HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOVID-19 Command Center sitrep_11.19.20Thursday, November 19, 2020
COVID-19 Command Center
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Situation Update
The Command Center Situation Report is published weekly
on Thursdays.
On Wednesday, Governor Baker, EOHSS Sec. Sudders and DESE Comm. Riley
provided several COVID-19 response updates including on college travel protocols
and point of care testing in schools across the Commonwealth. Story below.
In This Week's Report:
• Latest Data: Public Health Update
• Week in Review: Key State Actions
0
Helpful Links:
• NEW: Mass.gov/holidays
• Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving
• Mass.gov/findfoodhelp
• Stop the Spread
• HandHoldMA.org
• Reopening Massachusetts
• Mass.Gov/covidl9
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• Unemployment & COVID-19
• Dept. Of Transitional Assistance Online Portal
• Emergency Childcare Site
• COVID-19 Cost Eligibility and Tracking Guidance
o MassWorks Funding Announced for Infrastructure Projects
o Higher Ed. Holiday Travel Guidance; Abbot BinaxNOW Testing
o DPH Updates Quarantine Guidance
o New Long Term Care Resources for Families
o Webinars for Municipalities, Schools, Higher Ed on FEMA Public
Assistance Program
Massachusetts 2-1-1 Milestone
Situation in Numbers
Massachusetts
192,050 Total Confirmed Cases (click
here for more information)
10,204 Deaths among confirmed
cases
7,576,974 tests for the virus
conducted to date by MA State
Public Health Laboratory, hospitals,
and commercial laboratories.
United States
Case numbers are updated regularly at
noon. Saturday/Sunday reports are
preliminary and have not been confirmed
with state/territorial health departments.
Total Cases Reported to CDC:
11,465,722 Total Cases
249,670 Deaths
56 Jurisdictions Reporting Cases (50
states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam,
Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands,
and US V.I.)
Social Distancing Basics:
✓ Stay Home
✓ Call/Facetime/online chat
with friends and loved ones.
If you go out for essential needs:
✓ Avoid crowds
✓ Stay 6 feet away from others
✓ Don't shake hands or hug
✓ Wear a face covering or mask
if physical distancing is not
possible.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Latest Data: COVID-19 Public Health Update
Testing Update:
Today, over 92,000 new molecular (viral) tests were reported in Massachusetts with 2,532 newly reported
confirmed positive cases. The total number of molecular tests administered to date is over 7.5 million.
Hospitalizations & Capacity Update: As of today, 917 people are hospitalized, with 181 reported to be in the
Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Key indicators from today's Daily Dashboard are below.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Dashboard- Thursday, November 19, 2020
Dashboard of Public Health Indicators
Testing and Cases
Newly Reported
Confirmed Cases
2,532
Hospitalization
Total Confirmed
COVID Patients in
Hospital
917
Deaths
Newly Reported
Deaths among
Confirmed
27
Total New
Molecular Tests
Reported
92,139
Total Confirmed
COVID Patients in
ICU
181
Average Age of
Deaths*
81
7 -Day Average
Positivity
3.17%
Average Age of
Cases that were
Hospitalized*
66
Turnaround Time
14 -Day Average
Turnaround (From Test
Sample to Report to OPHP
1.92
Estimated Active
Cases
34,664
0.1a years
20-29 years
30-39 years
40.49 years
50-59 years
60.69 years
70.79 years 111
80* years 111
Total Cases By Age Group
from 11/1/2020-11114/2020
4841
4,56
3,923
2579
Note For definitions, please seethe Glossary at the end of this doaament in 'Definitions and Disclaimers". Average age of hospitalized cases and deaths are calculated for a two week period covering 11/01/2020 to
11/14/2020. Please see the most arrest wee -My dashboard for more details https:/Aw,w.mass.pgylinfo-drtails/covid-l9-msmnse-repa4fog
"Last updated Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Dashboard -
Dashboard of Public Health Indicators
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Percent of Change Since
Lowest Observed Value (LOV]
7 -Day Average of
New Confirmed
Cases
2K
1K
7 -Day Weighted
Average of Positive 3%
Molecular Test Rate"2%
1%
7 -Day Average of soo
Number of boa
COVID-19 Patients
in Hospital"" 400
Zoo
7 -Day Average of zs
COVID-19
Deaths"""
826 069
930
962 1,0
20 21 22
28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 9 10 11
Naarber
12 13 14 IS 16 17 18
1-0V =157
23 21 25 26 27
October
22% �% 26% 29X 27% 33% 33°4 3,1% 3d% 3.4% 3.3% 33% 3.7%
1y% 1.6% 1.7% 28% 19% 19% 19% 20% 2.0% 20% 211% 20% 21% 3A% 3-1%
20%
13%
20 21 22 23 24 25 25 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Octcber LOV = 0.8%
327 332 339
20 21 22
29
20
19 20 21 22 23 21 25 26
Oanhe
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Nweebm
19 8 19
27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
LOV= 155
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 t 1
