For Immediate Release: 5/26/2020 5:20 pm
Worcester – The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for May 26:
• There are 4,000 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. This is an increase of 15 cases from Monday, May 25.
• Since April 1, Worcester has seen an increase of 3,820 new cases (average of 70 new cases per day).
• Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 270; Holden: 75; Grafton: 80; Leicester: 132; Millbury: 214.
• All combined medical facilities of Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care had 198 (increase of 1 from Monday) total COVID-positive in-patients and 84 (increase of 2 from Monday) total COVID-positive ICU patients today. To date, their facilities have had 256 (increase of 4 from Monday) total COVID-related deaths. A total of 309 of their employees have tested positive for the virus. (This number reflects an incorrect total on Monday.)
• Beaumont Rehabilitation census: 64 in-patients; Total of 182 treated; 83 beds available.
• North High homeless shelter census: 29 clients (COVID-19 negative; no change from Monday).
• The City of Worcester’s Cultural Development Office will hold a virtual poetry open mic Wednesday, May 25, 7-8 p.m., featuring Worcester Poet Laureate Juan Matos and Worcester Youth Poet Laureate Amina Mohamed. Members of the public are encouraged to join and share an original poem, spoken word, or lyrical work. The theme is “Community from Home.” Share your experiences of home, community, activism and connection. Registration to participate is required by May 26. Instructions can be found on the City’s Facebook page.
• To date, the Worcester Together Fund has raised more than $6.7 million to help area organizations. To donate, and for more information about the fund, visit www.worcesterma.gov/coronavirus, or text worcestercovid19 to 243725.
• The City today announced the formation of the Worcester Economic Recovery Committee, made up of industry-specific subcommittees from economic sectors such as cultural, institutions, development and real estate, financial services, manufacturing and health. The subcommittees will share best practices, discuss guidance from the city and state, and exp0lore possible collaborations for initiatives such as group purchasing of Personal Protective Equipment. They will also relay issues and challenges to the steering committee, to be shared with the city and state, which could possibly be solved or ameliorated.
• The next City of Worcester COVID-19 media briefing will be held Thursday, May 28 at 4:30 p.m. on the third floor of City Hall. Going forward, media briefings will be held each Tuesday and Thursday only. The City will provide updated numbers on COVID-19 cases on days where there is not a media briefing.
