7/13/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

/

On July 13th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Testing, Hospitalizations, Phase III, and Special Needs Funding.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • Yesterday, over 11,000 tests were reported in MA with 172 new positive cases reported. MA has now reached over 1,200,000 tests administered so far. 

    • The seven day average for positive case rates is about 1.7%. This is a 94% decrease from the middle of April. 

Hospitalizations

  • As of yesterday, there are currently just over 583 individuals hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 and around 93 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.

Phase III

  • Boston will start Phase 3 today, July 13th. Please continue to wear face coverings, practice good handwashing/hygiene, and stay at home if you feel sick. 

  • As we move along the phases of reopening, workforce safety standards and guidelines must be followed. Please go to mass.gov/compliance to submit a report of noncompliance. 

Special Needs Funding

  • The pandemic has had an especially severe impact on our students with special needs. 

  • Governor Baker announced a $16.1 million relief package for residential school providers for students with special needs. 

    • This is critical for our students who would be burdened by hybrid learning.

  • As MA prepares to bring our students back to school in September, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESI) has released comprehensive guidance for special education. 

    • DESI has also released extended school year guidance to allow for special education day programs to open now.