News Flash

COVID-19 Data

• According to public health data from the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) released last week, the Town’s designation remains “yellow,” indicating a “medium risk” of spread in the community. 
• There have been 82 new cases of COVID-19 in Hingham over the past 14 days, and a total of 1,566 cases in Hingham since the start of the pandemic.
• The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Hingham was 24.4 per 100,000 residents, and our percent positivity rate was 2.18 for the previous 14 days.
• As of today, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts totaled 551,667.
• Public health metrics have been trending in a positive direction statewide, including drops in average daily COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates. 

Vaccine Rollout

• According to DPH’s daily COVID-19 vaccine report, a total of 1.25 million first doses and over 565,000 second doses have been administered in Massachusetts as of today.  88% of the total doses shipped to our state have been reported as administered. 
• At this time, all Phase 1 priority groups as well as the first two priority groups in Phase 2 are eligible to receive the vaccine in Massachusetts.  Eligible Phase 2 individuals include people age 65+, individuals with two or more certain medical conditions, and residents and staff of low-income and affordable senior housing. 
• The State’s Vaccine Finder website (vaxfinder.mass.gov) allows residents to search for vaccine sites and schedule appointments.  Residents can also call the State at 2-1-1 for assistance with vaccine information and appointments.  

State Reopening Plans

• Last week, Governor Baker announced that Massachusetts would advance to Phase III, Step 2 of the state’s reopening plan as of yesterday.  He also announced that the state would transition to Phase IV, Step 1 on Monday, March 22, provided public health metrics continue to improve.
• Beginning yesterday, the following changes, among others, went into effect:
  1. There will be no capacity limits at restaurants, but six feet of distancing, six people per table maximum, and a 90-minute maximum dining length per party will still be followed.     
  2. There will be a 50% capacity limit at fitness centers, close contact personal services, places of worship, office spaces, museums/cultural/historic facilities, and other venues.         
  3. Fitting rooms can reopen in retail locations.
• Beginning March 22, gathering limits for event venues and public settings are set to increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. 
• Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.
• In addition:
  1. Dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only;
  2. Overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer; and
  3. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols.
• More details about when and how different sectors/venues will reopen can be found on the State website at mass.gov.
• The Town is continuing to closely monitor public health data and we are assessing our plans to reopen public buildings.  We are working on plans to gradually reopen municipal facilities, including Town Hall and Town offices, the Hingham Public Library, expanded Recreation programs, and the Senior Center. 
• Our top priority remains the health and safety of our residents, Town employees, and business owners, and we will continue to keep the public informed of our plans as they progress.
• A lot of good news has been reported here tonight and we are encouraged by the drop in cases, lower hospitalization rates, and the Governor’s reopening plans.  
• While we are all looking forward to getting back to a more normal life, as CDC Director Rochelle Walensky reported last night, we have to proceed with caution so that we don’t erase the progress we’ve made.   
• We still need to continue with COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, washing hands frequently, and staying home if we feel ill.