Local COVID-19 updates
Jun. 6th, 2020 09:12 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
edschweppeAs of 4PM today, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is reporting 55 newly reported confirmed COVID-19 deaths (for a total of 7,152 confirmed deaths), 505 newly reported confirmed cases (for a total of 99,301) and 9,840 new patients tested by molecular tests (for a total of 640,808). The ratio of newly confirmed cases to molecular test results is 5.1%. The state reported zero probable deaths (once again, the total probable deaths dropped by one to 137), 70 newly reported probable cases (for a total of 3,831), and 1,109 patients tested by antibody tests (for a total of 50,575). In total, the state reported 55 new deaths (for a total of 7,289) and 575 new cases (for a total of 103,132).
Today's number of newly reported confirmed cases and deaths are both higher than yesterday's, but that didn't stop Governor Baker from formally declaring that "Phase 2" of the state's reopening plan starts on Monday:
There's no question in my mind that the trends on cases and deaths are going in the right direction, and the economic impact of the shutdown has been horrific. But we keep seeing upward bumps in the daily death counts, which in turn drive bumps in the three-day averages, which in turn keep making me nervous that things aren't as under control as we'd like. I'd feel a lot better if the testing numbers (both molecular tests that see if someone currently has the virus, and antibody tests to see if they used to have it) were substantially higher.
The town of Acton, once again, has not issued an update since Thursday night at 9PM; that report listed 170 cumulative cases with 32 individuals in isolation, 117 persons recovered and 21 fatalities. At least it's not more bad news.
Today's number of newly reported confirmed cases and deaths are both higher than yesterday's, but that didn't stop Governor Baker from formally declaring that "Phase 2" of the state's reopening plan starts on Monday:
Governor Charlie Baker announced Saturday that retail stores, day camps and day care centers will be allowed to reopen on Monday, and diners will be able to enjoy outdoor meals at restaurants.
The start of the second phase of the state’s reopening plan will bring a semblance of normalcy - while retaining social distancing and other precautions - for Massachusetts nearly three months into a lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Baker said he felt comfortable taking the latest steps because the state has continued to move in the right direction in driving down new infections and hospitalizations.
[ ... ]
In Phase 2, labeled "Cautious" by the state, restaurants initially will only be allowed to offer outdoor dining, with indoor dining set to follow later.
Tables must be 6 feet apart or be separated by walls or 6-foot-high Plexiglass dividers, according to guidelines released by the state previously. Parties will be capped at six, and diners won’t be allowed to sit at the bar. Printed menus must be disposed of after each use, and tables must be sanitized between seatings.
Retail storefronts and those in shopping malls also can open Monday — with stringent requirements for masks and social distancing. No more than eight people, including employees, will be allowed for every 1,000 square feet of indoor space, or 40 percent of the store’s maximum occupancy.
Hotels, motels, inns, and other short-term lodgings that were restricted to serving essential workers and vulnerable populations will be allowed to reopen to other guests, with a long list of restrictions. Day camps and child care facilities — but not overnight camps, which will come later — will be allowed to reopen after meeting requirements for keeping children and staff safe.
Car dealerships, playgrounds, driving ranges, flight schools, and funeral homes also can open Monday.
[ ... ]
Phase 2 will bring changes to medical facilities. The state will allow health care providers to incrementally resume elective procedures and services, including routine office visits.
"Essentially, other than cosmetic surgery and . . . day treatment programs and the like, everything is now open," Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said at the news conference.
There's no question in my mind that the trends on cases and deaths are going in the right direction, and the economic impact of the shutdown has been horrific. But we keep seeing upward bumps in the daily death counts, which in turn drive bumps in the three-day averages, which in turn keep making me nervous that things aren't as under control as we'd like. I'd feel a lot better if the testing numbers (both molecular tests that see if someone currently has the virus, and antibody tests to see if they used to have it) were substantially higher.
The town of Acton, once again, has not issued an update since Thursday night at 9PM; that report listed 170 cumulative cases with 32 individuals in isolation, 117 persons recovered and 21 fatalities. At least it's not more bad news.