At today’s’ press conference, Governor Baker emphasized that the Massachusetts economy would be reopened gradually, in the previously released phases. Public health metrics will determine when the phasing begins and how long each phase lasts.
The Governor also stated that Contact Tracing efforts would be ramped up considerably in advance of the reopening. However, there remains a continued problem of residents not answering the Contact Tracing calls from the State or local Boards of Health.
The Department of Public Health has updated the guidance regarding testing, to encompass anyone exhibiting symptoms, even if mild, and all people identified via Contact Tracing efforts as having contact with someone who has tested positive.
New town-by-town numbers were released today and can be viewed here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/confirmed-covid-19-cases-in-ma-by-citytown-january-1-2020-may-13-2020-0/download
Massachusetts now is releasing a comprehensive “dashboard” to illustrate the spread of this virus across regions and demographics. You can view today’s here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-dashboard-may-13-2020/download
Testing has a turnaround time of 1 – 4 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.
724 Holyoke residents have been confirmed positive by testing.
4,889 confirmed cases in Hampden County (1% increase)708 in Hampshire (1% increase)
302 in Franklin (1.5% increase)
486 in Berkshire county (<1% increase)
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 5,315 deaths connected to Covid-19
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