Message From The Dedham Board Of Health

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

August 10, 2020

"In an effort to continue to update Dedham residents on state and local preparedness efforts and impacts related to COVID-19 (commonly referred to as Coronavirus), the Dedham Board of Health offers the following updates:

Governor Baker continues to closely monitor confirmed cases in Massachusetts. See information related to confirmed cases throughout the Commonwealth which is updated weekly.

Governor Baker also announced a new travel order, effective August 1, 2020. See the full content of the Governor’s order.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

The Board met and received the following updates from Interim Health Director Bridget Sweet:

• An explanation of the new travel order, effective August 1, 2020 for persons visiting or returning to Massachusetts;
• The staff continues to follow up on complaints, questions and concerns from businesses, residents and visitors;
• A new restaurant is opening in Dedham on Thursday, August 6th – Risers Restaurant which occupies the space formerly held by Deli After Dark; and
• Continued support to the Superintendent Welch and the School Task Force as they plan for the re-opening of school in the fall.

Boch Ice

In response to several complaints in violation of restrictions related to COVID19, the Board met with Boch Ice owner/manager Paul Cokinos. The Board expressed its disappointment in the dangerous behavior of Boch Ice during the months of March and April. As a result, the Board issued a $300 fine, and mandated quarterly inspections to include indoor air quality, food permits and COVID19 protocols once the rink is operational. Mr. Cokinos acknowledged the violations and apologized for their behavior.

Business support

The department continues to support the business community in the various stages of their reopening plan(s). Please visit www.mass.gov/reopening for a complete report and daily updates for Reopening Massachusetts.

Health Department staff remain available

Although Town Hall remains closed to the public, the Health Department is staffed and available to address all questions and concerns. We encourage residents and businesses to contact the office at 781-751-9220 with any questions or concerns.

The Board appreciates the continued collaboration with all Town departments in assisting residents and businesses adapt to the new normal.

The Board again wishes to remind the public to properly dispose of gloves and masks at all public locations.

Confirmed Cases

There are 425 confirmed cases of the virus in Dedham as of August 5, 2020. As a result of the recent increase in confirmed cases across the Commonwealth, the Board strongly urges residents to continue to practice social distancing, proper hygiene and the wearing of a face covering.

Resources

Residents are encouraged to visit the website, dedhamcovid19.com, for all town updates as the COVID-19 situation develops. Visitors can subscribe via email to receive notifications for new posts.

The Board wishes to thank the Health Department staff for their continued dedication during these unprecedented times.

Stay safe and be kind!

Respectfully submitted by the Board of Health"

Leanne Jasset, Chairman

Kathy Reda, Vice-Chairman

Mary Ellard, Member

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