LOV=
November
"Cakulated from total molecular tests for all of MA; ""I n6ludes only confirmed cases of UNI D-19; """Indudes deaths in only confirmed mses of COVI 0-19
Note. LOV = Lowest observed value, i.e. the lowest value the public health indicates has been since taddng started on April 15, 2020. Due to data lags, counts for most recent dates are likely incomplete, and thus
measures are subject to change.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Weekly Public Health Report:
Today the Command Center released the Weekly Public Health Report, with town by town information,
including the weekly listing of city and town risk levels. The report posted today also includes granular
information on cases by county, biweekly testing rates, contact tracing information (including active COVID
cluster information by Exposure Setting Type), hospitalization data, race and ethnicity data, information about
cases in long term care facilities, and PPE distribution data.
Week in Review: State Actions
$68 Million in MassWorks Funding Announced for Infrastructure Projects:
Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, and
Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy
joined members of the Legislature and local officials to announce
the 2020 Round of the MassWorks Infrastructure Grant
Program. This year's awards will invest nearly $68 million in 36
projects to support housing, economic development, and road
safety projects in 35 cities and towns from across the
Commonwealth. The awards were announced during a virtual
ceremony, and are part of the Administration's comprehensive
economic recovery initiative, Partnerships for Recovery.
Infrastructure Program
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to support the Commonwealth's hardest hit communities, the
Administration prioritized projects that are at an advanced stage of planning, design, and permitting. These
projects, which are ready to start construction in spring 2021, also support strategic goals that are central to
Partnerships for Recovery. For example, the City of Haverhill will use MassWorks funds for infrastructure
improvements that will unlock 290 housing units and new retail space and create 20 permanent full-time jobs. In
Leominster, water and sewer upgrades will benefit the expansion of the Mall at Whitney Field. As a result of
public infrastructure investments, the cities of Brockton and Pittsfield will also realize new redevelopment
opportunities through both commercial and residential projects. (See News Release for more information and a
complete list of grants announced today.)
Higher Ed. Holiday Travel Guidance; Abbot BinaxNOW Point of Care Testing for K-12 Schools:
Wednesday, the Baker -Polito Administration released updated
travel guidance to colleges and universities in advance of the
approaching holiday season. These updated guidelines are focused
on a robust testing initiative to reduce the risk of college students
bringing COVID-19 home to their families and communities before
Thanksgiving.
Students who leave campuses for the holidays should first receive a
negative COVID-19 test administered by the college within 72 hours
of their planned departure. Residential colleges should also offer COVID-19 tests to students living off campus
that plan on returning home for the holidays.
Prior to sending students home for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season, colleges and universities are
urged to inform all students of the serious risks associated with going home before first receiving a negative
COVID-19 test result.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Testing Positive
Students who receive a positive test result before they are scheduled to leave campus should instead
immediately isolate in campus housing designated for COVID-positive students.
Students in Isolation
Students who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 and are already isolating in campus housing should
remain in place until they have completed the 10 -day isolation period.
Students in Quarantine
Students who are quarantined on campus housing due to close contact with someone who tested positive
should remain in place until they complete the 14 -day quarantine period, as prescribed by the Department of
Public Health.
Quarantined students may leave campus housing after 10 days if they do not have any symptoms and they
receive a negative result from a molecular diagnostic test administered at least 8 days after exposure to
someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
Return to Campus
Students returning to campus from either within Massachusetts or from other states must produce a negative
COVID-19 test result administered within 72 hours of their return to campus. Colleges should administer tests
immediately to any student who returns to campus that has not been tested within 72 hours. Testing should
apply to all students loving both on and off campus.
