COVID-19 Update #17

Since the Board of Health’s last update on November 19th, many additional residents have tested positive for COVID-19.  From March 24, 2020 through August 31, 2020, West Newbury had 13 residents test positive for Covid-19.  From September 1, 2020 through November 19, 2020, West Newbury had 23 residents testing positive.  From November 20, 2020 to date, the Town saw an additional 76 positive cases and brings our total confirmed cases to 112 in West Newbury.   These individuals were/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 Town and surrounding communities definitely saw a surge in cases following the Thanksgiving meal and now we are seeing the effects of the most recent holidays and winter school break.  As of January 6th, Essex County had a 14-day positivity rate of 9.8%, while West Newbury came in around 5.2%.  Other surrounding towns were much higher with some above 12%.

 

The virus is still very MUCH ALIVE & ACTIVE throughout our community and country.   Don’t let the news about vaccination clinics allow you to relax your COVID-19 safety protocols.  We have many long months ahead of us.

 

Vaccinations are coming soon to you.  The States three-phase vaccination approach can be found at: COVID-19 Vaccine in Massachusetts | Mass.gov.  We are currently at the middle of Phase 1.  The State has not rolled out any vaccination plans for any subsequent phases, which will include our senior population followed by the general population.

 

We are all looking ahead for a much happier & brighter year in 2021.  The Board of Health has teamed up with other surrounding Health Departments to provide vaccinations to our first responders.  These first responder clinics will take place this week. 

 

The BOH is working closely with other Town officials in planning our vaccination clinics for the residents of West Newbury.  These clinics will be local or through a regional approach.  Pharmacies, doctor offices and large vaccination sites are also expected to be distributing vaccine as we systematically move through the vaccination phases.  Once the vaccine is more readily available, public clinic information will be distributed throughout the Town.  Until this time and for an unknown period thereafter, everyone needs to continue practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, cover cough & sneezes, clean & sanitize frequently and monitor our health daily.  If you’re sick, STAY HOME.

 

The resident-only parking restrictions have been lifted at the Mill Pond & Pipestave Hill recreational areas.  However, the follow conditions still apply; facial coverings are required at all times, pets must be leashed at all times and social distance of at least 6’ must be maintained.  If these conditions are not adhered too or if public health conditions warrant, these areas may be restricted again.

 

Most of the States COVID orders are still in effect, including, the facial covering order, the gathering order as well as the travel order.  These orders are being modified frequently, so visit COVID-19 Updates and Information | Mass.gov for the most recent and updated information.

 

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.