COVID-19 Update for Oct.8; 6,550 Cases
For Immediate Release:
10/9/2020 10:42 am
The City of Worcester has released the following COVID-19 update:
- To date, there have been 6,550 overall confirmed positive cases in Worcester, an increaes of 141 from last week.
- The weekly positivity rate and average daily cases continue to increase. The positivity rate for the week of Oct. 4-10 is 5.86 percent. Worcester has had 10 average daily cases per 100,000 residents over the past 14 days.
- This is the fourth consecutive week the City has been in the "red zone."
- The City must be under 8 cases per 100,000 for 3 consecutive weeks in order to be moved out of the "red zone."
- Positive case counts in surrounding towns: Shrewsbury: 435 (increase of 24); Holden: 172 (increase of 10); Grafton: 122 (increase of 3); Leicester: 191 (increase of 10). All changes are from Thursday, Oct. 1.
- UMass Memorial Health Care and Saint Vincent Hospital, as of Wednesday, Oct. 7, have a combined total of 20 COVID-positive in-patients (decrease of 3) and 5 total COVID- positive ICU patients (decrease of 4). To date, the combined facilities have had 382 COVID- related deaths (increase of 3). A total of 455 employees have tested positive for the virus (increase of 4). All changes are from last week, Wednesday, Sept. 30
- The City continues to closely monitor and investigate all COVID clusters. Over the past week, we have continued to see clusters at long-term care facilities, businesses, restaurants and group gatherings.
- This shows us no one is immune from contracting the virus.
- Cases by age:
19-under: 541
20-29: 947
30-39: 1,064
40-49: 996
50-59: 1,001
60-69: 706
70-up: 1,154
- The City has observed a continued incremental increase in cases among individuals ages 19-under.
- The City and State are collaborating on raising awareness of COVID and educating people on how to keep themselves safe. Starting this weekend, and each weekend thereafter, the state COVID Command Center will deploy multilingual teams in Worcester fore educational outreach. The majority of representatives hired are from Worcester. They will provide masks, hand sanitizer, educational materials and safety guidelines related to COVID-19.
- Also launching the "You Have the Power to Safe a Life" media campaign, which will include broadcast and digital TV/radio ads, print ads, and a paid social and digital media campaign.
- The City and State continue to enforce violations. There were 50 City complaints/inspections over the past week and 37 State Inspections. Two violations were sent to the ABCC for hearings, 8 violatins were served, and 4 warnings were issued.
- The City's Inspectional Services, Health & Human Services and Worcester Police Department collectively conducted 2 sweeps on Friday, Oct. 2.
- Random sweeps are being conducted weekly to ensure compliance and educate businesses abgout safety protocols and guidelines.
- Many of the locations visited were found to be in compliance, with inspectors noting they were doing an excellent job, however the City remains disappointed in repeat offenders. The virus is not to be treated lightly. Remember: You are not just protecting yourselves and your businesses, but who you come in contact with as well.
- The Worcester Fire Department currently has 7 positive individuals. There are 13 in quarantine awaiting results. Another 10 have tested negative and returned to work. Two stations were affected and regular deep cleanings are being done daily. The City has a full complement of firefighters to provide coverage at the affected stations and ensure public safety will not be negatively impacted.
- Flu season could significantly compound the threats already posed by COVID and place additional strains on hospital resources. It is more important than ever to receive a flu shot.
- To date, there have been 1,835 flu shots adminstered at COVID testing sites, 357 at Worcester Public Schools clinics, 160 at Senior Center clinics and 496 to City employees. More targeted flu shot clinics will be announced.
