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West Newbury Board of Health – COVID-19 Update #4

April 17, 2020
Posted on: April 17, 2020 - 9:42am

As of this moment, we have had no additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in West Newbury.  On April 14th the MA Department of Public Health started listing the positive number of cases by town. This information can be viewed at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring.  As you can see by the numbers, there are many surrounding communities that have had a significant number of positive cases.  With this in mind, we can expect that the COVID-19 virus is still within our borders or passing through on a daily basis.

These unprecedented times are taking a toll on medical staff, first responders, essential workers and all Americans.  If you find yourself, or know of anyone that could benefit from speaking to a mental health counselor, please reach out to Diane Dardeno, RN, West Newbury’s Public Health Nurse at 781-710-0841.  The BOH has professional medical and mental health volunteers available to help residents during these trying times.

The State of Massachusetts had 2,263 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday for a total of 32,181 cases.  There were 137 new deaths for a total of 1,245 deaths to date (147% increase from a week ago).  The State and area hospitals are seeing a surge in critically sick patients.  The peak in the death rate across Massachusetts is anticipated to be around April 22nd and could be later than that for the North Shore area.

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.

On April 25th & April 26th, West Newbury is having a town-wide roadside cleanup to celebrate earth day.  In an effort to keep our residents that participate safe during this community event, please follow these best practices.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES DURING THE TOWN'S CLEANUP EFFORTS

  • 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!
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or a sleeve-covered elbow.
  • If you are sick, STAY HOME!

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