Editor’s note: This is the town of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 update for July 10.
COVID-19 Updates and Precautions
July 10 update
While Town Hall and municipal buildings are physically closed to the public, we are open for business. Many transactions can be completed online, and 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. As we work on plans to reopen Town Hall and other municipal buildings, we are prioritizing efforts to keep the community safe and help our local businesses reopen.
As of July 10, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 131 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; seven of those cases are active, with 112 recoveries and 12 deaths. You can see historical tracking and updates on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard. The MDPH periodically completes a comparison of each municipality’s death certificates to its health records. Upon a review of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 data the MDPH determined that one of Hopkinton’s deaths should have been attributed to another municipality. This explains the decrease in reported Hopkinton deaths from 13 to 12.
“Stop the Spread” Free COVID-19 Testing Sites — NEW UPDATE
The commonwealth is launching a strategic testing program in communities across Massachusetts that have continued to see a higher number of residents testing positive for COVID-19. The program starts today (Friday, July 10) and runs through Aug. 14. While Hopkinton is not one of these communities that is seeing a higher number of residents testing positive, the testing is free and is available to anybody. Testing is open to everyone. You don’t need to have symptom(s). There is no cost, and testing at these sites is not restricted to residents of the city or town where the testing is taking place. The closest testing sites to Hopkinton are in Marlborough, and drive-through testing is available. More info can be found here: mass.gov/stopthespread
Mental Health Resources — REMINDER
While not new resources, a reminder of what is available to support mental health during these challenging times. One click can bring you to the Hopkinton Youth and Family Resource page that is a comprehensive and growing list of resources to aid in maintaining mental health and financial security during this challenging time: Y&FS Basic Needs Resource Sheet for COVID-19
Those in need of immediate assistance can access care through the following:
● Call 2-1-1 and choose the “CALL2TALK” option. uwotc.org/call2talk
● 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 the Samaritans’ 24/7 helpline any time at 877-870-4673. samaritanshope.org
● Advocates Emergency Services: If you are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, please call 800-640-5432 to speak to an Advocates crisis clinician 24 hours a day, every day.
● Behavioral Health Crisis Care at MassSupport — A crisis counseling program to support the behavioral health needs of Massachusetts residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.This initiative brings behavioral health resources, information, and referrals directly to individuals and communities. The program offers counseling services in English and Spanish and can be reached at 888-215-4920 or via email at masssupport@riversidecc.org.
COVID-19 Elections Update
In July, a new law was passed to allow all registered voters in Massachusetts to vote by mail in any 2020 election, with no excuse needed. Click here for more information.
Hopkinton Public Schools
The Hopkinton Public Schools COVID-19 Reentry Advisory Group held its first meeting last night, Tuesday, July 7. To view the PowerPoint presentation or see the group’s makeup and mission statement, please visit the Hopkinton Public Schools superintendent’s page at hopkinton.k12.ma.us/about/superintendent.
Parks and Recreation Playground Group Starts July 6 at Center School
Per the Hopkinton Board of Health, while Playground Group is in progress the Center School Playground is closed to the general public. Playground Group runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through Aug. 7. Click here for more information on Hopkinton P&R Playground Group.
Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Third Phase of Four-Phase Approach
Consistent with public health data and trends, Phase 3 of Reopening Massachusetts began Monday July 6. The following businesses will be eligible to reopen in Step 1 of Phase 3, subject to industry-specific rules concerning capacity and operations:
● Movie theaters and outdoor performance venues;
● Museums, cultural and historical sites;
● Fitness centers and health clubs;
● Certain indoor recreational activities with low potential for contact;
● Professional sports teams — under the authority of league-wide rules may hold games without spectators.
Full guidance and list of businesses eligible to reopen in Step 1 of Phase 3 can be found at mass.gov/reopening. Businesses and sectors set to begin opening in Phase 3 are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards. Click here to read the full Phase 3 press release.
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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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