HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOVID-19 Command Center sitrep_2.11.21Thursday, February 11, 2021
COVID-19 Command Center
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Situation Update
The Command Center Situation Report is published weekly.
The next report will be published on Thursday, 2/18/21.
Governor Baker announces the vaccine public awareness campaign "Trust
the Facts, Get the Vax" that launched earlier this week.
In This Week's Report:
• Latest Data: Public Health Update
• Week in Review: Key State Actions
o $64 Million Awarded in Grants to 1,312 Additional Businesses for
COVID Relief
o Announcement of Two Mass Vaccination Sites, New Appointments
& Authorization for Caregivers
o MA National Guard Begins Assisting with Community Vaccinations
o Baker Administration Launches Vaccine Public Awareness
Campaign, New Call Center for 75+ Residents
o DPH, Emergency Management, and Disaster Recovery Updates
o Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers' Homes Weekly Update
Helpful Links:
•
COVID-19 Vaccination Locations
• When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
• COVID-19 Vaccine in Massachusetts
• Public Messaging Resources for Municipalities & Businesses
• Mass.gov/findfoodhelp
• HandHoldMA.org
• Reopening Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• Unemployment & COVID-19
• Dept. Of Transitional Assistance Online Portal
• COVID-19 Cost Eligibility and Tracking Guidance
Situation in Numbers
Massachusetts
523,258 Total Confirmed Cases (click
here for more information)
14,964 Deaths among confirmed
cases
14,631,637 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:
27,127,858 Total Cases
470,110 Deaths
57 Jurisdictions Reporting Cases (50
states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam,
Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands,
American Samoa, 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.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Latest Data: COVID-19 Public Health Update
Key indicators from today's interactive dashboard are below.
1. Massachusetts Department of Public Health I COV1D-19 Dashboard
Today at a Glance
Released on: February 11, 2021
Data as aF February 10, 2021
Caution: recent data may be incomplete
Navigation
Today's Overview
Overview Trends
COVID-19 Cases
COVID-19 Testing
Hospitalization
COVID-19 Deaths
Higher Ed & LTCF
Patient Breakdown
City and Town
Resources
Data Archive
Cases
Confirmed Cases
Today there were 2,213
new. confirmed cases
reported bringing the
total to 523,258 total
confirmed cases
Probable Cases
Today; there were 237
new, probable cases
reported bringing the
total to 28,138 total
probable cases.
Estimated Active Cases
There are an estimated
50,344 currently active
COVID-19 cases. g0+
Years
Cases by age during
the last two weeks
`Data updated weekly
0-19
Years
20-29
Years
30-39
Years
40-49
Years
50-59
Years
60-s9
Years
70-79
Years
Testing
Tests Reported
There were 110,792
new COVID-19
molecular tests reported,
bringing the cumulative
total to 14,631,637 tests.
Turn Around Time
The current turn around
time for a molecular test
is 2.08 days.
Percent Positivity
The 7 -day average of
percent positivity is
2.65%.
Hospitalizations
There are 1,313 patients
hospitalized for
COVID-19.
ICU & Intubated Patients
Them are 304 patients in
Intensive Care Units
(ICU) and 185 patients
are intubated.
Average Age of Patients
The average age of
patients who were
hospitalized for
COVID-19 was 72 years
old.
Deaths
Confirmed Deaths
There were 61 new,
confirmed deaths
reported. There have
been 14,964 confirmed
deaths in total_
Probable Deaths
There were 1 new,
probable deaths
reported. There have
been 305 probable
deaths in total.
'tt Massachusetts Department of Public Health I COVID-19 Dashboard
Trends: 7 -day Averages Over Time
Released on: February 11, 2021
Data as of. February 10, 2021
Caution: recent data may be incomplete
Navigation
Today's Overview
Overview Trends
COVID-19 Cases
COVID-19 Testing
Hospitalization
COVID-19 Deaths
Higher Ed & LTCF
Patient Breakdown
City and Town
Resources
Data Archive
Date Filter
Cases
7 -day average of COVID-19 confirmed cases
6,000 0
4,0000
2,000.0
00
Mar 1, 20 May 1.20 Jul 1, 20 Sep 1, 20 Nov 1, 20 Jan 1, 21
The lowest observed value was 156.7 on 7/4/2020.
