Editor’s note: This is the town of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 update for March 4.
COVID-19 Updates and Precautions
March 4 update
Previous updates and additional information and resources can be found here:
coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com/
As of March 3, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 752 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; 28 of those cases are active, with 707 recoveries and 17 deaths. You can see historical tracking and updates on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard, which is updated frequently.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Report — NEW UPDATE
The Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report includes enhanced, more granular information to be updated on a weekly or biweekly basis, including town-by-town case and testing information, cases and deaths in long-term care facilities, updates on nursing facility audit results and more. mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-march-4-2021/download
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Report — NEW UPDATE
The Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Report includes the most currently available information on vaccines shipped and administered, as well as more granular information by geography, demographic factors and more. mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-vaccination-report-march-4-2021/download
K-12 Educators, Child-Care Workers and K-12 School Staff Eligible for Vaccine Appointments Starting March 11 — NEW UPDATE
Beginning March 11, all K-12 educators, child care workers and K-12 school staff will be eligible to schedule appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine. Educators may book appointments at all 170 sites currently open to eligible residents in Massachusetts by visiting mass.gov/covidvaccinemap.
Additionally, the Command Center will work to designate specific days at the seven mass vaccination sites for educators to get their shots. More details will be released soon.
There are approximately 400,000 K-12 educators, child-care workers and K-12 school staff in Massachusetts. Due to a severely constrained federal supply and the existing population that is currently eligible for vaccines, it is estimated that it will take a month for all eligible individuals to secure a first appointment. This time frame is only subject to change if federal supply increases dramatically, including the recently authorized Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
More information can be found here:
mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-k-12-educators-child-care-workers-and-k-1 2-school-staff
Hopkinton Public Schools
The Hopkinton Public Schools will be making decisions about full-time reopening, with remote learning models remaining intact. On Thursday evening, March 4, at 7 p.m., the School Committee is hosting a public forum via Zoom. On Sunday, March 7, at 12:30 p.m., the School Committee will present a televised working session on the topic of reopening. Families in Hopkinton are encouraged to tune into these important events.
Reopening Massachusetts — NEW UPDATE
On Feb. 25, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts would advance to Step 2 of Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan as of Monday, March 1, and also announced its plan to transition to Step 1 of Phase 4 on Monday, March 22.
Residents must continue to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are encouraged to avoid contact outside of their immediate households. The Travel Advisory and other public health orders remain in effect.
For more information on the Commonwealth’s reopening plan:
mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts
Future Vaccine Distribution
On Feb. 18, local boards of health were informed of the commonwealth’s streamlined vaccination distribution plan that prioritizes equity and high-capacity throughput vaccination, particularly as vaccine supply from the federal government remains extremely constrained.
This streamlined distribution plan will increase vaccine access at high throughput vaccination locations such as mass vaccination sites or regional sites and at pharmacy sites. In addition to increasing efficiency in administering the vaccine, the commonwealth will ensure that the program is equitable and meets the needs of communities that have been the most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
For these reasons, Hopkinton is encouraging residents to utilize the vaxfinder.mass.gov portal to find vaccination sites and make appointments. We currently have no indication Hopkinton will receive another (new) batch of vaccines for a local clinic.
**If you were vaccinated recently at the Hopkinton Senior Center, and already have an appointment for your second vaccination, that second appointment is valid!
A reminder that vaccine supply remains very limited. Massachusetts is currently vaccinating:
● People in Phase 1
● People with two-plus certain medical conditions
● Low income and affordable senior housing residents and staff
● People age 65-plus
You can use this site to confirm your eligibility: mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine
How can Hopkinton Youth & Family Services support you during these times?
Is there a resource you seek? Wishing you had someone to listen? Struggling with a problem that could use professional support? Send us your questions here: forms.gle/PiX8Vxow4r7AQtPPA. You can remain anonymous and we will answer your question on one of the next COVID update pages. Or you can share with us your contact information and we will reach out to you to provide direct assistance. Or you can always call us at 508-497-9781. Be sure to leave a message and we will return your call.
NEW QUESTION:
Where can I get more information about domestic violence?
If it is safe for you to do so, there are a number of resources you can call for support. If someone is checking your phone or online history it may be safer to go to a public library to view these resources or use an incognito/private browsing feature on your search engine. You can also go to the police department and meet privately with an officer about your protective and legal options. If you would like to make a private phone call to one or more of the listed programs, HYFS can schedule a time for you to make these calls from our office. If you need further assistance with finding resources for you or your family, contact us. We are here to help.
These resources from Y&FS Resource Sheet for COVID-19
○ Child-at-Risk Hotline at 800-792-5200 to report child abuse or neglect
○ Elder abuse reports can be filed 24 hours a day at 800-922-2275. Elder abuse includes: physical, sexual and emotional abuse, caretaker neglect, financial exploitation and self-neglect of someone age 60 or older.
○ Disabled Persons Protection Commission at 800-426-9009 (for those under age 60).
○ Voices Against Violence 24-Hour HOTLINES for domestic violence/sexual assault: 800-593-1125 or 508-626-8686 (TTY-friendly)
smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php
facebook.com/voicesMA
○ National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or TTY 800-787-3224. thehotline.org/help
○ Jane Doe SafeLink Statewide Hotline: 877-785-2020 janedoe.org SafeLink (domestic violence and sexual assault resources) is available through 211 and also the SafeLink toll-free number 877-785-2020. For the hearing-impaired, the SafeLink TTY number is 877-521-2601. Advocates are available in English and Spanish and can provide translation in more than 130 languages. If you are experiencing violence within your home or concerned about a loved one that may be experiencing violence, please call the SafeLink hotline for support and resources. If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
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Hopkinton Town Hall reopened to the public as of Aug. 10. Appointments are required due to the state’s COVID-19 limits on building occupancy: Click here for more information. All town departments are open for business and many transactions can be completed online. We are available via phone and email to assist during regular business hours. A full Town Directory can be found here. A box at the front door of Town Hall may be used to drop off correspondence, applications, etc., and they may also be mailed or emailed.
Please remember to practice social distancing, wear a face covering, wash your hands often, and be safe.
Hopkinton also posts frequently on social media. Our Twitter is the best place to keep up with all happenings Hopkinton. You don’t need an account to see our twitter feed: https://twitter.com/HopkintonMA
Complete list of Emergency Orders and Guidance from Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency
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