6/9/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On June 9th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Testing, Hospitalizations, Legislation on COVID-19 Data Collection, New Balance, and the M-ERT Program.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • As of yesterday, MA has conducted over 650,000 tests. 

    • The positive test rate is down to 5%.

Hospitalizations

  • There are currently around 1,462 people hospitalized due to COVID-19. 

Legislation on COVID-19 Data Collection

  • Yesterday, Governor Baker filed a bill to ensure the collection of COVID-19 data. The bill builds on legislation that was recently passed in the Legislature and signed into law on Sunday. Here is what the bill does:

    • It helps with collecting data with respect to communities of color that have been disproportionately affected by the virus. 

    • Makes sure DPH is getting accurate and complete reporting and would give DPH the ability to file those who do not submit the data. 

    • Proposes changes to address data collection and aggregation. 

    • Removes elder housing complexes as designated reporters.

New Balance

  • The Governor gave his press conference today in Lawrence to talk about the work New Balance has been doing to fight COVID-19.

    • New Balance has produced over 1 million masks so far and helped repair straps on masks for Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

M-ERT Program

  • In total, all manufacturers in the M-ERT program have produced around 4 million items of personal protective equipment in 120 days. 

  • Last week, the administration launched a new business accelerator program to get more manufacturers to join the M-ERT program and produce PPE. 

Reopening

  • Please find issued and updated guidance for various sectors in Phases I and II of MA’s reopening here.

  • Please continue to practice good and frequent hand washing, social distancing, wearing face coverings, etc.