For Immediate Release: 1/28/2021 4:20 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update:
To date, there have been 18,829 overall confirmed positive cases in Worcester. That is an increase of 815 cases since the City’s last COVID update on Thursday, Jan. 21.
There were 167 new cases today.
This week marked the third consecutive week of a decline in the number of new cases.
Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 2,244 (increase of 1495); Holden: 1,099 (increase of 67); Grafton: 882 (increase of 65); Leicester: 781 (increase of 45).
UMass Memorial Health Care and Saint Vincent Hospital have a combined total of 208 COVID-positive in-patients (decrease of 38) and 48 total COVID- positive ICU patients (increase of 2). To date, the combined facilities have had 596 COVID-related deaths (increase of 30). A total of 1,666 employees have tested positive for the virus (increase of 44). All changes are from last week’s report.
There have been 367 deaths of Worcester residents, an increase of 8 since last week.
There are 33 positive in-patients at the DCU Field Hospital as of today.
As of today, there are 5 active COVID-19 cases among City Employees that are isolating and 7 in quarantine.
CASES BY AGE
19-under: 2,701 (14%)
20-29: 3,468 (19%)
30-39: 3,173 (17%)
40-49: 2,715 (15%)
50-59: 2,684 (14%)
60-69: 1,892 (10%)
70-up: 2,034 (11%)
The most cases over the past week once again were in the 20-29 age range (160), followed by 19-under (142).
To date, the City has administered 2,727 vaccinations, including 2,391 at the Senior Center and 336 mobile vaccinations at congregate settings, including homeless shelters.
The City has inoculated 324 police (74.4% of 435 total personnel), 307 firefighters (77.7%) and 35 Communications personnel (66%). In total, that represents 75.4% of the 883 employees in those departments.
The City has fielded many concerns from senior citizens and their families regarding the beginning of Phase 2 vaccinations. In that Phase, which begins Monday, Feb. 1, seniors aged 75-plus will be eligible for vaccinations as part of the first Priority Group. A full list of the phases, eligible individuals and locations for vaccinations can be found at www.worcesterma.gov.
Given the high volume of registrations, and a limited supply of vaccinations currently, there may be a delay in being able to secure an appointment. The City of Worcester is working closely with its State partners to resolve any issues and facilitate vaccinations for as many of our seniors in this first Priority Group of Phase 2 as possible.
Phase 2 will also be open to seniors aged 65-plus and people with 2 or more comorbidities (Second Priority Group), followed by employees in several job sectors, including public works, public health, food and education. The Third Priority Group will include people with one comorbid condition.
The City is taking part in Media Town Halls to raise awareness of and provide information about the vaccinations. You can listen to City Manager Augustus, Medical Director Dr. Michael P. Hirsh and Public Health Director Karyn Clark live with Jordan Levy on WTAG 508AM radio on Friday, Jan. 29. Also feel free to visit the Worcester Telegram & Gazette Facebook page to view a Town Hall that was held Thursday. Please stay tuned for information on any additional Town Halls.
The UMass Memorial Health Care COVID-19 Equity Task Force and the City of Worcester jointly sponsor free, walk-up COVID-19 testing. Below are upcoming dates for testing. All testing is held indoors at Mercantile Center, 201 Commercial St.
Monday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
