West Newbury Board of Health – COVID-19 Update #5

April 22, 2020

Last night the Board of Health received notification that another West Newbury resident has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is in isolation and is recovering from their illness.  They are being supported and monitored according to MDPH guidelines. 

The Board of Health & Public Health Nurse have been working closely with our COVID-19 response team on a continual basis to provide the community with up to date information and support during these unprecedented times.  We would like to give special thanks to the Fire Chief, Police Chief, EMA Director, COA, DPW and all other town employees who have helped us navigate these uncharted waters.  Massachusetts is in the middle of the surge and the community still needs to do our part by continuing to follow local & State orders and guidelines. 

On April 20th, the MA Department of Public Health launched a new portal called the COVID-19 dashboard.  This can be viewed at https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-dashboard-april-20-2020/download.is.  This new portal provides a great overview of the COVID-19 cases / data among many areas. 

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. 

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. 

Please remember to be safe during this weekend’s town-wide roadside cleanup.  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 THESE TIMES 

  • 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