WORCESTER – At a press briefing early Wednesday evening City Manager Ed Augustus reported a fourth individual is positive for coronavirus in Worcester.
Another person remains suspected of being infected, but test results are still remaining.
Director of Worcester Public Health Dr. Michael Hirsh also reported there are two other cases in Worcester hospitals, but reporting procedures have not yet informed the city where those individuals reside.
Because both St. Vincent’s Hospital and UMASS Medical Center serve patients from the regional area, those individuals may not be from Worcester.
Hirsh also said that while he is encouraged that the number of cases not growing rapidly, that doesn’t mean there aren’t cases in Worcester. He believes there are and the numbers will increase. The lag in testing results being returned may also be concealing cases.
Increased Testing Availability
Dr. Hirsh reported that drive through testing is now available at St. Vincent’s and UMASS Memorial. The number of available tests has increased, but is still inadequate.
All available tests were used today at St. Vincent’s. More supply is due to be delivered this evening.
There are four criteria being used to qualify individuals for testing:
- Symptoms including fever and cough combined with known exposure to another infected individual
- Symptoms combined with travel to any of six countries: Spain, China, South Korea, Italy or Iran
- Symptoms with those who work as first responders or medical providers.
- With a prescription from your primary care physician.
While shortages still persist for test units, doctors across both hospitals have been instructed to use prescriptions carefully.
Filing For Unemployement
The state has expedited the process for filing for unemployment. Those who wish to file can do so via the online system.
Greater Use of the Worcester Police Department Non-Emergency Line
City of Worcester Police still respond to all emergency calls.
For non-emergency calls that do not require an immediate response, including to file a complain, can be done by calling the non-emergency line at (508) 799-8606.
Whenever possible it is best for both police officers and residents to avoid face to face contact. Using the non-emergency line when appropriate will help avoid non-essential contact.
The Worcester Police Department lobby is open, but residents are asked to call whenever possible.
The License Division is closed to in-person visits only. The telephone number is (508) 799-8648
Department of Public Works Walk-In Service Closed
While walk-in service at DPW is closed, they can be reached by phone at (508) 929-1300
COVID-19 Information Line
The Worcester COVID-19 Information Line is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Albanian. It’s number is (508) 799-1019.
On Thursday, March 19, there will be an option for those with positive or pending tests to speak with a nurse at DPH, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.
