West Newbury Board of Health – COVID-19 Update #6

April 28, 2020

Since the Board of Health’s last update on April 22nd, two additional residents have tested positive for COVID-19. These individuals are in isolation and are recovering from their illness.  They are being supported and monitored by West Newbury’s public health nurse according to MDPH guidelines. 

Based on the most recent data, we cannot assume that West Newbury and our surrounding communities have reached the peak of positive COVID-19 cases.  Although we are fortunate to have a lower number of positive cases, it is imperative to appreciate that many infected individuals do not show signs of COVID-19 infection. These individuals are asymptomatic and can unknowingly infect others.  Also, their infections will not be added to our total number of positive cases.  With this in mind, residents need to continue to be vigilant when it comes to social distancing in public areas.  We could all be carriers at some point without even knowing it.  Social distancing still remains VERY IMPORTANT.

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

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.  This new portal provides a great overview of the COVID-19 cases / data among many areas.

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.

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