[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Important Coronavirus Update

[Easton Town Crier]

Update #8: Easton Officials Announce Important Update on Coronavirus Situation

Emergency Management Director Kevin Partridge, Director of Health and Community Services Kristin Kennedy and Town Administrator Connor Read report that the Town of Easton has received notification from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) of two additional positive cases of COVID-19, the illness associated with the novel coronavirus.

There are currently three confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Easton.

Easton Health Department officials were notified by DPH of the two positive test results and have been in contact with the residents. The two residents are in isolation per DPH orders.

Close contacts (defined as someone who has spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of a positive case) have been identified, contacted by health officials, and are adhering to DPH orders for quarantine.

Although the quarantined close contacts are asymptomatic, they will be monitored while in quarantine by Easton Health officials on a daily basis to limit the risk of spread.

In order to protect the residents' medical privacy rights, no additional information will be disclosed.

In keeping with Governor Charlie Baker's March 15 actions closing schools and restaurants and further limiting gatherings to maximize social distancing, the Town Offices and Frothingham Hall are to remain closed to the public until Monday, April 6. This also follows the joint declaration of a State of Emergency in Easton by the Select Board and the Board of Health on March 16 and the suspension of all activities on playgrounds and group play on fields.

The Board of Health wishes to remind the public that COVID-19 can live on hard play structures - please do not use playground equipment in an effort to minimize risk of spread.

Outdoor activities such as walking, running, biking and hiking with people in the same household are options that minimize contact and the spread of COVID-19. No matter your age, no matter if you are sick or not, please follow social distancing recommendations, practice good hygiene, and avoid gatherings to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not come to work or school and they are advised to contact their primary care physician.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:
*       Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
*       Keep your hands away from your face.
*       Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
*       Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
*       Avoid social gatherings with large groups, particularly if you are over the age of 60, have underlying health conditions, a weakened immune system or are pregnant.
Stay Informed

The Town encourages everyone to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following websites are recommended for the most updated information:
*       Easton Department of Health and Community Services COVID-19 FAQ: Click here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/3ad2b9be-0d67-ea11-a2ed-000c29a59557/Department%20of%20Health%20and%20Community%20Services%20COVID-19%20FAQ.v1.pdf>
*       Town of Easton Official Website: www.easton.ma.us<http://www.easton.ma.us/>
*       Massachusetts Department of Public Health: www.mass.gov/covid-19<http://www.mass.gov/covid-19>
*       Massachusetts 2-1-1 general COVID-19 information: Click here<https://mass211.org/> or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)
*       United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov<http://www.cdc.gov/>


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