COVID-19 Update For May 8; 2,773 Positive Cases
For Immediate Release:
5/8/2020 5:05 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update for May 8:
- There are 2,773 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Worcester. This is an increase of 75 cases from May 7.
- Since April 1, Worcester has seen an increase of 2,661 new cases (average of 70 new cases per day).
- Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 219; Holden: 64; Grafton: 66; Leicester: 104; Millbury: 178
- All combined medical facilities of Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care had 278 total COVID-positive in-patients and 112 total COVID-positive ICU patients today. To date, their facilities have had 155 total COVID-related deaths. A total of 234 of their employees have tested positive for the virus.
- DCU Center field hospital census: 20 positive inpatients
- Beaumont Rehabilitation census: 69 positive inpatients (4 admissions, 5 discharges); Total treated: 149 (78 beds available)
- 508 Day: Today, May 8 (5/08), is the second annual 508 Day. The Cultural Development Office had previously arranged a photo story celebrating Worcester’s unique identity and diverse residents. The project is called “I Am Worcester”. Two separate photo shoot sessions were held, free and open to the public, and a public art exhibition and gallery show was originall planned for today. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, those plans have been delayed. However, there has never been a more poignant or profound time to examine the unique people of Worcester that together tell the shared story the city. Today at 5:08 p.m., the full "I Am Worcester" gallery and profiles of each participant will make its digital debut here.
- Small Business Grants: The City's second round of the Small Business Grants program is now closed. The program received more than 130 applications. Grants are scheduled to be announced next week.
- The Worcester Together Fund has now raised in excess of $6 million. Leadership Worcester, a program dedicated to developing future local leaders, has raised $7,513 from across five classes (80 of the 125 alumni have made a gift). Many gave in support of Patrick Lowe, a 2016 alumnus who graduated from UMass Medical School early to work on the front lines during this pandemic. To donate, please visit: worcesterma.gov/coronavirus or text worcestercovid19 to 243725.
- Senior Center update: Number of seniors contacted to date: 6,701; Outreach phone calls made to seniors today: 177; Number of meals delivered to in Worcester today: 1,216 (5,952 this week).
- Today, the City Manager recognized another unsung hero in the City workforce, City Solicitor, Mike Traynor. Mike has been a trusted advisor at City Hall for 30 years. He was recently appointed City Solicitor in December 2019. After more than 25 years working for the city's Law Department, Mike was appinted as the city’s chief development officer in 2014. In that position over the last six years, he has played an intricate role in major development efforts from the acquisition, disposition and redevelopment of the former Worcester County Courthouse to the development of the South Worcester Industrial Park, and most recently served as a key player in the negotiations that successfully landed the Triple A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox to relocate to Worcester in 2021 (Worcester Red Sox). During COVID-19, Mike has played a key role as the city’s legal expert, drafting executive orders such as a Declaration of Emergency and orders requiring both employees and patrons of essential businesses to wear face coverings. His legal guidance was also instrumental on the issuing of a cease and desist order to Walmart due to an outbreak of COVID-19 among employees. Mike is a graduate of UMass Amherst and Suffolk University Law School.
- 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.
- A live media briefing will not be held on Saturday, May 9. A media release will be issued with the updated numbers. The next live media brieifing will be held on Sunday, May 10 at 4:30 p.m.