Related: Northeast Governors announce they will encourage residential colleges and universities in their
respective states to provide testing for all students traveling home for Thanksgiving break to the maximum
extent possible before they leave campus.
Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Testing Initiative
Additionally, Baker -Polito Administration announced the distribution of the first round of Abbott BinaxNOW
tests from the federal government that has been prioritized for use in K-12 schools providing in -person
instruction.175 million tests were procured by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S.
Department of Defense and are being allocated on a per capita basis to states. Phase 1 of this testing initiative
will reach 134 public school districts, charter schools and special education schools across the Commonwealth.
Guidance was released from the Department of Elementary Education on Monday, November 16th and the tests
are expected to be released by December 1St
The Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 testing initiative is provided by the federal government and is a no -cost,
voluntary program that will allow schools to test symptomatic students and receive test results within 15
minutes. These tests allow schools to identify infected individuals and their close contacts more quickly to help
stop the spread.
Phase 1 is intended for districts and schools providing any type of in -person instruction, including full in -person,
hybrid instructional models, or in -person services for high needs students. Districts and schools participating in
Phase 1 have already been selected, and those chosen will have to meet six criteria, including the ability to
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
complete DPH reporting requirements and ensure staff who administer the tests are trained. Schools must also
obtain parent/guardian consent prior to administering tests to students.
The BinaxNOW Rapid Point of Care testing initiative offers testing in a school setting to students or staff that
exhibit any symptoms of an illness consistent with COVID-19 as well as to students or staff who exhibit minimal
symptoms (e.g., runny nose, isolated headache, isolated fatigue).
The Abbott BinaxNOW test is a rapid antigen test. Rapid antigen tests perform best when the person is tested in
the early stages of infection with SARS-CoV-2, which is when the viral load is generally highest.
School districts seeking more information on the BinaxNOW Rapid Point of Care testing initiative should
visit https://www.doe.mass.edu/covidl9/
Abbott BinaxNOW Validation Work
In order to test the validity of the Abbott BinaxNOW tests, the Department of Public Health (DPH) recently
completed a study to compare the rapid point -of -care Abbott BinaxNOW test to the PCR test, the gold standard
for detecting COVID-19. The Abbott BinaxNOW Ag Card rapid test is a simple, quick, inexpensive test that
produces results in approximately 15 minutes.
DPH collaborated with Lawrence General Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and the Broad Institute to enroll
over 1,600 individuals between October 26 and November 12 at the Lawrence Community COVID-19 Testing
Center, a state -supported Stop the Spread site. Overall, the BinaxNOW test detected COVID-19 in 82% of
participants who tested PCR positive in the study, an encouraging finding that builds the state's confidence in
the accuracy of these new tests.
DPH Updates Quarantine Guidance:
On Wednesday, the Department of Public Health updated its guidance and information for individuals in
quarantine due to COVID-19. The guidance provides new information on the 14 -day quarantine requirement,
and the conditions that must be met to 'test -out' after at least ten days in quarantine. For more complete
information on the new quarantine guidance, visit the DPH website.
Related: NEW RESOURCE — What to do while you wait for a COVID-19 Test Result.
(Available in multiple languages.)
New Long -Term Care Resources for Families:
Last week, EOHHS Secretary Marylou Sudders, director of the
COVID-19 Response Command Center, wrote a letter to families
of individuals in long term and congregate care facilities. The
letter, available in both English and Spanish, provides important
tips and considerations when planning holiday celebrations with
a loved one who lives in a congregate setting. Many people living
in congregate settings are uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19 and
may have health conditions putting them at a higher risk of
becoming sick, or even severely ill, with COVID-19. Additionally,
the Command Center has also developed a new COVID-19 Family
Information Center webpage, with the latest information and
resources for families and loved ones of residents in nursing homes.
Safely celebrating the holidays with your loved
ones in long-term care or congregate settings
Low Risk
Host a v!rtual
celebration!
� r
Low -Medium
Risk
Visit your loved one
at their residence
Medium -High
Risk
Bring them to your home
fora small celebration,
following safety guidance
ea.
