COVID-19 Update for March 28; 75 Positive Cases
For Immediate Release:
3/28/2020 5:54 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for March 28:
- There are 20 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. There are now 75 overall confirmed positive cases in Worcester. All 75 individuals are being monitored by the Worcester Division of Public Health and are in isolation.
- As of Saturday, March 28, there are 107 combined positive cases for Worcester, Shrewsbury, Holden, Grafton and Leicester.
- Approximately 320 first responders have been tested for COVID-19 as of Saturday. Three Worcester firefighters and one recruit have tested positive for the virus.
- A total of 41 members of the Worcester Fire Department are currently in 14-day quarantine.
- The city remains concerned about the vulnerability of the elderly and those with underlying conditions; however, the numbers in Worcester show the younger population is still at risk for contracting COVID-19.
- As of Saturday, there were 36 positive cases involving individuals between the ages of 20-39. That accounted for nearly half of all cases in Worcester.
- Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center is being converted into a treatment center for COVID-19 patients. UMass Memorial Medical Center and St. Vincent Hospital will discharge COVID-19 patients to the facility. The center is moving existing residents to other facilities.
- President Donald Trump has approved a disaster declaration for Massachusetts, ordering federal assistance to help with recovery in areas impacted by COVID-19.
- The declaration will make federal funding and assistance available for emergency protective measures at the state, municipal and tribal level.
- Before a tour of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Donation Center on Saturday, Gov. Charlie Baker and Red Cross officials emphasized the importance of blood donations during this time.
- Donations are being done appointment only. Applications to determine eligibility can be filled out at www.redcross.org.
- The city's fourth temporary homeless shelter opened on Saturday at Worcester Tech, joining facilities at North High School, St. John's and Ascension Church.
- Nearly $2.5 million has been raised for Worcester Together, a partnership between the City of Worcester, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and United Way of Central Massachusetts,
- Residents are reminded to stay off playground equipment and to not use facilities such as basketball and volleyball courts, where COVID-19 can be easily spread. Social distancing should also be practiced. While playgrounds are to be avoided, all parks remain open.
- Residents are also reminded to remain extra vigilant about home safety precautions, including smoking. Fire officials are urging folks to take caution when discarding of smoking materials, particularly when smoking outside on porches.
- The City of Worcester COVID-19 information line can be reached at 508-799-1019. This service is available in multiple languages. 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 1,900 calls with more than 280 connected to a live nurse.