Hospitalizations
7 -day average of hospitalizations
4,000.0
3,000.0
2,000.0
1,000_0
0.0
Apr 1, 20 Jun 1, 20 Aug 1, 20 Oct 1, 20 Dec 1, 20 Feb 1, 21
The lowest observed value was 155 3 on 8/26/2020
Testing
7 -day weighted average percent positivity
300%
200%
10.0%
0.0%
Mar 1, 20 May 1. 20 Jul 1. 20 Sep 1, 20 Nov 1, 20 Jan 1, 21
The lowest observed value was 0.3% on 9/21/2020.
Deaths
7 -day average of confirmed deaths
150 0
100.0
500
0.0
Apr 1, 20 Jun 1, 20 Aug 1, 20 Oct 1, 20 Dec 1, 20 Feb 1, 21
The lowest observed value was 3.7 on 9!9/2020.
Weekly Public Health Report:
The Command Center released the Weekly Public Health Report, with town by town information, including the
weekly listing of city and town risk levels on Thursday, 2/11. The report also includes granular information on
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
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
Baker -Polito Administration Awards $64 Million in Grants to 1,312 Additional Businesses for COVID Relief
Today, the Baker -Polito Administration announced nearly $64 million
in awards to 1,312 additional businesses in the seventh round of
COVID relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth
Capital Corporation (MGCC). Each business meets sector and
demographic priorities set for the two grant programs.
With the addition of this round of grant awards, the Administration
has awarded approximately $514 million in direct financial support to
11,212 businesses across the Commonwealth.
O
SMALL BUSINESS G ELIEF INITIATIVE
$64 Million in
Small Business
Grants Awarded
4
"As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the Massachusetts business community, I'm pleased we are
able to provide relief to another 1,312 hard hit businesses," said Governor Charlie Baker. "With this round of
awards, our efforts to deliver vital assistance to foster our economic recovery have now reached more than
11,000 businesses across the Commonwealth for a total of over a half billion dollars in direct financial support."
"The COVID-19 public health crisis has hit small businesses hard, and there are communities and sectors that
have seen their livelihoods significantly impacted through no fault of their own," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.
"We continue to target these grants to those businesses — whether they're owned by women or minorities,
located in Gateway Cities, or from sectors like restaurants and gyms — that need support the most."
Among the sectors that received the highest total number of grants this round are: restaurants, bars, caterers,
or food trucks (426); personal services businesses (173); and independent retailers (114).
In addition, grants for this round were awarded to 596 minority -owned, and 489 women -owned, businesses;
356 recipients are in Gateway Cities, and 352 businesses have not received any prior aid.
Acknowledging the importance of restaurants and independent retailers to communities across Massachusetts,
business owners of multiple locations that met demographic and sector priorities are receiving awards to
support up to two additional locations.
"Thanks to the team at MGCC, these grants create a key opportunity to sustain our small businesses by the
thousands in every corner of Massachusetts," said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike
Kennealy. "Recognizing how critical a component our small businesses are to the Commonwealth's economy,
providing direct support has proven to be essential to our strategy for economic recovery."
Following the previous announcement of grant awards on Feb. 4, MGCC began a process of engaging directly
with applicants that met sector and demographic priorities but were missing documents necessary to be
considered for an award. MGCC is continuing to work with business owners in targeted sectors and demographic
groups over a two-week period to allow for applicants to submit necessary documents.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
The Commonwealth remains in Phase 3, Step 1 of the Baker -Polito Administration's reopening plan. On Monday,
temporary capacity limits of 25% instituted during the second surge of COVID-19 were lifted, allowing many
businesses to return to 40% capacity. In addition, restaurants and close contact personal services are now
allowed to operate at a 40% capacity limit, with workers and staff not counting towards the occupancy count for
these sectors.