High Risk
A celebration in your
home with multiple
households, not following
safety guidelines
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Webinars for Municipalities, Schools, Higher Ed & Others on FEMA Public Assistance Program:
With the ability of municipal governments to expend funds from the federal government's CARES Act —
Municipal Program coming to a close on December 30, 2020, the Massachusetts Emergency Management
Agency (MEMA) will be hosting a series of webinars in December to review ongoing support available to
municipalities, schools, and certain nonprofit organizations, through FEMA's Public Assistance Program. The
webinars will cover cost eligibility and documentation requirements, as well as guidance for applicants to
determine what costs can and cannot be covered under the program.
The webinars have been organized by applicant type to provide information on common questions and concerns
of specific sectors. MEMA recommends that applicants choose to attend a session that best describes their
organization to learn the most relevant costs and documentation requirements.
• Find the schedule of webinars here
• Attendees are also encouraged to submit questions in advance of the webinars here
All sessions will be recorded and made available on MEMA's website.
Massachusetts 2-1-1 Marks a Milestone:
Massachusetts 2-1-1, the state's COVID-19 information and referral
call center, recently surpassed 150,000 calls since the start of the
pandemic. Since the official announcement in March, 2-1-1 call
takers have provided real-time COVID-19 information, resources,
and referrals in multiple languages to callers 24 hours a day. 2-1-1
is also handling calls related to housing needs as part of the state's
Comprehensive Eviction Diversion Initiative.
In addition to COVID-19 information, 2-1-1 also still provides its
regular free information & referral services to help connect callers with
health, housing & more.
local programs - childcare, mental
Residents with questions should dial 2-1-1 from any landline or cellphone.
Important Updates
Department of Public Health Updates:
• A message from DPH Commissioner Bharel will be sent to 4.5 million phone lines across Massachusetts
today (11/19) in both English and Spanish via the Everbridge Resident Connection Alerts System. The
message will remind residents of Thanksgiving safety measures and reference gathering limits and
quarantine orders for visitors from high risk states.
• DPH has revised its daily dashboard to focus on current and cumulative metrics most important to track the
pandemic. The weekly report comes out Thursdays. Look for both here.
• Keep updated on preparations for a COVID-19 vaccine by checking our webpage at
www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.
• MA211 received 3,026 calls from Wednesday 11/11 through Sunday 11/15 for a new total of 151,700.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
• Starting in early December, 134 school districts, charter schools and special education collaboratives will
have access to these rapid COVID-19 tests for students or staff members who show symptoms of the
respiratory disease while school is in session.
• There were 10 deliveries to health care entities on Tuesday (11/17) (2 PPE/8 testing supplies), and 24
deliveries have been scheduled for Friday (11/20) (3 PPE/20 testing supplies and 1 Remdesivir).
• DPH received a Week 1 allocation of Bamlanivimab on 11/13 of 1020 doses and were notified of the Week 2
allocation of 560 doses. DPH convened a Therapeutics Working Group that is recommending an equitable
allocation strategy.
• For the date range of 11/6-11/12, 95 of 96 Massachusetts hospitals were 100% compliant in their COVID-19
data submissions to the DPH WebEOC portal which is submitted to the federal HHS Protect portal daily.
• Resurgence planning meetings continued this week with the HMCC regions. All regions remain in Tier 1.
• DPH provided a letter to LTCFs that offers recommendations for families to safely celebrate the holiday
season with their loved one(s). The Department encourages facilities to distribute the appropriate letter to
families in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
• DPH issued updated guidance regarding admissions, safety protocols and use of personal protective
equipment (PPE) for LTCF.
• DPH issued Updated Guidance for Implementing Order of the Commissioner of the Public Health Regarding
Control of COVID-19 in Long -Term Care Facilities.
Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery Updates:
Mass Care
• 1 state contracted isolation/recovery hotel in the city of Everett continues to receive client placements.
o Currently 68 residents are housed in this hotel (+9 change since last Thursday)
o To date, a total of 812 residents have been placed in this hotel for safe isolation and recovery.
• The second state contracted isolation/recovery hotel in Taunton is scheduled to open tomorrow
afternoon (11/20).
• Coordination continues to identify a state contracted isolation/recovery hotel site in Western
Massachusetts.
