Message From The Dedham Board Of Health

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

December 22, 2020

Board of Health

DEDHAM — "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:

December 16, 2020

The Board met briefly and discussed the MASK UP DEDHAM campaign. Signs have been placed at Memorial Park, Oakdale Common and Condon Park. Additional signs have been ordered and will be placed throughout Town.

The purpose of the campaign is to draw attention to the importance of wearing a mask, and the positive effects it has on slowing the spread of the virus. The Board encourages residents to participate in and support the Mask Up Dedham campaign – together, we CAN make a difference.

In support of the Mask Up Dedham campaign, Select Board Chair Dennis Teehan said, “Masking is one of the most important ways to help control the spread of COVID19. Wear your mask whenever in public, be sure to practice proper hygiene and do not touch your mask!!”

Compliance

The COVID compliance inspector continues to work with businesses to provide support and review guidelines throughout the ever-changing directives from the state.

Holiday Gatherings

Governor Baker was recently quoted as saying, “After seeing what happened in the aftermath of that one day, Thanksgiving, I don’t think we should kid ourselves about the holidays in December.” He went on to say, “It’s pretty simple, the safest way to celebrate this year is with members of your own household and to postpone or cancel any travel plans.”

While we recognize the difficulty this creates during this Holiday Season, we fully support the message from the Governor, and encourage the community to do the same.

Testing Sites

STOP THE SPREAD COVID TESTING SITES remain open throughout the Commonwealth. For specific information on site locations, please visit www.mass.gov/COVID19

Question & Answer

As promised, the Board has added new frequently asked questions. We continue to encourage residents to submit questions and concerns to the Board at dedhamboardofhealth@dedham-ma.gov

Q. How do we know if the vaccine is safe?

A. A vaccine will not be distributed in Massachusetts until the FDA determines the vaccine is safe.

It’s important to know that vaccines go through more testing than any other pharmaceuticals. Before any vaccine is made available, it must go through rigorous development and testing. Manufacturing is critical — every dose must consistently be high quality. Additionally, extensive testing in clinical trials is conducted to prove safety. First, small groups of people receive the trial vaccine. Next, vaccine is given to people with particular characteristics (e.g., age and physical health). Then, vaccine is given to tens of thousands of people and tested for effectiveness and safety.

After that, the data is reviewed by the FDA which approves the vaccine, and by an independent board, CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) which will make its recommendations for use. These bodies are the final safeguards for the public ensuring any vaccine is both safe and effective.

Q. Once the vaccine is available, where can I go to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

A. Public vaccine clinics including COVID-19 vaccine when available can be found at CDC’s interactive website: vaccinefinder.org. Once vaccine is widely available you can also check with your primary care provider, local pharmacy or local health department. Information will also be available on the DPH website.

Q. Will I have to pay for the vaccine?

A. The vaccine is being provided free of charge to all individuals by the federal government. Insurance companies are also committed to not charging any out-of-pocket fees or co-payments related to COVID-19 vaccine administration, and all health care provider sites that receive COVID-19 vaccine must agree to not charge patients any out-of-pocket fees or deny anyone vaccination services.

Confirmed Cases

The confirmed case count as of December 22, 2020 is 1032. Last reported case count was 871 as of December 10, 2020. Today’s count represents an increase of 161 cases since the last report on December 10th. Please note, this number reflects the total number of cases confirmed since March 2020. Please be advised that this number is not indicative of any detected cluster in the community.

The continued increase in confirmed cases in Dedham and across the Commonwealth reminds us of the importance of being vigilant. The Board urges everyone to:

WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES

STAY SIX FEET APART

WASH YOUR HANDS

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.

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 most respectfully asks for your patience and understanding of the demands on the Department. All inquiries and complaints are important and will be addressed. Please remain kind and respectful!

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.

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.