Baker Administration Announces Two Mass Vaccination Sites, New Appointments & Authorization for
Caregiver to Get Vaccinated with 75+ Resident
Yesterday, the Baker -Polito Administration announced two new mass
vaccination sites will open in Natick and Dartmouth. On Thursday, 74,000
appointments will be posted online for mass vaccination sites and
pharmacies at locations statewide. Approximately 30,000 additional
appointments will be posted over the course of the week at pharmacies —
totaling over 100,000 new appointments this week for mass vaccination
sites and pharmacies.
The administration also announced that individuals who accompany
someone age 75 or older to get a vaccine at a mass vaccination site may also schedule and receive their own
vaccination on the same day.
o
Caregivers Can
Now Be Vaccinated
With 75+ Residents
[mass.gov/COV I Dvaccin e
Natick Mass Vaccination Site:
An additional mass vaccination site is scheduled to open on Monday, February 22, at the Natick Mall with
LabCorp as the provider.
This site will begin administering 500 doses per day, then increasing over the course of several weeks to
administering 3,000 doses daily. All eligible residents will be able to use this site. Eligible residents can begin
booking appointments for the Natick site on February 18th. For appointment booking, visit
mass.gov/covidvaccine.
Dartmouth Mass Vaccination Site:
An additional mass vaccination site is scheduled to open on Wednesday, February 24, at Circuit City with
Curative as the provider.
This site will begin administering 500 doses per day, then increasing over the course of several weeks to
administering over 2,000 doses daily. All eligible residents will be able to use this site. Eligible residents can
begin booking appointments for the Dartmouth site on February 18th. For appointment booking, visit
mass.gov/covidvaccine.
New Appointments at Mass Vaccination Sites & Pharmacies:
The Administration continues to build the Commonwealth's vaccination infrastructure and will add 30 new retail
pharmacy sites and 2 additional mass vaccination sites. There are currently more than 130 vaccination sites in
Massachusetts.
Friday (2/12) morning, more than 53,000 appointments will be posted online for mass vaccination sites for
Springfield, Danvers, Foxborough (Gillette Stadium) and Boston (Fenway Park). Eligible individuals should visit
mass.gov/covidvaccine for details on how to book.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Over 50,000 pharmacy appointments will be posted online by the end of this week. 21,000 of these
appointments are at new stores and will be live tomorrow. The 50,000 includes:
• CVS Health: 8,064 appointments were posted this week, with an additional 21,000 appointments going
live tomorrow, and another 3,000 appointments being posted daily on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Walgreens: 7,620 appointments this week (over 1,000 released each day)
• Topco (Wegmans, Big Y, Price Chopper): 3,100 appointments this week
• Retail Business Services (Stop and Shop, Hannaford): 2,000 appointments this week
Caregiver Attestation for Mass Vaccination Sites:
Effective Thursday, February 11th, at mass vaccination sites, an individual who is accompanying a person age 75
or older to get the vaccine may schedule their own appointment to be vaccinated on the same day.
A caregiver must schedule their own appointment online for the same day and location as the 75 or older
resident. Only one caregiver may accompany a 75 or older resident.
Mass vaccination locations will make every effort to take both individuals together to minimize wait time, even if
the appointment times are not identical.
Directions to Schedule Two Appointments (for a 75+ resident & a caregiver):
Individuals can go to mass.gov/covidvaccine and schedule two separate appointments at either the same time
or adjacent. For the companion appointment, select the option 'I am accompanying someone who is age 75+ to
their vaccination appointment and my appointment is the same day.'
If individuals are unable to use or have difficultly accessing the internet, they may call 2-1-1 for assistance
booking both appointments. Only one caregiver is permitted to schedule an appointment with the 75+ resident.
A caregiver may receive their first dose of the vaccine if the 75+ resident is receiving their second dose.
