For Immediate Release: 7/23/2020 4:41 pm
There are 5,414 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester, an increase of 63 over last week’s update on Thursday, July 16.
This represents the highest increase in weekly positive cases and the first week of increase after two weeks of decline since the beginning of July. With Phase 3 of Massachusetts' reopening plan well underway, the public is urged to follow safety protocols, best practices and good judgement. Maintain proper social distancing at all times and wear a mask or face covering. Avoid large gatherings and continue to use caution in your interactions with others. COVID-19 still poses a threat to public safety.
|
Reporting Date |
New Cases |
Increase/Decrease from previous week |
|
23-Jul |
63 |
increase |
|
16-Jul |
43 |
decrease |
|
9-Jul |
61 |
decrease |
|
2-Jul |
75 |
increase |
|
25-Jun |
67 |
increase |
|
18-Jun |
47 |
increase |
|
11-Jun |
39 |
increase |
Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 341 (increase of 12); Holden: 127 (increase of 3); Grafton: 98 (increase of 1); Leicester: 158 (increase of 4); Millbury: 265 (increase of 9). All increases are from last week, Thursday, July 16.
UMass Memorial Health Care and Saint Vincent Hospitalcombined total of 11 COVID-positive in-patients (decrease of 3) and 3 total COVID-positive ICU patients (no change). To date, the combined facilities have had 350 COVID-related deaths (increase of 1). A total of 374 employees have tested positive for the virus (increase of 3). All updates are from last week, Thursday, July 16.
Yesterday Governor Charlie Baker extended the pause on evictions and foreclosures for 60 days, until October 17, 2020, through the authority granted to the governor by Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2020, An Act providing for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency, which was signed into law on April 20, 2020. This law’s limitations on evictions and foreclosures have allowed many tenants and homeowners impacted by COVID-19 to remain in their homes during the state of emergency, and this extension provides residents of the Commonwealth with continued housing security as businesses cautiously re-open, more people return to work, and the state collectively moves toward a “new normal.” The moratorium was set to expire on August 18, 2020.
The Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has rescinded the Executive Order that suspends the ban on single-use plastic bags. In accordance with the state Order, City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. has issued an Order extending the deadline of the Ordinance on Single-Use Plastic Bags to September 1, 2020. Retailers may continue to use their inventory of single-use plastic bags until September 1.
Senior Center update: Number of seniors contacted to date: 14,455; Outreach phone calls made to seniors this week: 741; Number of meals delivered in Worcester this week: 5,725.
The Worcester Public Library is now open for computer, printing, and faxing services by appointment at the Main Library downtown. Appointments can be made by visiting mywpl.org/article/reserve-your-appointment-main-library. Limited computer appointments also available at the Great Brook Valley Branch by calling (508) 799-1729. Face coverings and social distancing enforced.
Residents and business owners can stay informed on the Commonwealth Re-opening plan by visiting mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts
The City is no longer holding weekly media briefings, but continues to monitor COVID-19 numbers and send out weekly updates.
