COVID-19 Update For May 15; 3,311 Positive Cases
For Immediate Release:
5/15/2020 5:05 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for May 15:
- There are 3,311 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. This is an increase of 105 cases from Thursday, May 14.
- Since April 1, Worcester has seen an increase of 3,131 new cases (average of 70 new cases per day).
- Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 250; Holden: 67; Grafton: 71; Leicester: 114; Millbury: 191
- All combined medical facilities of Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care had 235 total COVID-positive in-patients and 92 total COVID-positive ICU patients today. To date, their facilities have had 208 total COVID-related deaths. A total of 274 of their employees have tested positive for the virus.
- The field hospital site at the DCU Center has 11 patients today.
- Beaumont Rehabilitation census: 73 positive inpatients (5 admissions, 1 discharge); Total treated: 164 (74 beds available).
- Quality Inn Census: the state-run facility for COVID-19 positive individuals at the Quality Inn has 8 clients as of Friday. That is no change from Thursday, May 14.
- Green Hill Golf Course Re-Opening: In accordance with guidelines previously announced by the state, Green Hill Municipal Golf Course will re-open as of tomorrow Saturday, May 16. Anyone interested in golfing must visit the course website at greenhillgc.com to reserve a tee time and review the rules and regulations. No walk ups will be allowed. Tee times are required. All players must check in prior to play with onsite staff and all players will start on the first hole. The following guidelines will be followed: The club house, pro shop, restaurant and locker rooms will remain closed. No caddies or golf carts will be allowed. (Walking only). Push carts may be used. Players must either carry their own bag or use a push cart. All golfers must maintain proper social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times. Groups of players are restricted to no more than four players at one time. There will be a tee time policy of 15 minutes between groups. Golfers must stay in their car until 15 minutes before their tee time and must return to their car immediately following play. Payment will be online only. All golfers must use their own golf clubs. Sharing golf clubs or rental clubs is not allowed. The practice putting green and driving range remain closed. Hand sanitizer will be readily accessible to all golfers.
- Weather advisory: There is potential for severe weather fronts this afternoon and another strong cell possible after 7 p.m. this evening. A tornado watch has been issued for Worcester County until 10 p.m. tonight. The Emergency Operations Center will be monitoring calls for service, downed trees and flooding. Residents should stay indoors during any severe weather and should secure any loose objects outside their home including trash receptacles and recycling bins.
- The Worcester Together Fund has raised in excess of $6 million. The fund has given out $1.3 million in grants. To donate, please visit: worcesterma.gov/coronavirus or text worcestercovid19 to 243725.
- Senior Center update: Number of seniors contacted to date: 7,718; Outreach phone calls made to seniors today: 274; Number of meals delivered in Worcester today: 1,264; 7,687 meals were delivered in Worcester this week.
- Today, the City Manager recognized another group of unsung heroes within the City workforce: Amanda Wilson, Director of Housing/Health Inspections and the entire Inspectional Services Department. Amanda has been with the City for 20 years, overseeing our housing and health inspections division. This includes areas such as our Lead Paint Protection Program, housing enforcement, the food protection program and conducting all regulatory inspections that are mandated by the state. Inspections are done on various everyday things and places that residents utilize daily such as: places of assembly, schools, day care centers, gas stations and supermarkets. Amanda’s division also enforces various City ordinances like the nuisance ordinance (trash on private property, illegal dumping, etc.) and those that apply to vacant and abandoned buildings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Inspectional Services team has done well over 100 inspections, both proactive and reactive. This includes grocery store sweeps to make sure they are in compliance with regulations and orders. Inspectors were also very involved with the situation at the Walmart in Worcester where a number of employees tested positive for COVID-19.
- The City of Worcester COVID-19 information line can be reached at 508-799-1019. Individuals can speak live with a nurse, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The line has received more than 500 calls this month with more than 230 calls connected to a live nurse.
- The City will not conduct media briefings on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. A media release will be issued each afternoon with the updated numbers. The next media briefing will be held on Monday, May 18 at 4:30 p.m. in the Levi Lincoln Chamber at City Hall (third floor).