Massachusetts National Guard Begins Assisting with Community Vaccinations
As part of the Commonwealth's COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, the
Massachusetts National Guard has begun providing support of vaccination
initiatives. Beginning last week, ten medically qualified Guard members are
partnering with the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) to
administer vaccines in East Boston. On Tuesday, two teams of ten Guard
members will be on site at the Springfield and Danvers mass vaccination
sites to assist in administering vaccine.
Medically qualified soldiers and airmen began assisting with vaccine
administration. Their assistance at EBNHC is expected to continue for at
least three weeks to support four vaccination sites throughout EBNHC's
service area including East Boston, Chelsea, Revere and the South End. The
mission is federally funded. The Guard will continue to make qualified personnel available to the Executive
Office of Health and Human Services for deployment to facilities requesting assistance.
The National Guard has personnel with a range of applicable expertise within its ranks, including physicians,
nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, emergency medical technicians, and medics. These individuals
have already administered the vaccine to 1,000 eligible Massachusetts soldiers and airmen, and now shift their
focus to assisting in clinical settings for eligible members of the public.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
The Massachusetts National Guard's first priorities are to save lives and protect property, and Guard personnel
have assisted the Commonwealth since the earliest days of the crisis, providing a wide range of services to state
agencies and local authorities. As a diverse and highly trained force whose members live and work in
communities across the Commonwealth, the Guard has a proven track record of success supporting civilian
authorities during and after state emergencies, and its units frequently train side -by -side with state and local
first responders, making them well -suited for domestic operations.
About East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) has been a vital part of the community for 50 years,
providing easily accessible, high -quality health care to all who live and work in East Boston and the surrounding
communities of Chelsea, Revere, Everett, Winthrop, and, most recently, the South End. EBNHC is the largest
community health center in Massachusetts and one of the largest in the nation, now serving nearly 120,000
patients and employing more than 1,300 staff members. EBNHC is proud to be a 2020 Forbes Best -in -State
Employer and a six -time awardee of the Boston Globe's Top Places to Work.
Baker -Polito Administration Launches Vaccine Public Awareness Campaign, New Call Center for Residents 75
and Older
Last Friday, the Baker -Polito Administration announced a new
multilingual public awareness campaign, "Trust the Facts. Get the
Vax." The research -driven, $2.5 million campaign promotes the safety
and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and urges residents to get
vaccinated when it is their turn, as vaccines continue to be distributed
across the Commonwealth. The ads feature a diverse group of medical
professionals who highlight the importance of the vaccine and aim to
build trust with communities of color and other populations
disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Ttst
he FACTS
the VIiA
The Administration also announced a new call center to help residents 75 and older who are unable to access
the vaccine appointment website to schedule vaccine appointments.
Public Awareness Campaign: The new statewide campaign explains how the vaccine works and seeks to build
trust around its safety and efficacy with communities of color and other populations. The campaign is grounded
in extensive survey research that indicated that these messages are most effectively delivered by medical
professionals. TV ads in English and Spanish feature a diverse group of doctors who represent a wide range of
races, ethnicities and regions of Massachusetts. Additional animated ads will run on TV and digital platforms in
English, Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Chinese (Traditional & Simplified),
Russian, Arabic and Albanian.
The first TV ad will run locally on Sunday, February 7, 2021, during the Super Bowl Kick -Off show. Throughout
the next several weeks, the multilingual public awareness effort will be visible on a variety of additional
platforms in several languages, including English, Spanish and Portuguese radio, paid social media and search
ads in all languages, streaming services, and print advertising in English and Spanish outlets. A companion video
in American Sign Language (ASL) is also launching today. Click here to see all campaign materials.
To develop the campaign, the Commonwealth relied on insights from a 1,000 -person survey of Massachusetts
residents that identified motivators and barriers around the vaccine, as well as the most effective messages and
trusted voices. The Administration also consulted a 19 -member external advisory group including community
organizations, leaders from communities of color, health care providers, and local health officials.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Additional elements of the campaign will launch throughout the vaccine distribution process. The campaign will
continue to direct residents to www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine, where residents can learn more about the safety
and efficacy of the vaccine and when and where they will be able to get vaccinated.
Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line: Today, the Administration also announced a new call center to help residents
75 and older more easily schedule an appointment if they do not have internet or are unable to use the website
at www.mass.Rov/COVIDVaccine. The COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line is a dedicated telephone line
available to residents 75 and older. The call center will be staffed with over 500 representatives who can provide
live phone support to assist residents with booking an appointment. The line will be open Monday through
Friday from 8:30 AM — 5:00 PM. Live call center workers will be available in English and Spanish, and 100
additional languages will be available through translators. Call center workers will have the same access to
appointments that users will see on the public website.
The line can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting the prompt for "Help Scheduling a Vaccine
Appointment." Residents may have to wait on the line given expected high call volume. Once connected with a
representative, the caller will be asked to confirm he/she is 75 or older and either has no internet access or
otherwise cannot use the website to book an appointment. Call -takers will then use the state's COVID-19
vaccine site map to find nearby locations and determine whether appointments are available. If no
appointments are available within a distance the caller can travel, then callers will be offered the chance to be
placed on a call-back list for the mass vaccination sites. Residents will receive a call-back as appointments
become available at these sites. Due to high demand and limited supply, callers may experience significant wait
times. The Administration will monitor wait times and make necessary adjustments.
Important Updates
Department of Public Health Updates:
• DPH now posts a daily COVID-19 vaccine report, in addition to the Weekly data on Thursdays. You can find
the daily data posted each day at 3:30 pm here.
• Commissioner Bharel did a series of television and radio interviews today on the increasing availability of
vaccine sites and appointments and the vaccine rollout. The WBUR interview is here:
http://ow.ly/H KTx50Dx M Kv
• DPH issued an Order regarding access to certain immunization information for insurance carriers and
MassHealth.
• DPH issued updated vaccine administration guidance.
• DPH issued guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccine inventory management and administration.
• DPH issued a Bulletin — What Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Providers Need to Know, for the week of
2/5. This Bulletin offers the Latest Numbers, Who to Vaccinate This Week, What to Know This Week,
requesting doses for multiple types of clinics, Where to go when you have questions about COVID-19
vaccination, and Resources and Learning Opportunities.
• DPH Epidemiology Line handled 432 COVID-19 calls and 63 non-COVID-19 calls for a total of 495 calls from
2/1 through 2/7.
• As of 2/9, the Academic Public Health Volunteer Corps has 300 volunteers supporting 52 local boards of
health. For more information about the Academic Public Health Volunteer Corps, please visit the APHVC
webpage on Mass.gov.
• DPH received Cycle 10 allocations on 2/3 as follows: Bamlanivimab 100 doses and Regeneron 0 doses due to
a repackaging project being conducted by the supplier. This allocation is for a two-week period. The
Therapeutics Working Group is recommending an equitable allocation strategy.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
• There were 18 deliveries to health care entities on Monday (2/8) (2 PPE, 13 BinaxNOW kits and 3
therapeutic); 17 deliveries were made on Tuesday (2/9) (2 PPE and 15 BinaxNOW kits); 23 deliveries were
made on Wednesday (2/10) (1 PPE/21 BinaxNOW kits and 1 therapeutic); 15 deliveries were made on
Thursday (2/11) (3 testing supplies and 7 BinaxNOW kits and 5 therapeutic); and 10 deliveries have been
scheduled for Friday (2/12) (1PPE/7 BinaxNOW kits and 2 therapeutic).
• HMCC Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 are now in Tier 3, effective 2/8. This modification was made in accordance with
the DPH COVID-19 Resurgence Planning and Response Guidance for Acute Care Hospitals. HMCC Region 5
remains in Tier 4 as the hospitals in the region continue to respond to capacity constraints. DPH and the
COVID-19 Command Center will continue to work closely with all regions to support strategies to improve
hospital capacity statewide.
• For the date range of 1/29 — 2/4, 94 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.
