For Immediate Release: 8/27/2020 4:17 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update.
• To date, there have been 5,803 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester, with an additional 87 cases since the last report.
Reporting Date New Cases Increase/Decrease from previous week
27-Aug 87 increase
19-Aug 69 decrease
13-Aug 70 decrease
5-Aug 97 increase
30-Jul 88 increase
23-Jul 63 increase
16-Jul 43 decrease
9-Jul 61 decrease
2-Jul 75 increase
• Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 371 (increase of 4); Holden: 144 (increase of 10); Grafton: 110 (increase of 4); Leicester: 170 (increase of 2); Millbury: 281 (increase of 1). All changes are from Wednesday, Aug. 19.
• UMass Memorial Health Care and Saint Vincent Hospital, as of Wednesday, Aug. 26, have a combined total of 20 COVID-positive in-patients (increase of 6) and 5 total COVID-positive ICU patients (no change). To date, the combined facilities have had 365 COVID-related deaths (increase of 4). A total of 399 employees have tested positive for the virus (increase of 3). All changes are from last week, Wednesday, Aug. 19.
• In the wake of updated testing guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that individuals who present no symptoms of COVID do not necessarily need a test, the state has no plans to alter its current testing recommendations or protocols. Testing is recommended for symptomatic individuals and asymptomatic individuals who are close contacts.
• The City continues to stress the importance of limiting the spread of COVID-19. Residents are reminded to wear face coverings, maintain social distancing and follow all state and local COVID protocols, including the Governor’s regulations for indoor and outdoor gatherings.
• Per the Governor, all travelers, including out-of-state visitors and in-state residents returning from out-of-state who do not meet an exemption, must quarantine for 14 days unless coming from an exempt, lower-risk state or can provide a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours. It is the responsibility of the traveler to visit the state website and fill out a travel form. More information on the Governor’s travel order can be found here.
• Businesses are reminded that the City is continuing to conduct compliance checks in an attempt to ensure all COVID-19 protocols are being followed.
• Residents and business owners can stay informed on the Commonwealth Re-opening Plan by visiting mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts.
• For information about COVID-19, or to talk to a live nurse Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. call 508-799-1019. Information and links to resources may also be accessed at worcesterma.gov/coronavirus.
• Senior Center update: Number of seniors contacted to date: 17,194; Outreach phone calls made to seniors this week: 615; Number of meals delivered in Worcester this week: 5,564.
• The City is no longer holding weekly media briefings, but continues to monitor COVID-19 numbers and send out weekly updates.
