WESTFIELD-As the confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to escalate in the city, COVID-19 patients are being treated at Baystate Noble Hospital as well as throughout its entire health system, according to Maura Tobias, community relations spokesperson.
“Tests are being done across the system, however, we do not have the numbers broken down by hospital, only cumulative,” said Tobias.
Tobias added she does not have information readily available about how many confirmed COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized or how many tests have been completed within the Baystate system.
“We have a surge plan that makes available all usable space at Baystate Noble Hospital, should that be necessary,” said Tobias.
City officials are urging residents to “please stay home” on its official City of Westfield COVID-19 Update website.
Reminders to residents range from limiting your trips outside of the home to only “those most necessary,” to practicing good hygiene, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and regularly disinfecting hard surfaces like counters, table tops, and door knobs.
As of March 31, there are 57 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the city.
“If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and other symptoms, like coughing or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider or primary care doctor for medical advice,” notes the website.
City officials are also concerned about “food security” issues for seniors and children at this time, and have several resources in place to help those needing assistance.
For school-age youth, the Westfield Public Schools offers free curbside breakfast and lunch pick-up services at the Abner Gibbs School from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Franklin Avenue School from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Powdermill Village Apartments, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and Colonial Pine Acres Apartments, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For more information, call (413) 572-6493.
The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield is offering free curbside dinner pick-up services for ages 2-18 at the club from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Franklin Avenue School, 5 – 6 p.m., Colonial Pine Acres, Edgewood and Powdermill Village Apartments from 5 – 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.bgcwestfield.org.
For seniors, the Westfield Senior Center kitchen staff offers take-out meals weekdays with curbside service. The cost is $3 and those who wish to purchase a meal should call the center at (413) 562-6435 between 8:30 – 10 a.m. that morning to provide a name and telephone number. Their meal will be available for a drive-by pick-up near the senior center front patio between 11 a.m. – noon that day. Seniors are asked to enter the center parking lot via Murphy Circle, the entrance farthest from the building, for meal pick-up.
Also, bagged lunches for seniors are offered for pick-up at Abner Gibbs School from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. weekdays.
For civic alerts and more information on the city’s response to the pandemic, visit www.cityofwestfield.org.
