Editor’s note: This is the town of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 update for Nov. 23.
COVID-19 Updates and Precautions
Nov. 23 update
Previous updates and additional information and resources can be found here:
coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com/
As of Nov. 22, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 1,398 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; 54 of those cases are active, with 1,327 recoveries and 17 deaths. (These metrics are cumulative since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic). 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-
Thanksgiving Holiday — REMINDER
Hopkinton Town Hall and municipal offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving Gatherings and Travel — NEW INFO
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.
Hopkinton Health Department (Status Update) — NEW INFO
Last week (Nov. 15-19) the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 29 new cases to the department. The department last managed this number of weekly cases in the spring of 2021. Many of the cases were associated with a cluster of unvaccinated youth. Asymptomatic youth from the cluster attended large gatherings, further exacerbating the situation. The department has observed spread in most of the households. New cases not associated with the large clusters have been in vaccinated adults that are no longer working remotely. The department reminds residents to avoid large gatherings, carry a face covering at all times, utilize it when in doubt, test when you are ill and stay home when you are ill. Our two-week percent positivity had dropped to 1.68. However, we expect it to exceed 2.00 by Thanksgiving Day.
CDC Recommends Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5-11 Years — NEW INFO
Click here for more information.
Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, & Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines & boosters available now — NEW INFO
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.
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
Vaccine Info — Where & How
mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine
Find a location using vaxfinder.mass.gov/
**In-home vaccinations are available to anyone who cannot travel to a vaccination location. Call 833-983-0485 to schedule an appointment for yourself or your loved ones.
Hopkinton Health Department (Vaccination Update) — NEW INFO
The Department would like to thank the residents and children that have participated in the most recent pediatric vaccination clinics. With your help, more than 70% of our 5-11 year old residents received their first vaccination last week. The Department’s goal is to have 95% of this cohort fully vaccinated by the second week of December. We will be hosting additional, smaller clinics to provide Pfizer and Moderna boosters through November and December. Links to the clinics will be posted on the town’s website homepage news section, and also shared on Twitter.
Hopkinton Public Schools — NEW INFO
On Friday, Nov. 19, the three-week mask-lifting period at Hopkinton High School came to a close. During the period of mask-lifting, approximately 60 percent of staff and students took part. During the time period, one person in the Hopkinton High School community tested positive for COVID-19. According to Hopkinton public health officials, this person contracted the virus outside of the school setting. Staff and students remasked on Monday, Nov. 22, in anticipation of travel and social gatherings over the Thanksgiving holiday.
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.
Delta variant info:
cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-info.html — last updated Oct. 4
Testing — Where & How
mass.gov/covid-19-testing
mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test
COVID Prevention & 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:
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
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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