For Immediate Release: 11/19/2020 4:30 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update:
To date, there have been 8,565 overall confirmed positive cases in Worcester, an increase of 667 from last week.
There were 127 new cases on Thursday.
Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 659 (increase of 72); Holden: 292 (increase of 62); Grafton: 222 (increase of 39); Leicester: 279 (increase of 20); Millbury: 421 (+47). All changes are from last week’s report.
UMass Memorial Health Care and Saint Vincent Hospital, as of Thursday, Nov. 19, have a combined total of 104 COVID-positive in-patients (increase of 16) and 33 total COVID- positive ICU patients (increase of 11). To date, the combined facilities have had 398 COVID-related deaths (increase of 1). A total of 627 employees have tested positive for the virus (increase of 49). All changes are from last week’s report.
There have been 302 deaths of Worcester residents.
There have been 223 cumulative COVID-positive cases at Worcester colleges and universities. There are currently 73 active student cases. There were 65new positive student cases this week.
CASES BY AGE
19-under: 886 (10%)
20-29: 1,397 (17%)
30-39: 1,415 (17%)
40-49: 1,307 (15%)
50-59: 1,286 (15%)
60-69: 885 (10%)
70-up: 1,270 (15%)
There are 20 positive COVID cases among City employees and 13 in quarantine:
This past week there were 255 individual cases among 104 families. There were 14 nursing home cases.
The City Manager has announced that Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh and Health Commissioner Dr. Matilde Castiel will lead Town Meeting with different indusgtry and sector-specific partners, including restaurant/retail businesses and building/property managers. The Town Halls are aimed at providing assistance and guidance on enforcing and adhering to COVID protocols. Invitations will be sent out.
Crews are currently working to convert the DCU Center into a field hospital for use as a surge facility should it be needed to serve patients as needed to alleviate any burdens on local hospitals.
With the City in the midst of a surge in COVID cases, the Citiy Manager is urging residents to stay home for Thanksgiving and cancel any plans to either host gatherings or travel.
The Worcester Railers this week announced they have canceled their 2020-21 season. The City Manager offered his thanks to owner Cliff Rucker and his organization for their commitment to the City, and noted the team plans to hit the ice once more for the 2021-22 season at the DCU Center.
UPCOMING FREE COVID TESTING
1. UMass Memorial Healthcare COVID-19 Equity Task Force and the City of Worcester
o Monday, Nov. 23, 10:30 a.m. – 3p.m., Mercantile Center, 201 Commercial St.
o Tuesday, Nov. 24, 10:30 a.m. – 3p.m., Mercantile Center, 201 Commercial St.
o No Appointment Necessary
2. AIDS Project Worcester at QCC, 670 W. Boylston St.
o Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
o Monday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed 12-1)
o Tuesday, Nov. 24, 1-4 p.m.
o Wednesday, Nov. 25, 8-11 a.m.
o Closed on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26
o Appointment Only
o Find more information about APW testing at www.aidsprojectworcester.org.
• Find more information about testing sites and the Stop the Spread campaign, visit www.mass.gov.
FLU SHOTS
• We continue to encourage folks to take advantage of free COVID testing
• You can also get a free flu shot, with insurance
• Avoid the “Double Whammy” and the significant health risks that could come with contracting COVID and the flu simultaneously
• Upcoming Worcester Public Schools clinics for students
o Friday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 3 sites: Doherty HS, Burncoat HS, Goddard Elementary
o Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2-6 p.m. at 3 sites: Elm Park Community School, Burncoat HS, Woodland/Claremont