Logistics (including Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies)
• 39 orders were prepared for pickup or delivery from MEMA's warehouse between 11/13 and 11/19
• This week, the Warehouse supported deliveries to 11 CEIT Sites, totaling 186,000 KN-95, 30,240 Packs of
Alcohol -Based Hand Wipes, 2,016 pairs of heavy-duty gloves, and 28 Hand Sanitizer Stations
• A two-week supply of PPE, administrative supplies, and housekeeping supplies were deployed to the
second Isolation Hotel in Taunton on 11/19/2020
• MEMA's Field Deployable Medical Station is prepared to deploy to the DCU Center on 11/23/2020
Disaster Recovery
On March 27, the President declared a Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
related to the COVID-19 pandemic response. Through this declaration, federal aid will be made available to cities
and towns, state agencies, and certain non -profits in all Massachusetts counties to help pay for emergency
protective measures (response costs) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. MEMA's Recovery Unit has developed
a webpage with information and guidance on, but not limited to, disaster declaration, eligibility criteria, and the
application process. Highlights from the Disaster Recovery process include the following:
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
FEMA Public Assistance Program
MEMA COVID-19 EXECUTIVE DASHBOARD
AGGREGATE PROGRAM VIEW
Note: Financial data represents 75% federal cost share; figures do not include MEMA management cost allowance
Data as of 11113/2020
Overall Submitted Approved Paid
(Best Available Estimate) (Eligibility & Cost Review) (by FEMA) (by MEMA)
$600.8M
+S 1.75 M
808 Projects
+16
Approved Applicants: 610
$420.4M
+$1.73M
$7.5M
+$117.56K
$6.9M
$0
529 Projects 41 Projects 26 Projects
+10 +3 0
• The MA Emergency Management Agency will be offering multiple sessions to review FEMA Public
Assistance cost eligibility and documentation requirements with applicants. With the issuance of new
FEMA guidance on cost eligibility, MEMA will present on current and past guidance as well as costs that
are being questioned and determined ineligible by FEMA. MEMA will also review documentation
requirements based on project size to prepare applicants to submit a complete project package to
FEMA. The schedule of webinars can be found on MEMA's website here.
Long Term Recovery Program
• The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has facilitated a presentation of the final
Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) for the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies (MARPA),
Economic Development Planners working group this past Wednesday, 11/18. The Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and the Northeastern University Global Resilience Institute (GRI) presented
the final RNA and answered any questions the MARPA Economic Development group had regarding next
steps and what FEMA's role would be regarding economic recovery for the planning group.
COVID-19 Cases in Long -Term Care (LTC)
Facilities (as of 11/19)
Residents/Healthcare
Workers of LTC Facilities
26,691
LTC Facilities Reporting at
Least One Case of COVID-
19
398
Deaths Reported in LTC
Facilities
6,645
617-
660-
5399
NURSING HOME
FAMILY RESOURCE LINE
617-660-5399
ND AV TkRI, FRIDAY FROM RAM -RPM
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Holyoke Soldiers' Home Weekly Update (current as of 11/17/20)
• In addition to sharing the Veterans Day virtual ceremony, the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke celebrated
Veterans Day with special gifts, treats, music, as well as streaming the 2020 Veterans Day Virtual
Ceremony on the Homes closed circuit television. The Home was also open for an additional day of
visitation on Sunday, November 15, 2020, due to visitation being closed on Veterans Day.
• The Soldiers' Home in Holyoke resumed indoor visitation on Saturday, November 14, after receiving
negative results from two rounds of testing for Veterans and staff.
o Screening of all visitors will continue, including taking the temperature or each visitor and asking
a series of questions. Two visitors are allowed per visit, and visitation will take place in the
Home's lobby in four separate private areas with 16 slots available each day, Tuesday through
Saturday, from 10:00am to 2:30pm.
o Families and loved ones can schedule visits with veterans in advance using the Family Line at
413-552-4764.
o Visitation is occurring in addition to continued video visits for regular family communication
through video chat, and the Family Line is available for ad hoc updates with support from social
work and clinical staff. Outdoor visits and video visits can be scheduled by calling the Family Line
at 413-552-4764 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Families can also request updates via
email at CommunicationsMailbox-HLY@Mass.gov.
o Note: The Soldiers' Home can only share medical information about a resident with the
authorized health care proxy on file.