• There are currently 12 Rapid Response Teams, primarily made up of medical staff, deployed to nursing
homes across the Commonwealth. Teams are also helping nursing homes on the day of their Vaccine Clinics
to ensure staff and residents are monitored after vaccination.
• There are 6 National Guard Teams deployed and supporting nursing and rest homes.
• DPH collaborated on the establishment of alternate medical sites (or "Field Medical Stations") to mitigate
stress on health care systems as cases increased. The Lowell General Hospital Alternative Care Site opened
on 1/4/21 and will be closing on 2/14/21 due to a decrease in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The UMASS
Memorial Medical Center DCU Center Field Hospital opened on 12/6/20. In addition, DPH has contracted
with ambulance services in each of the five EMS Regions to help ensure transport capability to alternate
medical sites.
Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery Updates:
Mass Care
• 4 state contracted isolation/recovery hotels in the communities of Everett, Pittsfield, Taunton, and
Wakefield continue to receive client placements: 119 individuals are currently housed in the program.
o Top 5 referring cities:
■ Boston (319)
■ Worcester (184)
■ Springfield (160)
■ Cambridge (117)
■ Brockton (110)
o To date, a total of 1,980 residents have been placed in these hotels for safe isolation and
recovery, an increase of 81 since last week.
Community Food Box Program Update (2/5 to 2/11):
MEMA is partnering with the Salvation Army, and a vendor, to bring in shelf -stable food boxes each week to
support communities in their effort to deliver food to individuals and families in quarantine and isolation who
require assistance accessing food. Each week MEMA's warehouse receives a delivery of shelf -stable food boxes.
Distribution of food boxes is coordinated between MEMA and communities in need via a request through
WebEOC. The table below reflects the current food box inventory, and number of food boxes distributed to
communities during the weekly reporting period (data is updated every Friday).
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
Total Number of Food Boxes in
MEMA's Inventory
Total Number of Food Boxes
Distributed to One or More
Local Communities During the
Reporting Period
Total Number of Communities
that Received Food Boxes During
the Reporting Period
4,459
911
10
Logistics (including Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies)
• 19 Orders prepared for pickup or delivery from the MEMA State Logistics Warehouse from 2/5-2/11.
• The Isolation Hotels in Everett and Wakefield received PPE re -supplies this week.
Disaster Recovery
On March 27, 2020, 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:
• New project obligations (17): $217,406,413.40
• Total RDU Applicants: 55
• 100% completed with Exploratory Calls
• Anticipated Costs Being Submitted through RDU: $872,843,297
• Technical Assistance Meetings Conducted with RDU Applicants (excludes exploratory calls): 531 (+21)
• Project Worksheets submitted to FEMA: 22
• Project Worksheets obligated: 8
• Distributed updated guidance based on FEMA's 100% cost share adjustment
• Conducted webinar to review guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination expenses and provided responses to
all applicant questions
Data as of 2.5/2021
MEMA COVID-19 EXECUTIVE DASHBOARD
AGGREGATE PROGRAM VIEW
Note; Financial data represents 75% federal cost share; figures do not include MEMA management cost allowance
Overall Submitted Approved* Paid
(Best Available Estimate) (Eligibility & Cost Review) (by FEMA) (by MEMA)
$906.0M
+$8.11M
912 Projects
+11
$684.4M
+$891.35K
$504.9M
+$213.30M
$290.0M
+$282.15M
632 Projects 90 Projects 63 Projects
+5 +2 +13
Approved Applicants: 646
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
COVID-19 Cases in Long -Term Care (LTC) Facilities
(as of 2/11)
Residents/Healthcare Workers
of LTC Facilities
34,306
LTC Facilities Reporting at Least
One Case of COVID-19
422
Deaths Reported in LTC Facilities
8,303
Holyoke Soldiers' Home Weekly Update (current as of 2/9/21)
617-
660-
5399
NURSING HOME
FAMILY RESOURCE LINE
617-660-5399
CALL US MONDAY THRU FRIDAY FROM
• Following the completion of Phase II of the Refresh Project, Veterans residing at Holyoke Medical Center
since April 2020 have returned to the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke in a project known as Operation
Bring'em Home. The refresh project is an important initiative to ensure infection control standards are
met throughout the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke.
