COVID-19 Update #11

Since the Board of Health’s last update on July 3rd, two additional residents have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings our total confirmed cases to 12 in West Newbury.  These two new individuals are being supported, monitored, and interviewed for contact tracing to identify additional potentially infected individuals by West Newbury’s Public Health Nurse according to MDPH guidelines. 

The State of Massachusetts management of the COVID-19 virus public health emergency by instituting public health restrictions, widespread testing, contact tracing, and continued endorsement of social distancing and wearing face coverings have proven to be effective in our State’s success in the management of the COVID-19 virus.  Some States across the country have not been that fortunate and many are currently dealing with a drastic uptick in the confirmed number of positive individuals.  We all need to be reminded that the extremely infectious and dangerous virus has not left us and will continue to be around for many more months.

On July 6th we entered into Phase III, Step 1 of the State’s reopening / recovery plan.  There has been no date set for the progression into another step / phase.  We all need to continue our practices of social distancing and wearing a face covering/mask.  At any time, we could be infected and have no symptoms while we are actively infecting others.  Social distancing still remains VERY IMPORTANT.  If you’re sick, STAY HOME.  The West Newbury Board of Health thanks all of our residents for their continued respect and consideration of others as we all work to decrease the spread of this virus.

The basketball courts and playground structures have been opened for recreational use only, no organized games or scrimmages are allowed, no sharing of equipment or toys. All loose toys have been put in storage for the time being. If you bring toys, please bring them home when you leave. If the courts or playgrounds are crowded and social distancing can’t be maintained, you should leave and come back at another time. The parking lots for Mill Pond / Pipesatve Hill recreational areas are still restricted to residents ONLY (with permits). Parking permits can be obtained by emailing parkingpermitwn@wnewbury.org or by phone 978-363-1100, x134. Email requests are preferred. Please include a copy of your vehicle registration.

BLOOD DRIVE REMINDER: The BOH has partnered with the American Red Cross and will be holding a Blood Drive on August 17th. The blood drive will take place at the Town Office Building Annex from 2 PM – 7 PM. To schedule a donation time, please visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=01985. We would like to thank you in advance for your much-needed donation.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, or if you develop a fever and respiratory symptoms such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.

IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

For more information, the following websites can be reviewed. MA Department of Public Health (DPH) website at: www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus & the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

CONTACT: Paul Sevigny, Health Agent

Office: 978-363-1100, x119
Cell: 978-833-7458
Email: psevigny@wnewbury.org