8/11/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On August 11th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Testing, Hospitalizations, the New Data on Average Daily Cases for All MA Cities and Towns, and Changes to Daily and Weekly Public Health Dashboards.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • Yesterday, there were 11,276 tests reported with 214 new positive cases reported. 

    • The seven day average for positive test rates is about 1.8%. 

  • Please continue to wear face coverings, practice good handwashing/hygiene, disinfect surfaces, social distance, and call your doctor if you do not feel well. Please do not share food, drinks, or utensils with anyone. 

  • The Administration will be extending the ‘Stop the Spread’ Targeted Free COVID-19 Testing Sites in the 17 communities through September 12th and will prepare to expand into other communities.

Hospitalizations

  • As of yesterday, there are currently just over 380 individuals hospitalized as a result of COVID-19, and 60 of those individuals are in the ICU. 

  • Please do not hesitate to contact your health care provider about any concerns you may have, COVID-19 related or not. Telehealth is currently a covered benefit in MA that will be extended to cover all residents until at least the end of the calendar year.

New Data on Average Daily Cases for All MA Cities and Towns

  • Today, the Administration is releasing a map that is based in part on case counts per 100,000 residents in every city and town. This map will be updated on a regular basis.

  • Please find the map here.

    • The map will use a color chart with the colors: red, yellow, and green. 

      • Red indicates communities that have over 8 cases per 100,000 residents.

        • There are currently four communities at the highest risk: Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, and Revere.

      • Yellow indicates communities that have between 4 and 8 cases per 100,000.

      • Green indicates communities with fewer than 4 cases per 100,000.  

Changes to Daily and Weekly Public Health Dashboards

  • In order to focus on the most critical metrics on a day to day basis and to better illustrate the impact of the virus, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is making a few changes.

    • The daily report will be streamlined to highlight the particular data points. This will be most useful to track the daily impact of the virus. 

    • DPH is also adding additional metrics to the daily report. 

      • Going forward, DPH will include daily metrics on the number of positive and negative antigen and serology tests reported to DPH. 

    • DPH will also be making updates based on the latest CDC guidance that came out last Friday around case definition and reporting of proper cases. To do this, DPH will include a glossary of terms.