For Immediate Release: 6/9/2020 5:58 pm
Worcester – The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for June 9:
• There are 5,038 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. This is an increase of 9 cases from Monday, June 8. This reflects 2 cases removed from yesterday’s reported total.
• Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 310 (no change from Monday Holden: 112 (increase of 1 from Monday. This reflects 2 cases removed from yesterday’s reported total); Grafton: 93 (no change from Monday); Leicester: 148 (no change from Sunday); Millbury: 229 (no change from yesterday).
• All combined medical facilities of Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care had 97 (decrease of 9 from Monday) total COVID-positive in-patients and 39 (decrease of 4 from Monday) total COVID-positive ICU patients today. To date, their facilities have had 309 (increase of 5 from Monday) total COVID-related deaths. A total of 344 of their employees (no change from Monday) have tested positive for the virus.
• The number of total COVID-positive patients in the combined hospital systems represents a decrease of 187 since May 1.
• The total number of COVID-positive ICU patients in the combined hospital systems represents a decrease of 68 since May 1
• Beaumont Rehabilitation census: 40 in-patients; Total of 208 treated; 107 beds available.
• North High homeless shelter census: 22 clients (COVID-19 negative; no change from Monday.)
• Testing at the North High shelter is expected to take place Wednesday. The City will provide an update as soon as results are available.
• A total of 29 clients have secured more stable housing opportunities or been connected with residential treatment services
• Senior Center update: Number of seniors contacted to date: 10,303; Outreach phone calls made to seniors today: 119; Number of meals delivered in Worcester today: 1,445.
• The Green Hill Golf Course Driving Range & Putting Green are now open, following Phase II reopening protocols. This includes social distancing, sanitation, no sharing of equipment and other restrictions. For reservations, visit www.greenhillgc.com.
• The Grill on the Hill Restaurant at the Green Hill Golf Course has also reopened for Outdoor Dining, following protocols under the Phase II Reopening Plan. Seating is limited, and reservations are recommended. Call ahead at 508-854-1704. You may also visit www.grillonthehillworcester.com.
• In accordance with the Phase II reopening, the City is adjusting its policies on the use of Parks and Athletic Fields. The water at Hope Cemetery has been turned on at all spickets, with signs encouraging visitors to sanitize their hands before and after each use. Local leagues and organizations may also apply for permits to use athletic fields for non-contact sports, with no organized games or tournaments allowed, after submitting a plan to address the requirements under Phase II. Basketball, Handball and Volleyball courts remain closed, as well as the Skate Park at Worcester Technical High School, playgrounds and public restrooms. Green Hill Farm also remains closed. The Beaches, Pool and Spray Parks are currently scheduled to open July 1.
• The City’s Residential Drop-Off Center, 1065 Millbury St., will reopen for bulk waste drop-off starting Saturday, June 13. Drop-offs will be by appointment only on Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments must be made 48 hours in advance by calling 508-929-1300, or going online to worcesterma.gov.
• The City has cancelled its Out to Lunch Festival and Farmers’ Market series this year because of public health recommendations and out of an abundance of caution. The City’s Cultural Development Division, however, will be offering a variety of summer arts and cultural programming. Find out more about the city’s exciting cultural initiatives at worcesterculture.org.
• Worcester Public Schools has secured hotspot internet access for 3,500 students whose homes are currently without a connection. The service will be provided through Verizon, which will provide 3 months of access to allow for summer school, ST-Math programming and virtual summer programming.
• The Worcester Public Library this week started offering curbside pickup at 2 locations: Main Library at 3 Salem Square, and Frances Perkins Branch at 470 West Boylston St. All WPL locations remain closed to the public. Through this service, you may request library materials ahead of time to borrow and pick up outside the library. Cardholders may place a hold on materials from the Main Library, Frances Perkins Branch, Great Brook Valley Branch and Library Express mobile library collection by calling the Main Library at 508-799-1655 (Option 3) or the Frances Perkins Branch at 508-799-1687. For more information about the WPL, visit mywpl.org. For more information about curbside pickup, call Linnea Sheldon at 508-799-1654.
• Donations are still being accepted to the Worcester Together Fund at WorcesterMA.gov/coronavirus, or by texting “worcestercovid19” to 243725.
• The City Manager today recognized Scott Morin as an unsung hero in the City workforce. Morin has been with the City since 2003, serving as a foreman in the Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Division. He is responsible for inspecting and addressing complaints received by the Division, and helps ensure the safety of staff and visitors to the parks by overseeing removal of trash, repair of vandalism and overall park cleanliness. He is also the Division’s Safety Officer, and attends and takes part in meetings as the Parks Representative on the DPW&P Safety Committee, Accident Review Board and as the Automated External Defibrillator Inspector. During the COVID crisis, Scott has been the main point of contact for all required staff PPE needs, and has placed all required signage throughout the parks. He also has delivered meals to those in need and has volunteered time in the Parks Division. The City Manager thanks Scott and all Parks and Rec employees for the hard work they put in each and every day.
• The next City of Worcester COVID-19 media briefing will be held Thursday, June 11 at 4:30 p.m. on the third floor of City Hall. Going forward, media briefings will be held each Tuesday and Thursday only. The City will provide updated numbers on COVID-19 cases on days when there is not a media briefing.
