COVID-19 Update for March 29; 86 Positive Cases
For Immediate Release:
3/29/2020 5:25 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for March 29:
- There are 11 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. There are now 86 overall confirmed positive cases in Worcester. All 86 individuals are being monitored by the Worcester Division of Public Health and are in isolation.
- A week ago at this time there were 13 positive cases in Worcester. This represents an increase in positive cases of 561 percent. (increase of 73 cases)
- According to Johns Hopkins, Massachusetts (4,257) now has the sixth-highest number of positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. New York has the most (59,528). Massachusetts has the highest number of cases in New England, Connecticut is second (1,524).
- The city’s fourth temporary homeless shelter is online at Worcester Tech. (Joining North High School, Ascension Church and St. John’s). It opened at 1 p.m. Saturday. Shelter census numbers – as of today; North High School: 21; St. John’s: 20; Ascension: 19; Worcester Tech: 3 (tested, awaiting results); Total in shelters: 63.
- 26 people have volunteered at the shelters; 17 are City of Worcester employees. All volunteers go through an orientation program. Net of Compassion has 40 staff members staffing the shelters.
- Residents are reminded to stay off playground equipment and continue practicing appropriate social distancing. Parks are still open but group sports should be avoided (basketball, etc.). These activities can put people at risk. The City has increased signage and enforcement.
- Worcester Together, a partnership between the City of Worcester, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and United Way of Central Massachusetts, continues to raise money for efforts dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. The fund has, to date, raised nearly $2.5 million. To donate visit: worcesterma.gov/coronavirus or text “worcestercovid19” to 243725.
- The City of Worcester COVID-19 information line can be reached at 508-799-1019. This service is available in multiple languages. Individuals can speak live with a nurse, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The line has received more than 2,100 calls with more than 290 connected to a live nurse.
