8/4/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

/

On August 4th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Testing, Hospitalizations, Tropical Storm Warning, and Boston Med Flight.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • Yesterday, there were 12,000 tests reported with 165 new positive cases.

    • The seven day average for positive test rates is about 2%. 

  • Over the past several days, MA has seen a modest uptick in the percentage of new positive cases. There will be close monitoring of these cases to determine the factors that are causing the increase. 

  • MA’s Stop the Spread Campaign has just added Framingham as it’s 17th community to their list. A free testing site in Framingham will start up tomorrow. 

    • The full list of communities where free testing is available here.

  • Please continue to wear face coverings, practice good handwashing/hygiene, disinfect surfaces, and social distance. 

Hospitalizations

  • As of yesterday, there are currently just over 375 individuals hospitalized as a result of COVID-19, and 64 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.

Tropical Storm Warning

  • The forecast for Tropical Storm Isaias indicates that the heaviest rain from the storm will be in Western MA, with the Berkshires expected to get 2-4 inches. There will also be some flooding in Western MA expected and certain parts of the region are under a flash flood warning.

  • Eastern MA will get less rain, but there will be wind gusts of 40-60 miles/hr expected. High winds will lead to down trees and power outages. 

  • Please be careful in your commute to work this evening as well as tomorrow morning.

Boston Med Flight

  • Boston’s Med Flight team has been deeply involved in caring for MA’s sickest and most vulnerable patients during the pandemic.

  • The Med Flight’s crews transported nearly 700 COVID-19 patients from community hospitals to large medical centers.

  • Thank you to the team at Boston Med Flight for your service and support to your community during these critical times.