Bedford Town Publishes Coronavirus Update For July 20

Press release from the Town of Bedford:

July 20, 2020

The Bedford COVID-19 Task Force met Monday, July 20, 2020 to review the latest guidance from the Department of Public Health (DPH), the office of Governor Charlie Baker, and Town Legal Counsel.

The COVID-19 Task Force is comprised of the following Town officials:

Sarah Stanton, Town Manager

Jon Sills, Superintendent of Schools

Heidi Porter, Director of Health and Human Services

Robert Bongiorno, Police Chief

David Grunes, Fire Chief

Taissir Alani, Facilities Director

Case Counts

Over the past several weeks, the Bedford Board of Health conducted a comprehensive review of COVID-19 positive cases and the case count as reported to the town by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH). The review revealed duplicate cases, cases that belong to other jurisdictions, and cases reported to other jurisdictions that are actually Bedford residents, which has led to adjustments in the Bedford case count reported today. The data reporting discrepancies typically result from incomplete information provided by an individual at the time of testing. As more information is obtained by the Board of Health relative to ongoing case investigation, the total case count will be adjusted and reported accordingly. The Board of Health has gone through this “data cleaning” process on several occasions and we will continue to request MA DPH clarification in the future to ensure proper case follow-up and contact tracing of our COVID-19 positive residents.

As of today, July 20, 2020, there have been a total of two hundred seventy-four (274) positive cases of COVID-19 reported to the Town of Bedford Board of Health by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH), of those, one hundred fifty-two (152) are Bedford residents not living in a healthcare/long term care setting. The deaths of forty-four (44) Bedford residents have been attributed to COVID-19. The total case number includes residents of the Town of Bedford, including but not limited to those in: single-family homes, apartments, the VA campus, Hanscom Air Force Base, special needs group homes and any and all other larger assisted living/care facilities in Bedford as reported to us by the MA DPH.

As you may be aware, long-term care facilities serving the elderly and congregate care facilities, house susceptible populations with underlying conditions who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Increased testing occurs at these facilities and results in more positive cases being identified. As such, cities and towns with these facilities, like Bedford, experience elevated positive case counts and, unfortunately, deaths due to the vulnerability to COVID-19 of the populations within those facilities.

Two hundred twenty-five (225) of the total Bedford cases have already recovered and have come off isolation. This number is down from two hundred twenty-eight (228) reported on Friday, as three cases that had been assigned to Bedford which we were following, were transferred to their rightful home town for continued follow-up. There may other Bedford residents who would be considered persons under investigation in that they are symptomatic, have undergone testing but have not yet received results. There are other individuals impacted by COVID-19 in the community that have not sought medical attention, and/or have not been tested and are isolating at home regardless. Those individuals do not appear on the surveillance reports the Town receives from the MA DPH.

The Board of Health continues to do the appropriate follow-up and outreach to those residents and close contacts known to us and the VA is conducting follow-up and contact tracing of the Veteran’s under their care. Many of the identified close contacts of some of the Bedford cases never exhibited symptoms, have completed their required quarantine period and have been released from quarantine by the Board of Health.

Please note, in part to alleviate the community concern, the VA does do a daily report of their numbers, which includes inpatients, outpatients and staff, many of whom do not call Bedford home. The information can be found here: https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/Healthcare/COVID19NationalSummary

It’s HOT outside, how to beat the heat keeping social distancing in mind!

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for much of Massachusetts, including the Bedford area, that remains in effect until 8pm on Monday, July 20th, where heat index values may reach 102 degrees. Hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illness to occur if you are not careful. With this forecast, please be mindful of ways to prevent heat related illness and stay safe.

• Drink Plenty of Fluids. Increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink (Note: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot). Popsicles, watermelon, cantaloupe, fruit salads and Jell-o all contain a lot of water and summertime is the perfect time to indulge in such treats. Avoid caffeine and alcohol whenever possible.
• Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Use a sunscreen product rated at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 and apply it liberally to all exposed skin at least 30-60 minutes before going out into the sun.
• Stay Cool Indoors. Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned area. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider other locations that may have air conditioning. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be difficult to congregate in common areas indoors that you may have visited in the past to keep cool during these hot weather days. It is important to consider other areas that are safe and allow you to socially distance while trying to keep cool. If you will visit public places in order to keep cool, be prepared by taking a face covering and hand sanitizer with you.

The Bedford Health and Human Services Department has a limited supply of desk-top fans available for residents who may be in need during the hot weather. Additionally, if transportation is a limitation during this time, the Health and Human Services Department may be able to arrange a ride to public locations with air conditioning. If you or your family are in need during the heat, you may contact the following for additional information or assistance:

• If you are over 60 years old, contact Danika Castle at the Council on Aging at 781-275-6825
• If you are under 60 years old, contact Chris Bang at the Youth and Family Services Department at 781-275-7727

You can view the full Board of Health outreach article on preventing heat related illness by navigating to: https://www.bedfordma.gov/bedford-board-of-health/news/its-hot-outside-f.... You can also visit the CDC website on extreme heat at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html.