• Per protocol, visitation on one unit at the Home has been temporarily suspended as a clinical staff
member was notified that they were a close contact of a confirmed case.
o All Veterans and Family members on the affected unit are being notified. Visits for the unit are
suspended until further notice.
o The exposure occurred offsite. The staff member was sent home immediately. The staff member
is asymptomatic and has tested negative.
• Phase II of the Refresh Project to enhance residential units, an important initiative to ensure infection
control continues to be met and that care areas are clean, safe, and comfortable, began for the second
floor on Monday, October 19. Phase I of the Refresh Project is complete and the veterans from the
second floor have successfully and safely moved to their new rooms on the third floor.
• The Soldiers' Home leadership is committed to ensuring the safety of the Veteran residents and
restoring the Home to its rightful place that treats them with dignity, honor, and respect. The Soldiers'
Home leadership is moving into the Transition & Rebuilding Phase that is focused on rebuilding staff
leadership and team and positioning the facility to move forward safely. Over the past weeks, the Home
welcomed new permanent leadership and staff positions including a Nurse Practitioner, two
Recreational Therapists, and four Certified Nursing Assistants.
• Veteran and Family Advisory Council meetings are resuming. The Veterans Advisory council met on
Thursday, November 12, 2020, and the Family Advisory Council will meet on Thursday, November 19,
2020. The Veteran and Family Advisory Councils are run by veterans and families with assistance from
the Soldiers' Home.
o The Advisory Council helps the Home partner with veterans and families to provide constructive
guidance amongst diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
o Through the feedback from the Veterans and Family Council, the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke
hopes to integrate ideas into service delivery and quality improvement efforts to positively
impact family and veteran -centered care.
• In addition to mandatory testing at state -operated 24/7 facilities, daily symptom checking and routine
staff surveillance testing are important tools to protect staff, residents and visitors and will remain in
place until such time there is a medical breakthrough or a safe and effective vaccine for COVID 19. Staff
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
who are not feeling well are instructed not to come to work and to contact their health care provider. If
staff show any signs of COVID-symptoms, they are required to self -quarantine at home, per CDC
guidance for health care workers.
• The Soldiers' Home in Holyoke has been intently focused on following infection control procedures and
maintaining best practices for the safety of veteran residents and staff. All veteran residents' health is
being monitored and retesting is being conducted for veterans both on- and off -site as clinically
appropriate.
o The Soldiers' Home's medical team is making all clinical decisions following the latest CDC
guidance, which continues to evolve as the medical community learns more about this new
virus. The CDC recommends making medical decisions regarding when to end isolation and
determine that the patient has recovered based on symptoms and time elapsed.
o Since the start of the pandemic, more than 80 residents had been determined clinically
recovered, which means that they at one point tested positive for COVID-19 but are now
considered clinically recovered as defined by federal CDC guidance.
• On Veterans Day, the Baker -Polito Administration announced the next steps for the expedited capital
project for the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke. Following the conclusion of the 12 -week Rapid Planning Phase
of the project, the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance released the needs
assessment report and announced the selection of a vendor for the next phase.
o The Rapid Planning Phase was launched in August to identify a sustainable, public health,
implementation roadmap to provide significant upgrades to the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke. The
architecture firm that led this project, Payette, wrote a report detailing its findings and
recommended next steps. This report represents the culmination of research gathered by a
broad group of veterans, families, veterans' organizations, the community, and other
stakeholders through focus groups, interviews, and surveys. These recommendations reflect the
!earnings from those engagements, and the analysis of demographic data and services in
Western Massachusetts. Read the full report here.
o Payette has been conditionally selected pending execution of a contract as the design firm to
lead the design and planning phase, the next step of the expedited capital project. Payette will
build on the evaluation they previously completed, and will develop a full project scope, refine
the plan, and confirm the budget, timelines, and ensure conformity with the regulatory process.
One of the early deliverables is the preparation of the submission for the VA State Home
Construction Grant by its April 15, 2021 deadline.
o The website for the project is www.mass.gov/HolyokeSHProject.
