5/6/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On May 6th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on The Swearing-in Ceremony of New State Troopers, Testing, Hospitalizations, PPE, Goals for May 18th, and The Face Covering Statewide Order.

Here is the summary.

Swearing-in Ceremony

  • Governor Baker swore in new state troopers this morning at Gillette Stadium. We thank them and are grateful for their dedicated service to our community during our COVID-19 response. 

Testing

  • Yesterday, over 9,000 tests were reported across MA. This brings the total number of tests to over 333,000. 

  • 13% of the tests reported yesterday came back positive. 

    • While the rate has remained consistently lower than last month, please remember that test results alone do not show the whole picture of COVID-19 since data is dependent on who gets tested. 

Hospitalizations

  • As of yesterday, 3,542 patients, or about 5% of the cases of COVID-19, were hospitalized due to COVID-19. 

    • This number has shown to be flat for the past several days. 

PPE

  • As of yesterday, MA has delivered over 8.5 million pieces of personal protective equipment. 

Goals for May 18th

  • The goal on May 18th is to begin reopening certain types of businesses in a limited manner and this will be done more safely than under normal operations. 

    • Please remember that this phase cannot begin until we see sustained downward trends in data. 

      • This data includes several factors including positive test rates, hospitalization rates, fatalities, as well as the number of hospitals that are treating patients under ‘surge’ conditions. 

    • Currently, there are some hospitals that are still relying on the field hospitals and COVID-19 wings the state worked to add to aid while they worked through the surge. 

      • MA needs to see improvement in surge capacity among other elements before entering into the reopening phase. 

Face Covering Statewide Order

  • Today is the first day the statewide order on face coverings is in effect. The order states that people need to wear a face covering, this means covering one’s nose and mouth, in public places where social distancing is not possible. Please remember that the virus is highly contagious and can be spread person to person with or without symptoms. 

    • Please remember that children under 2 years of age and people with medical conditions that are unable to wear masks are exempt. The Department of Public Health also can determine exemptions.

    • This statewide order applies to all workers and customers of businesses and organizations that are open to the public. Face coverings are expected at all times in places like grocery stores, retail stores, and public transportation.

    • Face coverings can be made from several items that you can find in your wardrobe. Examples include t-shirts, socks, scarves, and bandanas. Please save medical-grade masks for our healthcare workers, first responders, emergency management personnel, and public safety workers. 

      • Please find more information at mass.gov/covid19

    • Violations of the terms of this Order or Department of Public Health Guidance may result in a civil fine of up to $300 per violation.