8/18/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On August 18th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Testing, Hospitalizations, Schools Reopening Plans for Fall, and Food Security.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • Yesterday, there were 213 new positive cases reported. 

    • The seven day average for positive test rates is about 1.4%. 

  • 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 continue the ‘Stop the Spread’ Targeted Free COVID-19 Testing Sites in 17 communities across the Commonwealth through September 12th and have announced today that they will expand this initiative into three new communities: Saugus, Holyoke, and Salem.

    • As of last week, the ‘Stop the Spread’ program had performed over 78,000 tests. 

Hospitalizations

  • As of yesterday, there are currently just over 367 individuals hospitalized as a result of COVID-19, and 59 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.

Guidelines for Schools in the Fall

  • School districts were asked to submit a plan for online learning, hybrid learning, and in-person learning for the fall. Over the past few weeks, school districts have submitted their plans for September. 

    • As of yesterday, of the 371 public school districts, more than 70% indicated that they plan to offer a hybrid or fully in-person learning model. Approximately 30% reported with plans that were fully remote.

Food Security

  • To date, the Administration has announced $56 million in investments to combat urgent food insecurity, which included $35 million for food security infrastructure grant program to provide access to fresh local food. MA has seen a great response from food producers and distributors to that program.

  • Today, the Administration is rewarding $3.5 million in grants as part of the second round.

    • The grants are going to MA farmers, urban farms, seafood businesses, food banks, schools, and other organizations to help them better distribute and connect fresh local food with residents in need.  

    • The program is special in that the funding will invest in building a strong local food system to help mitigate food supply and distribution disruption in MA, to prepare the Commonwealth for any future crisis.