Massachusetts will see between 47,000 to 172,000 cases of Coronavirus during the outbreak, according to the latest models.
Gov. Charlie Baker discussed the figures during an update on COVID-19 on Thursday afternoon. Those numbers would be 0.7 to 2.5 percent of the state’s population, and the peak is expected to occur between April 10 and 20, according to a WBZ Channel 4 story.
As of Thursday, Massachusetts had 8,966 cases and 154 people have died, according to the Mass. Department of Public Health. The increase in the number of new positive cases, 1,228, was the largest one day increase, above Wednesday’s 1,118. Watertown had four more cases on Thursday, for a total of 41, according to the Town of Watertown’s COVID-19 website.
Baker said the state needs to add 500 ICU (intensive care unit) and will create up to 1,000 beds for acute care in field hospitals such as the one being created at the DCU Center in Worcester, according to a report by WCVB Channel 5.
“Even with the best planning, we certainly expect the system will be stretched. We’re going to continue to work around the clock with our health care system and with our provider community to prepare for what will likely be a very difficult period,” Baker said.
Massachusetts will get a shipment of masks from China thanks to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, according to the Wall Street Journal. He used his plane to deliver 1.2 million N95 masks ordered by the Baker Administration, according to the Boston Globe. The Bay State still seeks help with other equipment, including ventilators. Marylou Sudders, Mass. Secretary of Health and Human Services, said that Massachusetts has requested 1,400 ventilators from the Federal government but has yet to receive any, according to WCVB.
Mass. health secretary says state requested 1,400 ventilators have been requested; 0 have been delivered by the feds to date. — WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) April 2, 2020
Beach Parking Closing, Parks Opening Early
Baker also announced that parking lots at the State beaches will be closed beginning at noon on Friday in an effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, but the beaches themselves will remain open.
The state will also open some of the seasonal parks early to give people recreational opportunities while social distancing. The parks include Cochituate State Park in Natick, Ashland State Park and Hopkington State Park. See the complete list here.
Question for Watertown officials.
Many communities are banning short term rentals completely. NH, Maine, etc. These short term stays may contribute to the spread of Covid 19 with new people coming and going every few days, weeks, etc. Has Watertown considered doing this? If not, they should. Personally, it doesn’t seem safe to have housing like this offered during this pandemic. Looking at Airbnb today and seeing lots and lots of Watertown options with nightly rentals.
Please ZONING, for the sake of our community please ban these rentals ASAP.
Officially, short term rentals like Air BNB are not allowed in Watertown. People have reported seeing homes and units being used by for short term rentals to the Town (the zoning enforcement officer, I believe). The Council is working on rules for short term rentals, but it has not approved them. I missed the last few meetings, but they had a discussion last year. See more about the issue here: http://www.watertownmanews.com/2018/02/22/town-mulling-over-how-to-handle-airbnb-other-short-term-rentals-in-watertown/