Woburn Coronavirus: Your Questions Answered

WOBURN, MA — The new coronavirus has left Woburn residents with lots of questions. Over the last two weeks, Patch asked readers for their questions and concerns about the current situation. Below is our best attempt to answer some of the most common questions from our readers

How many cases are there in Woburn? What about at assisted living facilities?

As of Friday, Woburn has 414 confirmed cases, including 21 deaths. The town has not published data on cases at assisted-living facilities, but the daily state dashboard includes rough numbers for all facilities with at least two cases.

Why so many deaths in nursing and retirement homes? What could we have done better to protect the most vulnerable?

Nursing and retirement homes have been particularly vulnerable in part because they contain a large number of people in a confined place, it's difficult to avoid contact, and there is regular movement into and out of them, in the form of staff.

In addition, early on in the outbreak, when there was inadequate testing, some long-term care facilities had outbreaks they did not catch quickly, allowing them to spread widely. Staff at many facilities complained of inadequate personal protective equipment.

Where can I get tested?

Testing in Massachusetts still requires a doctor's note. The state has a list of testing sites available here. They require appointments. Some testing facilities will screen callers and provide the doctor's note when you schedule your appointment.

What's opened? Closed?

For at least another 10 days, non-essential businesses across the state are closed, as are most government offices. Many businesses and services are available online, remotely, or for takeout, delivery and curbside pickup.

Patch has compiled an open-or-closed directory of local businesses, available here.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Yes. Anyone over the age of two is required to wear a face-covering in public whenever social distancing is not possible. That includes grocery and retail stores.

Anyone else not wearing will be subject to a $300 fine and could be denied entry into businesses.

Cloth coverings can range from homemade masks to scarves to bandanas.

What if I can’t breath properly with a mask on?

People with difficulty breathing are not required to wear masks.

Okay, so where can I buy that mask?

Early on in the outbreak, face masks were in extremely short supply. They can still be difficult to find in retail stores, but there are a number of places you can get them online. You can find some options here or here. You can also get licensed sports team masks now, to show off your fandom, there are plenty of options on Etsy.

The CDC also has a guide for making your own face covering.

What about unemployment?

Under the federal CARES Act, an additional $600 per week are available to people collecting unemployment. Self-employed and contract workers are eligible under the CARES Act, as are workers under temporary workplace shutdowns.

Answers to most questions about unemployment can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Labor website. The quickest way to file an unemployment claim is to complete the online form.

Where is my stimulus check?

Many have received their stimulus checks already, especially those with direct deposit set up. If you're waiting for yours to arrive in the mail, you can check your payment status here. Many have found the form to only work when they enter their address in all caps.

How does contact tracing work?

Early on, contact tracing was handled at a local level, but the state has now set up the Community Tracing Collaborative. The program reaches out to confirmed positive coronavirus patients to help slow the spread.

The state explains: "With your collaboration, the COVID Community Team will identify and reach out via phone and text to anyone you’ve been in contact with to trace and contain the onward spread of the virus. Through this contact tracing, we will be able to better arrange testing, as well as medical and quarantine support for yourself and your loved ones. It is important to note that we will not release your name to anyone. Your information is strictly confidential and will be treated as the private medical record it is."

Confirmed positives are only those who have received a positive lab test — not patients who have been diagnosed by a doctor.

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Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.