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 85 new cases of COVID-19 in Hingham over the past 14 days, and a total of 1,657 cases in Hingham since the start of the pandemic.
• The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Hingham was 25.3 per 100,000 residents, and our percent positivity rate was 2.68% for the previous 14 days.
• As of today, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts totaled 569,620.
• Public health metrics have been trending in a positive direction statewide, including drops in average daily COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates.  However, those rates remain higher than they were before the surge hit in fall 2020. 

Vaccine Rollout & Reopening Plans

• According to DPH’s daily COVID-19 vaccine report, over 946,000 people in Massachusetts have been fully vaccinated as of today.    
• DPH has started to report vaccination rates by community each week.  As of March 11, approximately 14% of Hingham residents have been fully vaccinated.  This is great news.
• At this time, all Phase 1 priority groups as well as some Phase 2 priority groups are eligible to receive the vaccine in Massachusetts.  Eligible Phase 2 individuals include:
  1. People age 65+;
  2. Individuals with two or more certain medical conditions;
  3. Residents and staff of low-income and affordable senior housing; and 
  4. K-12 and early childhood educators, child care workers, and K-12 school staff.
• DPH announced today that they will release the schedule for all remaining groups in Massachusetts’ vaccine plan tomorrow.   Every resident will know when they are eligible for a vaccine.  This information will contribute to the Town’s reopening plans.   
• We continue to closely monitor public health data, including the new statistic of community vaccination rates, and continue to assess our plans to reopen public buildings.  We look forward to reporting back to the Board and the public on specific plans at a future meeting. 
• It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from others.