Editor’s note: This is the town of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 update for Feb. 19.
COVID-19 Updates and Precautions
Feb. 19 update
Previous updates and additional information and resources can be found here:
coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com/
As of Feb. 19, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 715 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; 19 of those cases are active, with 679 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-february-18-2021/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-february-18-2021/download
Future Vaccine Distribution — NEW UPDATE
On Wednesday (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
Hopkinton Public Schools — NEW UPDATE
The Hopkinton Public Schools have established a Reopening Planning Team, whose work, focused on fully reopening the schools for hybrid learners, will be reported to the School Committee in early March.
Library Walk-In Hours Expand Feb. 22 — NEW UPDATE
As COVID-19 case rates decline, the library is pleased to announce an expansion of our walk-in hours. As of Monday, Feb. 22, the library building will be open to the public at the following times:
● Monday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
● Tuesday 1-7 p.m.
● Wednesday 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
● Thursday 1-7 p.m.
● Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The library building will be open for quick browsing and checkouts only; computers, study rooms, meeting rooms, seating and public bathrooms will remain unavailable for the time being.
Curbside pickup hours will remain the same as they are now: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday.
Caregiver Vaccinations
Effective Thursday, Feb. 11, 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. Individuals can go to mass.gov/covidvaccine and schedule two separate appointments at either the same time or adjacent. Click here for more information.
Massachusetts Launches New Vaccine Finder App
The Baker-Polito Administration recently launched a new tool to help residents more easily find COVID-19 vaccination locations available to all residents and view appointment availability for some sites. The tool, called the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder, enables residents to search for a vaccination location and view appointment availability before scheduling. The tool can be accessed via the state’s vaccination website at mass.gov/COVIDvaccine or directly at vaxfinder.mass.gov.
Natick Mass Vaccination Site
An additional mass vaccination site is scheduled to open on Monday, Feb. 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 Feb. 18. For appointment booking, visit mass.gov/covidvaccine.
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:
Q. I lost my job due to COVID-19. I can’t heat my home. Where can I turn?
A. There are a few resources available for help. South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) offers help through the federal Fuel Assistance program for those who qualify. Call Hopkinton Senior Center at 508-497-9730 to see if you qualify. Also, please call us at HYFS as we know of other resources that can help: 508-497-9781.
General Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line
Gov. Baker has announced a 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 mass.gov/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 a.m.-5 p.m. 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.
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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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