COVID-19 Update For May 7; 2,698 Positive Cases
For Immediate Release:
5/7/2020 5:37 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for May 7:
- There are 2,698 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. This is an increase of 109 cases from May 6.
- Since April 1, Worcester has seen an increase of 2,586 new cases (average of 70 new cases per day).
- Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 217; Holden: 64; Grafton: 63; Leicester: 102; Millbury: 177
- All combined medical facilities of Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care had 277 total COVID-positive in-patients and 118 total COVID-positive ICU patients today. To date, their facilities have had 150 total COVID-related deaths. A total of 228 of their employees have tested positive for the virus.
- DCU Center field hospital census: 23 positive inpatients
- Beaumont Rehabilitation census: 70 positive inpatients (6 admissions, 3 discharges)
- To date, the state has setup five isolation and recovery sites for those who have tested positive for COVID-19. These sites are currently located in Everett, Lexington, Northampton, Pittsfield and Taunton. (550 overall beds). The state has been in conversation with the City about adding a sixth location at a hotel in Worcester. This facility would be for positive homeless individuals as well as those who can't isolate based on their current living conditions. A facility like this would include: individual rooms, 24/7 nursing team checks, 24/7 security, individualized in-room food service, laundry service and behavioral health services.
- The Worcester Police Department today has filed a criminal complaint through Worcester District Court for a $500 fine to be assessed to the Adams Square Baptist Church as the result of a third violation of the Governor’s Order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people on Wednesday, May 6. The City continues to monitor the situation and follow the measures outlined under the Governor’s Order.
- The Worcester Together Fund has now raised in excess of $6 million. The Fund has distributed $1.3 million in grants. A total of 117 City of Worcester employees have donated $4,624.25. To donate, please visit: worcesterma.gov/coronavirus or text worcestercovid19 to 243725.
- Senior Center update: Number of seniors contacted to date: 6,524; Outreach phone calls made to seniors today: 261; Number of meals delivered to in Worcester today: 1,200.
- Today, the City Manager recognized another unsung hero in the City workforce., Jon Gervais, Environmental Manager for the Department of Public Works & Parks. Jon has worked for DPW for 13 years, starting out as a Junior Civil Engineer in the Engineering & Architectural Service Division in 2007. He was promoted to Assistant Civil Engineer in that division in 2014 and then promoted to Environmental Manager in the Water Operations Division in 2015. In his current role he has numerous responsibilities including: assuring compliance with regulatory permits and programs, overseeing the drinking water quality monitoring program, watershed protection, water conservation, contaminated soils issues, supervision of the lakes and ponds program, stormwater quality improvements and review of environmental impact reports. In 2016, Jon played an instrumental role in guiding Worcester through its worst drought in 50 years. He is currently the Water Operations’ project manager for the $5.1 million Quinapoxet pipeline rehabilitation project currently underway in Holden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jon has served as the DPW representative at the EOC. He has been a key staff member in helping with a variety of EOC requests for DPW support related to COVID-19 operations. Jon has been the first to raise his hand to help on many of these matters, always with a “can do” attitude such as securing showers for the homeless shelters and being available 24/7 for electricity and plumbing issues. Jon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Geology from UMass Lowell.
- 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.
