Public Health Update #1 for 2022 – West Newbury Board of Health

         TOWN OF WEST NEWBURY

BOARD OF HEALTH

               TOWN OFFICE BUILDING  PHONE 978-363-1100                 

             381 MAIN STREET, WEST NEWBURY, MA 01985     FAX: 978-363-1119

West Newbury Board of Health – Public Health Update #1 (2022)

DATE:            May 19, 2022                                                               Office:  978-363-1100, x119

TOWN:          West Newbury                                                                        Cell:  978-833-7458

CONTACT:  Paul Sevigny, Health Agent                                        Email:  psevigny@wnewbury.org 

COVID Update:

Since the Board of Health’s last Covid update, our community has continued to increase its Covid vaccination rate among all age groups.  There is a tab on the Town’s website called “COVID-19 Updates”.  www.wnewbury.org/board-health/pages/covid-19-updates-and-information

This link provides our communities vaccination rate, as well as other COVID related information. 

The Board of Health continues to encourage all unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals to be completely vaccinated.  A 2^nd booster dose is recommended for individuals over 50 years old as well as younger immunocompromised individuals.  See mass.gov/COVID19booster for eligibility requirements.  At this time, the BOH is not holding any COVID clinics.  A list of vaccination sites can be obtained at: vaxfinder.mass.gov

As we have worked so hard together to put this pandemic behind us, remember that the virus is still causing sickness and death throughout our country and state.  The emergence of new variants throughout the world is continually causing concerns for transmission and sickness especially with unvaccinated individuals and children who are not currently eligible to receive the vaccine.  Even with West Newbury's high COVID vaccination rates, we should all continue basic infectious disease prevention by washing our hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you are sick. 

The MA Department of Public Health has continued to improve the availability of information on COVID-19, including their interactive dashboard.  COVID-19 Response Reporting | Mass.gov.  

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information can be obtained at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

Finally, if you suspect being exposed to COVID-19 or if you develop a fever, flu like symptoms, and/or respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Mosquito Update:

West Newbury is a member of the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control & Wetlands Management District. Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District | (nemassmosquito.org).    This is the organization that conducts mosquito surveillance within our Town and provides other resources to the community.  They have a redesigned website with a lot of great information.  I encourage everyone to check out the new site and view their recent zoom presentation. It can be directly viewed here, (https://fb.watch/c6HURsi_q5/).  General information about mosquito-borne diseases can be obtained from the MA DEP website at: Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov .

Tick Update:

With COVID-19 taking the public health spotlight for the last two years, residents are reminded of the need to be vigilant in preventing tick borne diseases.  These little critters can cause several diseases across all age groups and, if not properly diagnosed, could potentially lead to life long lasting effects.  Information on tick identification and preventative measures can be found at www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention

Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO’s)

In January 2021, Governor Baker signed An Act Promoting Awareness of Sewage in Public Waters into law.  This new law will require the public to be notified when there is untreated wastewater being discharged to waters of Massachusetts through CSO events.  The law can be viewed at https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2020/Chapter322.  The Board of Health has been in contact with the upstream sewage treatment facilities located on the Merrimac River. The requirement of public notification takes effect on July 6, 2022.  Additional information will be coming out soon.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of these Public Health updates, feel free to contact the Board of Health.