Mental Health and Social Services Available to Bedford Residents

During this time of purposeful separation from loved ones, friends and neighbors to keep each other safe, feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression may set in or perpetuate. Bedford’s Social Work services remain available to all Bedford residents and the town Social Workers are available via phone and can assist with:

• Ensuring individuals have food security during this time. Residents who are struggling with having an adequate amount of food in their homes can reach out to the Social Workers for assistance getting connected to the Bedford Food Bank, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT), and other community resources. The Social Workers will work with residents faced with a hardship and unable to travel outside their homes through food bank home delivery.
• Information accessing financial supports such as SNAP, unemployment, MassHealth, and utility assistance.
• Transportation to appointments and essential services.
• General support for coping with anxiety during this time. Residents are able to call and speak with a Social Worker who can provide strategies for managing anxiety.
• Outreach calls for residents who are experiencing isolation. Residents who are concerned about individuals who are experiencing isolation can contact the Social Workers.
• Getting residents connected with Health and Mental Health providers. At this time counseling services at the Town Center through Eliot Community Human Services have shifted to a tele-health service and referrals continue to be accepted. Intakes are being conducted over the phone or by Zoom. Please note that Bedford residents do not pay a co-pay for therapy through Eliot and lack of insurance is not a barrier to services.
• Connecting Bedford residents and Bedford Public School students with INTERFACE, an outpatient mental health resource and referral Helpline that matches individuals with licensed mental health providers, on average, within 2 weeks of their call. INTERFACE strives to refer residents to their best match for mental health services based on location, insurance, and specialty needs.

Contacts:

If you are a resident who is 60 or older please contact Social Worker Danika Castle in the Council on Aging at 781-275-6825.

If you are a resident under the age of 60 you can contact Social Worker Christopher Bang in the Youth and Family Services Department at 781-918-4328.

Any Bedford resident seeking mental health counseling or therapy services can contact one of the Social Workers or reach out to Eliot Community Human Services directly at 978-369-1113. Bedford Residents are not required to pay a co-pay and lack of insurance is not a barrier to access counseling. Eliot has been a long time provider of mental health services through the Bedford Youth and Family Services Department and they are also a provider in the Interface system and available for referrals through that system as well.

The William James College INTERFACE Referral Helpline is a free, confidential referral service available Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm for Bedford residents and students of Bedford Public Schools. INTERFACE can be contacted directly at 888-244-6843 for resource information and/or outpatient mental health provider referrals from a trained resource and referral counselor. Individuals are matched with licensed mental health providers, on average within 2 weeks of their call, who best match resident’s location, insurance, and specialty needs.

Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is continuing to follow up on domestic violence referrals and requests for service on a daily basis and provides community advocacy and safety planning for anyone who calls in or is referred for help and support by law enforcement partners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DVSN clients need support more than ever and DVSN shall continue to provide CONFIDENTIAL support, advocacy, and resources via telephone to the extent possible. For help and support, PLEASE CALL DVSN’s Help Line - 888-399-6111.

Advocates Psychiatric Emergency Service team is always available to offer skilled, compassionate support and connections to resources and services during difficult times. If you are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, please call 800-640-5432 to speak to an Advocates crisis clinician. They are available to help 24 hours a day, every day.

Our colleagues at William James College have made their virtual educational resources and support groups available to Bedford residents. Please use the following links to access these resources:

William James College Virtual Public Events- From Educational/Informational Resources to Support Groups:

https://www.williamjames.edu/community/resource-hub/public-events-calendar.cfm

Mental Health & Wellness Tips During Quarantine:

https://interface.williamjames.edu/guide/mental-health-wellness-tips-quarantine

“Stop the Spread” Testing Sites Open in 8 Communities

In case you missed the news, free COVID-19 testing sites are open in eight communities as part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s “Stop the Spread” initiative. These sites will remain open until August 14th to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in communities that are above the state average in total cases and positive test rate, and have experienced a decline in testing levels since April. Residents of the communities of Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough, and New Bedford are urged to take advantage of the availability of these new testing sites, even if they are asymptomatic. While testing sites were launched in these 8 communities, they are open to all residents of the Commonwealth. Visit www.mass.gov/stopthespread to find out more.

Common Sense Actions to Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19

Employ Social Distancing Basics:

• Stay Home, especially if you’re feeling sick, have a fever, or a cough as to avoid contact with other individuals. If you are sick, stay at home and contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
• Call/Facetime/Online chat with friends and loved ones

If you go out for essential needs:

• Avoid Crowds
• Stay 6 feet away from others
• Don’t shake hands or hug
• Wear a face covering or mask if physical distancing is not possible. Always have a face covering with you. You cannot always predict or control when someone will be close to you.

This press release was produced by the Town of Bedford. The views expressed here are the author’s own.