Hopkinton COVID-19 update for Dec. 21: Town surges past 100 active cases

by Hopkinton Independent | Dec 21, 2021 | News

Editor’s note: This is the town of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 update for Dec. 21.

COVID-19 Updates and Precautions
Dec. 21 update

Previous updates and additional information and resources can be found here:
coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com/

As of December 15th, Hopkinton has seen a swift uptick in the number of positive cases. For the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hopkinton has over 100 active cases. Sadly, this trend is not unique to Hopkinton, as we are seeing cases surge across MetroWest, Massachusetts and the country.

During this time, our local metric reporting data may lag slightly, as we work to ensure accurate reporting. As such, you may see a delay in new metrics being updated as quickly and as often as has been the case historically.

You can see historical tracking and updates on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard. The Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Interactive Dashboard is another valuable resource to review rates and trends:
mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-interactive-data-dashboard-

Hopkinton Public Schools — NEW INFO
On Dec. 16, the Hopkinton School Committee voted 3-2 to re-institute the mask mandate at Hopkinton High School starting on Friday, Dec. 17. All students are required to be masked in the public schools at this time.

Mask Policy Re-instituted at Town Buildings — NEW INFO
Effective Wednesday, Dec. 15, the Town of Hopkinton implemented the following policy:
All employees and visitors inside the municipal offices will be required to wear face coverings. Employees can remove their face coverings at their desk and in their immediate work area. In public areas, away from their desk, the expectation is that everyone will wear a face covering. When two or more employees are in the same municipal vehicle, face coverings will also be required.

COVID (Breakthrough) Cases Among Fully Vaccinated Individuals in Massachusetts — NEW INFO
On Monday, Dec. 20, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released a review of breakthrough COVID-19 cases which shows that nearly 97% of breakthrough cases among fully vaccinated individuals did not result in death or hospitalization. The data is clear — the vaccine is effective.

Learn more: bit.ly/32e2epI
See the data: bit.ly/32bxvcR

Holiday Gatherings and Travel — REMINDER
Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible. Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Holidays — REMINDER
Hopkinton Town Hall and municipal offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 31, in observance of the holidays.

Hopkinton Health Department (Vaccination Update)
The department would like to thank the residents and children who participated in the most recent pediatric vaccination clinics. With your help, more than 91% of our 5-11-year-old residents received their first vaccination. As of Dec. 9, 63% of the 5-11-year-old residents have received both vaccinations. The department’s goal is to have 95% of this cohort fully vaccinated by the end of December. We will be hosting additional, smaller clinics to provide
Pfizer and Moderna boosters through December and January. Links to the clinics will be posted on the town’s website homepage news section, and also shared on Twitter.

Navigating The Season; A Note From Hopkinton Youth and Family Services
Navigating the holiday season this year may reveal that you or your loved ones are experiencing challenges with mental health. We at Hopkinton Youth & Family Services note that many of us are carrying difficult feelings or experiences at this time of year, alongside all the happiness that is hoped for or seemingly experienced all around us. Click here for more information.

SMOC Fuel Assistance
Applications are currently being accepted for the home heating fuel assistance program through SMOC (South Middlesex Opportunity Council). Click here for more information.

CDC Recommends Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5 to 11 Years
Click here for more information.

Vaccine Info — Where and How
mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine
Find a location using vaxfinder.mass.gov/

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters Available Now
Everyone aged 18 or older who received Pfizer or Moderna at least six months ago or Johnson & Johnson at least two months ago can get any booster. Click here for more information.

Ages 16-17 also now are available to get a Pfizer booster.
More info on the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots from the CDC can be found here:
cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

Testing — Where and How
mass.gov/covid-19-testing
mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test

COVID Prevention and Treatment
Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19:
● Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
● Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
● Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
● Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
● Utilize a face covering when warranted.
● Get vaccinated.

See more info from Mass.gov here: mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-prevention-and-treatment

State of Emergency Lifted as of June 15, 2021
On May 28, Governor Baker announced the State of Emergency would be lifted as of June 15. More info here:
https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-issues-order-rescinding-covid-19-restrictions-on-may-29-and-terminating-state-of-emergency-effective-june-15

*********************************************

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