WDPH immediately. Residents patronizing this store and all stores should continue wearing a face covering while shopping.

• Hanover Insurance has pledged another $100,000 to the Worcester Together Fund. Hanover CEO Jack Roche has also increased his personal pledge to $20,000. To date, the fund has raised more than $6 million. To donate, please visit: worcesterma.gov/coronavirus or text worcestercovid19 to 243725.

• Senior Center update: Number of seniors contacted to date: 6,127; Outreach phone calls made to seniors today: 215; Number of meals delivered to seniors in Worcester today: 1,433. 
  
  
• Today, the City Manager recognized another unsung hero in the City workforce: Kaseem Hargrove a security guard at City Hall. Serving as the security guard at the Worcester Public Library since 2016, Kaseem has been called upon to secure City Hall during the COVID-19 situation. Highly recommended from the Library, Kaseem has been a huge help at City Hall in this new role and does a great job making sure that only authorized personnel come in and out of the building everyday. City Hall employees enter through the back doors each morning and then check in with Kaseem who takes their temperatures and has them sign in. He also communicates with residents seeking to access City Hall about how they can pay a bill, etc. while the building is closed to the public. His role has been vital in keeping City Hall safe for both employees and the public during this crisis. Before his role as a security guard at the Library, he also served as a security officer for the Worcester Public Schools.
  
  
• The City of Worcester COVID-19 information line can be reached at 508-799-1019. Individuals can speak live with a nurse, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.