For Immediate Release: 5/22/2020 4:59 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for May 22:
• There are 3,846 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. This is an increase of 86 cases from Thursday, May 21.
• Since April 1, Worcester has seen an increase of 3,666 new cases (average of 71 new cases per day).
• Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 261; Holden: 72; Grafton: 79; Leicester: 124; Millbury: 208
• All combined medical facilities of Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care had 210 (a decrease of 29 from Thursday) total COVID-positive in-patients and 82 (decrease of 6 from Thursday) total COVID-positive ICU patients today. To date, their facilities have had 241 (increase of 3 from Thursday) total COVID-related deaths. A total of 306 of their employees have tested positive for the virus.
• Beaumont Rehabilitation census: 65 positive inpatients (4 admissions, 6 discharges); Total treated: 175 (82 beds available).
• A total of 21 clients at the City’s temporary homeless shelters have secured more stable housing opportunities or been connected with residential treatment services.
• The City has consolidated its remaining 2 temporary homeless shelters into one site at North High School, where there are currently 32 individuals. The City wishes to thank all involved who worked to provide shelter and care to our homeless population to curb the potential spread of COVID-19. Their efforts helped ease a potential burden on our local hospitals, ensuring they could adequately treat patients with COVID-19 and other maladies.
• Online Memorial Day Program: Residents are reminded to tune in to the City of Worcester's online Memorial Day program on Monday, May 25 at 3 p.m. via the City Government Channel (Spectrum 192) or online at worcesterma.gov/video-on-demand or the City of Worcester Facebook page.
• The Worcester Together Fund has raised in excess of $6.7 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: 8,611; Outreach phone calls made to seniors today: 153; Number of meals delivered in Worcester today: 1,190.
• 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 next media briefing will be held Tuesday, May 26 at 4:30 p.m. on the third floor of City Hall (third floor). Beginning Tuesday, the briefings will move from a daily schedule to a Tuesday/Thursday schedule. The City will continue to release updated information on COVID-19 case counts.