• CVS Health returned to the Home on February 9 for the third and final onsite vaccine clinic, to
administer second doses of the vaccine to those vaccinated, and first doses to individuals who newly
consented. The first and second vaccination clinics were held on December 29 and January 19.
Vaccination numbers will be updated following the final onsite clinic. Following the completion of the
second set of vaccination clinics.
o At the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, 117 veteran residents and 220 staff have received both doses.
o 1 veteran resident and 10 staff have received their first dose.
• The Home is strongly encouraging all staff to receive the vaccine. On top of the efforts to provide
educational information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccine FAQ sheets, and
vaccine informational forums with clinical staff, individuals who had not been vaccinated received
individual outreach to provide education and encourage vaccination. All educational materials are
available in both English and Spanish.
• The Soldiers' Home in Holyoke will be opening in -person visitation for veteran residents and their loved
ones on Wednesday February 10, 2021. The Home is implementing updated guidance from DPH to
ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents, staff, and those visiting. Visitation will begin tomorrow,
following the third and final vaccination on -site vaccination clinic today.
o All visitors will be screened and required to wear PPE and social distance, and negative test
results are strongly encouraged before visiting. There is designated visitation space at each
Home, and high touch surfaces will be sanitized after each visit.
o At the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, visitation will take place Tuesday through Saturday, from
9:00am to 3:00pm, and 24 slots will be offered each day. Visits will be scheduled for at least 45
minutes.
o Visits can be scheduled by calling the Family Line at 413-552-4764. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
o We expect many loved ones will request visits immediately. At this time, we are asking that
loved ones schedule one visit each week, and as more availability becomes available, more may
be scheduled.
o The Soldiers' Home in Holyoke will also continue to offer and support virtual visitation.
o The Family Line is available for ad hoc updates with support from social work and clinical staff.
Families can also request updates via email at CommunicationsMailbox-HLY@Mass.gov. Note:
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
The Soldiers' Home can only share medical information about a resident with the authorized
health care proxy on file.
• The Soldiers' Home is working with Home Base, a veteran support organization that is a partnership of
the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital, to help improve the quality of life,
increase psychosocial interventions to address isolation during the pandemic. Home Base has linked us
to virtual concerts provided by professional and amateur volunteers. The concerts are interactive —
featuring musical performances and conversation between the Veterans and musicians. The concerts
occur every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. The team at Home Base is working with Social Work,
Recreation and Nursing to provide other opportunities for virtual activities.
o Home Base has extended their free veteran counseling offerings to our Soldier's Home families
and staff.
• The Soldiers' Home in Holyoke is taking every precaution to mitigate COVID-19 entering and spreading
at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke. Based on guidance from DPH, and in consultation with infection
control experts, the Home is continuing mandatory 2 times per week testing for all staff and residents.
Increased testing frequency will allow us to detect COVID-19 early and will continue until the Home
receives 14 consecutive days of negative results.
o 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. 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.
• 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
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 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.
• The Commonwealth has been making capital investments to address the short and long-term needs of
the Home. This includes a short-term Refresh Project and a longer -term Rapid Planning Capital Project
for a future Soldiers' Home in Holyoke. While the expedited capital project will address long-term facility
needs, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans' Services, and
Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance have been addressing immediate capital needs,
including a $6 million refresh of units to significantly improve infection control for the residents and
staff.
o 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 Payette Associates for
the next phase 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. The
website for the project is www.mass.gov/HolyokeSHProject.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
• 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 February 9 is as follows:
o Status:
■ 0 veteran residents are positive and not clinically recovered
■ 4 veteran residents are negative
■ 41 veteran residents have a pending test. Please note that all veteran residents and staff
are now being tested twice weekly, which will increase the number of pending tests.
