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FRAMINGHAM – The City of Framingham’s Health Director Sam Wong spoke to members of the Framingham Business Association on Wednesday afternoon October 14 via Zoom.
Wong said 87% of the almost 2,500 individuals who had the coronavirus have recovered.
But sadly, 138 individuals died from COVID-19, more than 100 individuals died during the first surge earlier this spring.
Wong said as of yesterday, the City has 189 individuals in mandatory isolation and roughly another 200 individuals under quarantine.
“It’s been a challenging a few months. It’s been very difficult,” said Wong.
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“We are doing everything we can do address the pandemic,” said Wong.
Framingham has been a red community or a high-risk community for the coronavirus for seven consecutive weeks, going back to the end of August.
In August Framingham was avergaing 8.7 cases per day per 100,000 individuals.
Today, Framingham is averaging 17.9 cases per day per 100,000 individuals, accoridng to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Wong said the health department does not have its own communication team so it relies on the communication specialists within the Spicer administration to get the message out to the public.
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In September, Framingham became one of 6 communities in the Commonwealth, that the Baker-Polito administration was providing supports to help stop the spread of the virus.
Wong said at the beginning of the pandemic, he held zoom calls with long-care facilities, but that those calls ended in early July.
Now, Wong said his department is holding weekly calls with organizations to help prevent the spread of the virus in shelters and group homes.
Wong said his department is also holding calls with houses of worship, especially the Hispanic and Brazilian churches.
The health director said his department provides support to the public and private schools, as well as day care centers, and early childhood centers.
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Wong said his department works with Parks & Recreation Department on approving plans for youth sports organizations.
Wong said his department has been focused on complaint investigation and COVID enforcement.
“We conduct investigations and enforce orders by Governor Baker,” said Wong. “We have issued quite a number of citations especially for businesses,”
Wong said his department also provides supports for businesses.
The health director said he has done several Q&A and Zoom meetings with the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce.
Wong also said besides physical health with COVID-19, he is worried about mental health of residents.
Wong said many are stressed by the pandemic, including himself.
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MetroWest Medical Center