For Immediate Release: 6/18/2020 6:10 pm
There are 5,115 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester, an increase of 47 cases from Thursday, June 11.
Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 312 (+2); Holden: 115 (+3); Grafton: 94 (+2); Leicester: 149 (+2); Millbury: 238 (+4).
Over past 3 weeks, Worcester has been in single digits for percentage of positive COVID tests
All combined medical facilities of Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care had 49 (-28) total COVID-positive in-patients and 18 (-14) total COVID-positive ICU patients today. To date, their facilities have had 324 (+10) total COVID-related deaths. A total of 360 of their employees (+5) have tested positive for the virus.
The number of total COVID-positive patients in the combined hospital systems represents a decrease of 235 since May 1; decrease of 93 since June 1.
The total number of COVID-positive ICU patients in the combined hospital systems represents a decrease of 89 since May 1; decrease of 35 since June 1.
This week, the Governor announced free Pop-Up COVID testing at sites throughout the state, including 3 in Worcester, for those who have participated in a large gathering over the past 2 weeks. Testing was conducted yesterday and today. Yesterday, UMass Memorial tested approximately 780 individuals in their pop-up tent. Results for 665 of those revealed just 13 positive tests (1.95%)
Beaumont Rehabilitation: 21 in-patients; Total of 217 treated; 126 beds available.
North High healthy homeless shelter: 19 clients
A total of 32 clients have secured more stable housing opportunities or been connected with residential treatment services
Between June 7th and June 17th, the City received 335 complaint calls due to the illegal use of fireworks. On June 15th, the Worcester Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire caused by fireworks which left 11 people displaced from their home.
Today, City Manager Augustus announced the early launch of the Summer Impact Program. A command team will be assigned nightly to investigate complaints and address nuisance concerns.
Residents can report an anonymous tip by calling (508) 799-1003 or text to 274637.
Violators may be subject to fines, inspections and possible criminal complaints.
Thank you to Chief Michael Lavoie of the Worcester Fire Department and Chief Steve Sargent of Worcester Police Department for bringing their teams to together to improve the quality of life for the residents of Worcester.
Work began today on reopening Playgrounds in 35 parks, which we anticipate opening by this Saturday. The Skate Park at Green Hill Park will open at 3 p.m. Saturday
Signage will be prominently featured requiring:
Senior Center update: Number of seniors contacted to date: 11,393; Outreach phone calls made to seniors today: 198; Number of meals delivered in Worcester today: 1,079.
The City Manager recognized James Racicot Jr., Chief Sanitary Inspector of Food Protection Unit in Inspectional Services. Born and raised on Grafton Hill, he has worked with the City 13 years. He is a graduate of Worcester State University in 2008 with a degree in City/Urban, Community & Regional Planning. In 2014, James completed his Master of Science in Nonprofit Public Organizational Management. He also served in the U.S. Army. During the COVID-19 crisis, James has shown his unwavering commitment to his program, staff and the City. He has been out alongside 6 inspectors educating business owners on guidance from the State, working with Public Health nurses investigating clusters of possible infections, inspecting restaurants for compliance with changing restrictions and playing a key role in the review of the outdoor dining restaurant Applications for the license Commission. We thank James for his dedication to the City he calls home and the work he does day in and day out, and I’m proud to recognize him as a Hero Among Us.
The next City of Worcester COVID-19 media briefing will be held Thursday, June 25 at 4:30 p.m. on the third floor of City Hall. Going forward, media briefings will be held each Thursday only.
