West Newbury Board of Health – COVID-19 Update #3

April 10, 2020

As of this moment, we are fortunate to have had only two positive cases in West Newbury.  These two individuals have completed their state mandated quarantine period and have recovered and are no longer considered a risk to the community. 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts had 2,151 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday for a total of 18,941 cases.  There were 70 new deaths for a total of 503 to date.  The abrupt increase in new cases and quicker testing results represent real-time and recent transmission of the virus. We are seeing the start of the predicted uptick and it will potentially peak within the next 10 days.

The CDC “recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.” Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html for more information.

We want to thank the residents of West Newbury for respecting the Governor’s Stay-At-Home Advisory as well as the local restrictions imposed by the Town of West Newbury.  We are in no way out of the “woods” yet and residents need to continue to practice the measures below.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AS WE MOVE FORWARD

  • Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • SOCIAL DISTANCING = maintain at least 6 feet between you and anyone else.  This is VERY IMPORTANT!
  • Please respect Governor Baker’s Stay-At-Home Advisory.

HOW TO PROTECT OTHERS

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or a sleeve-covered elbow.
  • If you are sick, STAY HOME!
  • Clean & disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
  • SOCIAL DISTANCING = maintain at least 6 feet between you and anyone else.  This is VERY IMPORTANT.

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