For Immediate Release: 5/6/2020 5:08 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for May 6:
• There are 2,588 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. This is an increase of 85 cases from May 5.
• Since April 1, Worcester has seen an increase of 2,477 new cases (average of 69 new cases per day).
• Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 212; Holden: 65; Grafton: 60; Leicester: 101; Millbury: 175
• All combined medical facilities of Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care had 261 total COVID-positive in-patients and 111 total COVID-positive ICU patients today. To date, their facilities have had 144 total COVID-related deaths. A total of 216 of their employees have tested positive for the virus.
• The temporary homeless shelter at the DCU Center closed on Tuesday night, with the remaining 10 clients transported to a state run COVID positive hotel North Hampton. Today, there were 29 clients on the medical side of the facility.
• Beaumont Rehabilitation census: 67 positive inpatients (4 admissions, 8 discharges)
• Small Business Grants: The second round of the City of Worcester’s small business grants closed today. During the last round of funding, 106 businesses were funded at $10,000, while another 83 received $5,000. Of these businesses, 40 percent are owned by women and 60 percent are minority-owned.
• A reminder that the Baker-Polito Administration has ordered all residents over the age of 2 to wear a face covering or mask in public places when maintaining proper social distancing (6 feet) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is not possible. The statewide order went into effect today and supercedes previously-issued guidance concerning mask use. The order applies to all workers and customers of businesses and organizations currently open ot the public as essential businesses. Residents must also wear a mask or face covering at all times when using any means of transportation service or public mass transit, including the Worcester Regional Transit Authority.
• The Worcester Educational Development Foundation has raised $80,000 in donations for Chrome Books, and have ordered 250. More will be on the way. Send donations to WEDF, Attn: Connected Kids Campaign, Suite 224, 210 Park Ave., Worcester, 01609, or online at wedfwps.org.
• The Worcester Together Fund has now raised in excess of $6 million. The Fund has distributed $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: 6,263; Outreach phone calls made to seniors today: 136; Number of meals delivered to in Worcester today: 1,157.
• Today, the City Manager recognized another unsung hero in the City workforce. Mary Oroszko serves as assistant chief of staff in Mayor Joe Petty’s office. She has had various stings at City Hall over the years, spending the past seven working for the Mayor. She previously worked with former Mayor and Lt. Gov. Tim Murray. Overall, she has worked at City Hall more than 10 years. During the COVID-19 crisis, Mary has been a valuable asset to the city, conducting numerous wellness check phone calls to seniors each day. In this time of crisis, with many of our most vulnerable socially isolated, it makes all the difference in the world for them to hear a caring voice on the other end of the phone. The city thanks Mary for being one of a chorus of voice of comfort for our seniors during these challenging times. Mary is another example of how City employees have gone above and beyond in takin on new roles during this crisis.
• 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.
