COVID-19 Update For May 19; 3,556 Positive Cases
For Immediate Release:
5/19/2020 4:54 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for May 19:
- There are 3,556 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. This is an increase of 34 cases from Monday, May 18.
- Since April 1, Worcester has seen an increase of 3,376 new cases (average of 69 new cases per day).
- Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 254; Holden: 70; Grafton: 74; Leicester: 118; Millbury: 196
- All combined medical facilities of Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care had 235 total COVID-positive in-patients and 87 total COVID-positive ICU patients today. To date, their facilities have had 228 total COVID-related deaths. A total of 284 of their employees have tested positive for the virus.
- The field hospital site at the DCU Center has 6 patients today. The field hospital will be clear of patients as of 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Some patients will be discharged and others will be absorbed by the hospitals.
- Beaumont Rehabilitation census: 70 positive inpatients (4 admissions, 7 discharges); Total treated: 168 (74 beds available).
- Quality Inn Census: the state-run facility for COVID-19 positive individuals at the Quality Inn has 16 clients as of Tuesday.
- Masks for Water & Sewer: 700 face coverings will be distributed to staff working in the Water & Sewer Divisions of the City’s Department of Public Works. This distribution was made possible by the efforts of the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Marty Suuberg and Jane Downing, Chief of the Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance Branch of EPA Region 1. These washable, cloth facemasks will help limit the spread of COVID-19, and are being provided to drinking water and wastewater workers across the state. Central Massachusetts, including Worcester, was served by Karla Sangrey and her staff at Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District, who sorted, packaged and labeled the masks and coordinated pickup by 58 water and wastewater systems from the area.
- The Worcester Together Fund has raised in excess of $6.5 million. The second round of grants is currently open. Phase II recovery grant applications are now available to local nonprofits. Grants will typically range from $25,000 to $100,000. The deadline to apply at greaterworcester.org is June 8. To donate to the Worcester Together Fund, please visit: worcesterma.gov/coronavirus or text worcestercovid19 to 243725.
- Senior Center update: Number of seniors contacted to date: 7,872; Outreach phone calls made to seniors today: 154; Number of meals delivered in Worcester today: 935.
- Today, the City Manager recognized another group of unsung heroes within the City workforce: our team in the Cable Services Division. Led by Judy Warren, the team includes Jessica Jacques, Shon Foley and Rebecca Lendvay. They put the “access” into the Government Access Channel ensuring all residents can follow the work of boards and commissions at public meetings, as well as creating award-winning programming. They have served a critical role in providing the public with access to public information and the work being done in local government as well as covering so many events and activities taking place around the city throughout the year. In just the last fiscal year, the Cable Services team produced a record number of 102 original programs, in addition to 328 meetings; offered full high-definition streaming and production; updated graphics to be uniform with City branding; increased programming for social media; worked with communications staff to create a steady flow of social media videos; and launched the Blue Space Video Series for the Government Channel and online streaming. During the COVID-19 crisis, Judy and her team adapted on the fly, and have been a critical part of helping keep the public informed. They broadcast the City's daily media briefings online and on the Government Channel and continue to make meetings such as City Council available to viewers online. They have pivoted to help program the Government Channel (192) and Education Channel (191) with COVID-19 programming for the general population, seniors and youth, and many more. They are also integral in helping to produce some of the virtual programming being offered this year as a result of the cancellation of regular activities. On Monday, they will broadcast a virtual Memorial Day tribute. They will help do the same for a reimagined Independence Day celebration in July.
- 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.