• In June, the Baker -Polito Administration released the independent report ordered by Governor Baker to
investigate the COVID-19 outbreak at Holyoke Soldiers' Home, and announced a series of reforms to
strengthen its governance and oversight of the Home, improving staffing processes, providing quality
care for our Veterans, and planning for significant capital improvements.
• The status of all residents as of November 17 is as follows:
o Status:
0 positive and not clinically recovered
56 veterans are negative
1 resident have a pending test
73 residents have been determined clinically recovered
1 resident has refused testing
o Resident locations:
■ 102 veterans are onsite
■ 29 veterans are offsite
• 22 veterans are at a dedicated skilled nursing unit at Holyoke Medical Center
• 7 veterans are receiving acute care offsite
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Since March 1, there have been 76 veteran deaths of veterans who tested positive
From the most recent round of staff surveillance testing
0 tested positive
All others who previously tested positive are clinically recovered
Chelsea Soldiers' Home Weekly Update (current as of 11/17/20)
• In addition to sharing the Veterans Day virtual ceremony, the Soldiers' Home in Chelsea celebrated
Veterans Day with a virtual message from Rear Admiral Michael Wettlaufer, Commander of the Military
Sealift Command. Additionally, donated Commemorative Vietnam Books were distributed to residents,
and other donated gifts were given to residents in Independent Living.
• Long Term Care veterans have moved into their new private spaces following the completion of a short-
term ward conversation project at the Soldiers' Home in Chelsea to enhance infection control and
resident safety. This project will also incorporate negative air pressure to improve airflow, which will be
utilized until the opening of the Community Living Center (Fall 2022). The Home has released a live link
for families and staff to virtually tour newly designed private spaces for veteran residents in the Long
Term Care: Click here to view a virtual tour of these areas.
• Visitation at the Soldiers' Home in Chelsea continues between veterans and loved ones. Following
visitation guidance, the Home's protocols prioritize the health and safety of Veterans and staff, with
continued focus on infection control. Ongoing plans are contingent on the continued stability of
infection controls and public health metrics, which we continue to monitor daily and coordinate with
state and local health officials.
o Families can also request updates on their loved ones by contacting the Home at CSH@mass.gov
and through phone and video conversations. Medical information can only be shared with an
authorized health care proxy.
• Clinical staff closely monitor any changes in residents, and the Soldiers' Home's medical team is making
all clinical decisions following the latest CDC guidance, which continues to evolve as the medical
community learns more about this new virus. The CDC recommends making medical decisions regarding
when to end isolation and determine that the patient has recovered based on symptoms and time
elapsed.
o Since the start of the pandemic, more than 40 residents had been determined clinically
recovered, which means that they at one point tested positive for COVID-19 but are now
considered clinically recovered as defined by federal CDC guidance.
o Individuals are determined recovered according to CDC guidance, and may test positive even
after being clinically recovered. This is a known consequence of the PCR test, which is extremely
sensitive to picking up virus or viral remnants even weeks after recovery.
• The Soldiers' Home in Chelsea currently conducts bi-weekly staff surveillance testing. In accordance with
the recent CMS Interim Rule, the Soldiers' Home is now conducting weekly testing until the facility is 14
days without positive test results. These tests are provided at no cost to employees.
• The Soldiers' Home in Chelsea monitors the PPE supply, and continues to receive shipments of PPE. The
Incident Command team at the Chelsea Soldiers' Home continues to enforce staff use of personal
protective equipment (PPE), as well as source PPE to ensure that residents and staff have access to
critical safety equipment. The team continues to coordinate closely with the VA Health Care System.
• The status as of November 17 is as follows:
o Residents
■ 0 veteran residents are positive
■ 143 veteran residents are negative
■ 40 residents have recovered, meaning they previously tested positive and are now
clinically recovered
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
• 0 residents have pending tests
• Since March 1, there have been 31 deaths of veterans who tested positive
o Following the most recent round of staff surveillance testing:
■ 1 employee is positive
■ All other employees who previously tested positive have been determined clinically
recovered
Resources
MassSupport
MassSupport is the Massachusetts Crisis Counseling Program funded by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and managed in partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and Riverside
Trauma Center, a program of Riverside Community Care.
