5/8/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On May 8th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Testing, Hospitalizations, PPE, and Community Health Centers.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • Yesterday, MA reported almost 12,000 tests which brings the total number of tests conducted to about 350,000.

    • 14% of the tests reported yesterday showed to be positive for COVID-19. This percentage is in line with the trend that we have been seeing over the past week. 

Hospitalizations

  • There are currently 3,436 patients hospitalized in MA from COVID-19. 

    • This shows a decrease of about a 126 patients compared to the previous day. 

  • There are currently around 850 COVID-19 patients in the ICU.

PPE

  • As of yesterday, MA has distributed over 9.2 million pieces of personal protective equipment.

Community Health Centers

  • Through the administration’s partnership with community health centers, they have been able to focus on increasing testing in the areas that were hit hardest in MA. 

  • The MA League of Community Health Centers is launching a public awareness campaign called “New Tools, New Rules, Same Great Care”. 

    • This campaign will consist of TV and digital ads to spread the message that community health centers are open for business and ready to help you during this pandemic. Please still continue to address your health needs during these times. 

      • Please call first to figure out if an in-person or tele-health option is best for your situation.