For Immediate Release: 2/25/2021 4:24 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update:
To date, there have been 20,531 overall confirmed positive cases in Worcester. That is an increase of 324 cases since the City’s last COVID update on Thursday, Feb. 18.
There were 49 new cases today.
As of today, the 7-day average is down to 46.29 new cases per day.
Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 2,517 (increase of 50); Holden: 1,254 (increase of 29); Grafton: 970 (increase of 11)
UMass Memorial Health Care and Saint Vincent Hospital have a combined total of 68 COVID-positive in-patients (decrease of 11) and 21 total COVID-positive ICU patients (decrease of 9). To date, the combined facilities have had 679 COVID-related deaths (increase of 13). A total of 1,740 employees have tested positive for the virus (increase of 12). All changes are from last week’s report.
There have been 407 deaths of Worcester residents, 8 more since last week.
There are 12 positive in-patients at the DCU Field Hospital as of today.
To date, our Department of Public Health has administered 8,469 vaccinations, including 7,395 at the Senior Center and 1,074 mobile vaccinations at congregate settings, including homeless shelters.
The City has administered 1,373 first doses and 71 second doses to seniors.
Among First Responders, Police have received 340 first doses, and 339 second doses. Firefighters have received 311 first doses and 304 second doses. Communications have received 38 first doses and 25 second doses.
Dr. Matilde Castiel, Commissioner of Health & Human Services, and her team have been delivering mobile vaccinations to eligible members of the community. This week, the City started administering doses at Worcester Housing Authority sites, providing 119 first doses at Webster Square East Tower on Wednesday, and 143 doses at Webster Square West Tower today. A total of 147 of 193 residents at 1060 Main St. have been vaccinated as of today. A total of 196 of 296 residents at 1050 Main St. have been vaccinated. The team will visit additional sites over the next 2 weeks, including Elm Park Tower, 425 Pleasant St., on Monday, March 1; Checkerberry Village in Holden on Wednesday, March 3; Belmont Tower, 40 Belmont St., Monday March 8; and Pleasant Tower, 275 Pleasant St., Wednesday, March 10.
Today, Gov. Baker announced that all cities and towns are allowed to advance to Phase 3, Step 2 of the State’s Reopening Plan as of Monday, March 1. Among other things, this lifts capacity restrictions on restaurants, although 6 feet of distance must still be maintained between tables, with 6 people limited to each table, and a 90-minute time limit in place for table dining.
With the Governor’s announcement, City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. announced today he will lift the restriction on bar-top dining in Worcester as of Monday, March 1.
As part of the Governor’s Order, indoor performance venues will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity, up to a maximum of 500 people.
In addition, as of March 22, the State will advance to Phase 4. This will increase the gathering limits at event venues and public settings to 100 indoor and 150 outdoor. Gathering limits remain the same for private settings (10 indoor, 25 outdoors).
Also, as of March 22, large venues such as outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks will be allowed to reopen at 12-percent capacity.
More information about the Reopening Plan, please visit www.mass.gov.
Below is next week’s schedule for free COVID-19 testing offered by UMass Memorial Healthcare at 201 Commercial St.:
• Monday, March 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Thursday, March 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