Contact MassSupport by phone at 888-215-4920 or by email at MassSupport@riversidecc.org
Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center
In order to provide support to families and communities who have suffered loss as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic, the American Red Cross has developed a Virtual Family Assistance Center (VFAC), staffed by a team
of specially trained mental health, spiritual care, and health services volunteers who are:
• Connecting with families over the phone to offer condolences, emotional and spiritual support, and
access to available resources
• Providing support for virtual memorial services for families, including connecting with local faith -based
community partners
• Hosting online classes to foster resilience and facilitate coping skills
• Assisting families with access to national, state, or local resources such as grief counseling, legal
resources, funeral information, financial information services, or veterans' assistance
• Additional state- and local -specific resources are available.
People can visit: https://www.redcross.org/virtual-family-assistance-center/ma-family-assistance-center.html
to access this resource with special virtual programs, information, referrals, and services to support families in
need. People without internet access can call toll -free 833-492-0094 for help. All Family Assistance Center
support will be provided virtually and is completely confidential and free.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) now reports on the number of positive COVID-
19 cases as reported to the DESE by school districts (including charter schools), collaboratives, and approved
special education schools. The data only represents what has been reported to DESE. For more information and
to view the report people can visit: http://www.doe.mass.edu/covidl9/positive-cases/
COVID-19 Test Site Locator
MEMA, in conjunction with the COVID-19 Command Center, has developed an interactive map that shows the
locations of COVID-19 testing sites around the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts COVID-19 Response Dashboard
MEMA has developed and maintains a public -facing COVID-19 ArcGIS Online dashboard, available here. This
dashboard is continuously updated and captures information about current COVID 19 case counts, cases by age,
cases by county, hospital status, hospital bed status, death tolls, and deaths by age. Users should refresh the
dashboard daily as enhancements are continuously being added.
Health care facilities can learn more about requesting personal protective equipment here.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Stay Informed
• Get information from trusted sources. Get notified by text, email, or phone call in your preferred
language. Visit https://member.everbridge.net/index/406686158291020/#/signup to sign-up for
AlertsMA for the latest news on the Commonwealth's response to COVID-19
• Take care of your emotional health:
• Call 2-1-1 and choose the "CALL2TALK" option.
• Samaritans is continuing operations 24/7, as always. During this unprecedented time, it can feel
overwhelming to receive constant messages about COVID-19. Call or text their 24/7 helpline any time at
877-870-4673.
• The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365 -day -a -year, national hotline dedicated to
providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any
natural or human -caused disaster, including disease outbreaks like COVID-19. This toll -free, multilingual,
and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.
Communications Resources
Public Information Resources on Targeted Health Measures Available for Communities:
The COVID-19 Command Center has produced new resources aimed at helping communities to inform and
educate residents on recent executive orders and tips for less risky Thanksgiving gatherings.
New Website: Mass.gov/holidays
Executive Orders + Stay at Home Advisory one-pagers/flyers
• Available in multiple languages at the links below:
o Public gathering guidance
o Private gathering guidance
o Face Mask order
o Stay-at-home Advisory
o Early business closure & alcohol guidance
• Social Media posts on Thanksgiving Tips
o https://www.facebook.com/massgov/posts/1728164364021213
o https://www.instagram.com/p/CHQSE5Egi4B/
o https://twitter.com/MassGov/status/1324736982275313664
o https://nextdoor.com/post/167003750?init source=copy link share
Public Messaging Resources for Higher -Risk Communities
• Public messaging graphics & guidelines for use in your community
DPH Communication Materials in Multiple Languages
• Facts Sheets
• Videos
How to Help Out
• Donate to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund.
• Volunteer opportunities for health professionals: Please click here.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
The Need for Blood Donations Continues, and Recovered COVID-19 Donors Can Help Save Lives
In coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Red Cross is seeking people who are fully
recovered from the new coronavirus to sign up to donate plasma to help current COVID-19 patients. People who
have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. This convalescent
plasma is being evaluated as treatment for patients with serious or immediately life -threatening COVID-19
infections, or those judged by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life -threatening
condition. Interested individuals can visit RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid to learn more. The Red Cross follows
the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for
those in need. To make an appointment to donate, please visit www.RedCrossBlood.org