For Immediate Release: 11/25/2020 2:55 pm
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update (Please note this week's report is one day earlier because of the Thanksgiving holiday):
To date, there have been 9,115 overall confirmed positive cases in Worcester, an increase of 550 from last week.
There were 142 new cases on Wednesday
Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 729 (increase of 70); Holden: 339 (increase of 47); Grafton: 261 (increase of 39); Leicester: 298 (increase of 28)
UMass Memorial Health Care and Saint Vincent Hospital, as of Wednesday, Nov. 25, have a combined total of 126 COVID-positive in-patients (increase of 22) and 37 total COVID- positive ICU patients (increase of 4). To date, the combined facilities have had 386 COVID-related deaths. A total of 686 employees have tested positive for the virus (increase of 59). All changes are from last week’s report.
There have been 304 deaths of Worcester residents.
There are 23 positive COVID cases among City employees and 19 in quarantine, for a total of 42.
The City Manager this week announced Worcester, which the state has moved from the "Red Zone" to the "Yellow Zone," would remain in Step 1 of Phase III of Gov. Baker's reopening plan. For restaurants, this means table dining remains limited to 6 per table. Bar seating also remains prohibited.
The City also delivered 20,513 messages through its ALERT Worcester system regarding Thanksgiving celebrations. Families are reminded that travel and holiday gatherings are not advised, and to limit Thanksgiving to members of your immediate household. People should also wear a mask except when eating and drinking, avoid buffet-style dining and shared utensils, and maintain social distance whenever possible.
In addition, this week Health Commissioner Dr. Matilde Castiel and Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh led a virtual Town Hall meeting for Restaurant and Retail Businesses. About 70 professionals took part. A virtual Town Hall for Property Managers will be held Monday. To participate, call our Economic Development Department at 508-799-1400 or email development@worcesterma.gov. The meetings are being held to provide education and guidance on COVID regulations and protocols.
Earlier this month, the City Manager notified all staff and contractors working on construction projects in the City of Worcester that masks/face coverings must be worn in all public places, at all times, regardless of whether 6 feet of social distance can be maintained.
Members of the state's COVID Enforcement Intervention team continue conduct education outreach in Worcester. Last week, the team distributed 29,800 masks; 2,004 disinfectant wipes; 10 sanitizer stands; 23,110 flyers in Spanish, Portuguese and Vietnamese; and 32 business signs in Spanish.
UPCOMING FREE COVID TESTING
1. UMass Memorial Healthcare COVID-19 Equity Task Force and the City of Worcester
2. AIDS Project Worcester at QCC, 670 W. Boylston St. (Appointment Only)
From the City family to yours, Mayor Joseph M. Petty and City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. wish all Worcester residents a very happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving.
