6/19/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On June 19th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Testing, Hospitalizations, Results of the Two-Day COVID-19 Testing Sites, Phase II Step 2 of Reopening, Juneteenth, Resurgent Places Program, and the Command Center.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • Yesterday, over 9,000 people were tested and 271 positive cases were reported. 

  • So far, over 737,000 people have been tested across MA. 

    • The average positive test rate is down to 2.3%. Since mid-April, the average positive test rate has fallen by 92%. 

Hospitalizations

  • There are currently fewer than 1,000 people hospitalized and 227 are currently in the ICU due to COVID-19. 

    • This shows nearly a 72% reduction since the middle of April.

  • Nearly all hospitals in MA are no longer using surge capacity, it has had an 81% reduction.

Results of the Two-Day COVID-19 Testing Sites

  • The two-day free testing sites that were held on Wednesday and Thursday, for people who participated in large gatherings, was able to test nearly 16,000 people in the Commonwealth. 

    • The results will be coming in the next few days. 

Phase II Step 2 of Reopening

  • Phase II of the Reopening process began on June 8th and was divided into 2 steps. Step 2 will begin on Monday, June 22nd. 

  • Phase II Step 2 will include the opening of indoor dining, close contact personal services (e.g. nail salons), and retailers can open fitting rooms by appointment only. Offices may increase capacity to 50%. 

    • The Administration continues to encourage employers to allow employees to work from home whenever possible. 

    • In Boston and other densely populated areas, it is recommended that people continue to work remotely.

    • Please find more information at mass.gov/reopening

  • Restaurant updates: 

    • Indoor dining will be done with a 6 ft limit instead of a capacity limit. 

      • This decision was made based on the inputs from businesses. 

      • Capacity standards will vary from community to community.

Juneteenth

  • This morning, the Administration issued a proclamation recognizing June 19th as Juneteenth in the Commonwealth. This marks an important moment in The United State’s history when 155 years ago today, Union troops landed in Galveston, Texas to bring news that the Civil War was over and they read a proclamation that all slaves are free. Juneteenth shines a light on the moment when some of the last enslaved people found out about the end of the war and of slavery. 

Resurgent Places Program

  • Today, the Administration announced another funding source called the Resurgent Places Program, totaling $225,000 and will be made available to nonprofits and community groups to assist with local economic recovery efforts. 

  • This program will allow groups to apply for grants of up to $25,000 for projects including outdoor seating spaces and sidewalk retail.

  • The application will be available this Monday, June 22nd. Please find more information about Shared Streets application at mass.gov and the Resurgent Places application at massdevelopment.com/commonwealthplaces

Command Center

  • Today, they are launching a revamped testing website at mass.gov/gettested

    • Please remember to call ahead and confirm details about each site to see if an appointment is needed. 

  • The COVID Health Equity Advisory Group, chaired by Commissioner Bharel, began meeting in May. 

    • This group consists of members from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. 

    • Later today, the group will be releasing new data and recommendations today to address the disproportionate impact on these communities, including: 

      • Continuing to focus on data and disaggregate data across populations 

      • Advocating for equitable distribution of PPE

      • Implementing policies that increase housing stability for these populations

    • These recommendations are just the starting points.