News Flash

COVID-19 Data

• As of yesterday, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts totaled 648,249.
• The 7-day average of new COVID-19 cases in the state has been trending downward since early April. 
• 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 72 new cases of COVID-19 in Hingham over the past 14 days, and a total of 1,929 cases in Hingham since the start of the pandemic.  
• The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Hingham was 21.4 per 100,000 residents, and our percent positivity rate was 2.43% for the previous 14 days.

Vaccine Rollout

• The general public ages 16+ became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts as of Monday, April 19^th. 
• According to DPH’s daily COVID-19 vaccine report, over 2.6 million people in Massachusetts have been fully vaccinated as of yesterday.    
• As of April 29^th, approximately 42% of Hingham residents have been fully vaccinated, up from 36% last week.  
• Tomorrow, a team of Hingham Health and Fire Department staff will administer the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to 7 homebound residents.  
• The State’s Homebound Vaccination Program is another resource for individuals who may require in-home vaccinations because they are unable to leave their home to get to a vaccination site, even with assistance.  Individuals can contact the Homebound Vaccination Central Intake Line at 833-983-0485 to schedule an in-home vaccination through the State.  

State Reopening Guidance

• As of last Friday, April 30^th, the Governor relaxed the Face Coverings Order for some outdoor settings:  
  1. In particular, face coverings will be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times they are required by sector-specific guidance.  
  2. However, please note that face coverings will continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking.  In line with this guidance, masks are still required at Annual Town Meeting on Saturday.  
  3. Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. 
  4. At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required.
• Additional changes will go into effect on Monday, May 10^th, impacting large venues like stadiums, and arenas, amusement and theme parks, road races, sports tournaments, and indoor singing. 
• Changes potentially going into effect on Saturday, May 29^th may increase the gathering limits to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings, and private settings.   
• As we reported last week, subject to public health and vaccination data, the state may lift all industry restrictions as of August 1^st.