■ 76 veteran residents have been determined clinically recovered
■ 0 veteran residents have refused testing
o Resident locations:
■ 117 veteran residents are onsite
■ 4 veteran residents are receiving acute care offsite
o Since March 1, there have been 77 deaths of veteran residents who tested positive
• Following the most recent staff surveillance testing
o 3 are positive
o All others who previously tested positive are clinically recovered
Chelsea Soldiers' Home Weekly Update (current as of 2/9/21)
• CVS Health returned to the Home on February 9 for the third and final onsite vaccine clinic, to
administer second doses of the vaccine to those vaccinated, and first doses to individuals who newly
consented. The first and second vaccination clinics were held on December 29 and 30, and January 19
and 20. Following the completion of the onsite vaccination clinics:
o 159 residents and 208 staff have received both doses.
o 6 veteran residents and 67 staff have received their first dose.
• The Soldiers' Home in Chelsea is opening in -person visitation for veteran residents and their loved ones
tomorrow, Wednesday February 10, 2021. The Home is implementing updated guidance from DPH to
ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents, staff, and those visiting. Visitation will begin tomorrow,
following the third and final vaccination on -site vaccination clinic today.
o All visitors will be screened and required to wear PPE and social distance, and negative test
results are strongly encouraged before visiting. There is designated visitation space at each
Home, and high touch surfaces will be sanitized after each visit.
o We expect many loved ones will request visits immediately. At this time, we are asking that
loved ones schedule one visit each week, and as more availability becomes available, more may
be scheduled.
o At the Soldiers' Home in Chelsea, visitation will take place Monday through Friday 9:00am-
7:30pm, and 8 slots will be offered each day; and Saturday & Sunday from 1pm-4pm, and 3 slots
will be offered each day. Visits will be scheduled for at least 45 minutes long. Visits can be
scheduled by Diane Rennie at (617) 887-7160 or diane.rennie@mass.gov
o The Soldiers' Home in Chelsea will also continue to offer and support virtual visitation.
o Families can request updates on their loved ones by contacting their assigned social worker, or
emailing the Home at CSH@mass.gov. Medical information can only be shared with an
authorized health care proxy.
• The Home remains vigilant in its infection control, including enhanced precautions throughout the
facility and strict infection control protocols to keep veteran residents and staff safe, including
continuing staff education, screening, and testing.
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
• 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.
• The Soldiers' Home in Chelsea currently weekly staff surveillance testing. In accordance with CMS rules,
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 February 9 is as follows:
o Residents
• 1 veteran resident is positive, all in independent living
• 127 veteran residents are negative
• 47 residents have recovered, meaning they previously tested positive and are now
clinically recovered
• 0 residents have pending tests
Since March 1, there have been 31 deaths of veterans who tested positive
o Following the most recent staff surveillance testing:
9 employees are positive
All other employees who previously tested positive have been determined clinically
recovered
Communications Resources
Public Messaging Resources for Communities:
The COVID-19 Command Center has produced many communication resources aimed at helping communities
inform and educate residents on recent executive orders and guidance related to COVID-19.
Visitors to the Stop COVID-19 Public Messaging webpage will find both printable flyers, posters, and digital
resources in multiple languages on topics such as:
• When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
• Vaccine Graphics
• Statewide guidelines, advisories, and orders
• Staying safe in the community
• Using local public alert systems for COVID-19 information
• Materials for Business
o Return to work guidance
o Employee Screening Questionnaire
o Business guidance — New, Temporary Capacity Limits
o Updated safe store tips for retailers
DPH Communication Materials in Multiple Languages
• Facts Sheets
• Videos
COVID-19 Vaccine
O
Your need -to -know details about the COVID-l9 Vaccine"
You need TWO doses to be FULLY vaccinated
Your two doses need to be administered from the SAME SITE
COVID-19 RESPONSE COMMAND CENTER
WEEKLY SITUATION REPORT
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.
How to Help Out
• Work at an Alternate Care Site in either Worcester or Lowell
• Donate to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund
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