COVID-19 Update for March 25; 27 Positive Cases
For Immediate Release:
3/25/2020 5:50 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for March 25:
- There are 8 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. There are now 27 overall confirmed positive cases in Worcester. All 27 individuals are being monitored by the Worcester Division of Public Health and are in isolation.
- Today the City Manager toured a Worcester facility where the City has been receiving and coordinating the distribution of supplies for first responders and community health care partners. The City greatly appreciates the donations it has already received from numerous local businesses and institutions.
- Businesses, individuals and organizations are being asked to consider donating any extra face masks or other personal protective equipment they might have available. The City is working on guidelines for this and hopes to have information posted tomorrow regarding donations of equipment at worcesterma.gov/coronavirus/assistance.
- Shelter Update: 3 emergency shelters for the adult homeless population are online at North High School, St. John’s Church and Ascension Church.
- The City is seeking volunteers to help at the shelters. Those interested in volunteering should email volunteer@worcesterma.gov.
- Applications for Small Business Resiliency Grants are available at worcesterma.gov/coronavirus. The first round of applications are due this Friday, March 27 by 5 p.m. With additional funding from HUD proposed in the federal stimulus, the City hopes to be able to support more applications and expand eligibility. To date we have received more than 50 applications.
- The City, MassHire and the Worcester Regional Chambe of Commerce have partnered to create an online platform to connect residents with “essential employers” who have critical staffing needs at masshirecentral.com. A total of 143 job seekers and 25 employers have signed up to date.
- Local hospitals are in desperate need of blood donations, especially platelets. The process takes about 75 minutes and can be scheduled by calling 508-421-1901. For general blood donations, appointments are best scheduled online at redcrossblood.org.
- The Worcester Public Library continues to provide reference services over the phone and by email. They are ordering more digital materials to try to meet increased demand. For information on services and resources available from home, as well as contact information visit: mywpl.org. The Children’s Librarians will be posting 3 daily kids’ activities at: mywpl.org/videos. They will also be doing storytimes, activities, and book recommendations. Adults will do a 15 minute read aloud each day on Facebook Live at noon. They will also do a quick two minute book talk/recommendation at 4 p.m. every other day also on Facebook Live.
- To donate to the Worcester Together fund, please visit the City of Worcester COVID-19 page at: worcesterma.gov/coronavirus. Hanover Insurance Group donated $100,000 to the fund today. A text line has been established for donations. Text “worcestercovid19” to 243725, then click on the link you’re sent and follow the instructions to donate. To date, the fund stands at $2.2 million.
- Through the Worcester Senior Center, the City has made outreach to 936 seniors to date. A total of 177 outreach phone calls were made to seniors today. A total of 923 meals were delivered to seniors today in Worcester by Elder Services of Worcester Area.
- The City of Worcester COVID-19 information line can be reached at 508-799-1019. This service is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Albanian. We have an option for individuals to speak live with a nurse, Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm. The line has received more than 1,700 calls with more than 190 connected to a live nurse.
