A Message From The Dedham Board Of Health

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

January 15, 2021

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:

January 13, 2021

The Interim Health Director Bridget Sweet provided a brief update of all non-COVID activities in the department. Bridget also reported that the Town received an additional grant from the Public Health Trust Fund; these funds will be used to support ongoing COVID compliance.

The state announced earlier this week that there would be several large sites throughout the state opening soon to allow for greater distribution of the vaccine.

Public Health Nurse Jessica Tracy updated the Board on the First Responder Clinics and reported that the Town continues its preparation for additional town wide clinics.

The Board acknowledged that there is a growing population suffering from depression and other mental health issues. “People are tired, frustrated, angry and lonely.” If you are suffering, please reach out. Talk to someone! There are people who can help!

Available assistance; Samaritan Crisis Hotline (1-877-870-4673), or Text HOME to 741741.

Compliance

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

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. Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory?

A. No. While it is strongly recommended that people get the vaccine, it is not mandatory.

Q. Will the vaccine make me sick, or give me COVID?

A. No. The mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccines are not live and cannot give you or anyone else COVID. Some people may experience flu-like symptoms 24 hours after being vaccinated.

Q. How well does the vaccine work?

A. In clinical trials, the Pfizer vaccine proved 95% effective after 7 days and the Moderna vaccine proved 94% effective after 14 days.

Q. Once vaccinated, will I continue to have to wear a mask?

A. Yes. After receiving the second vaccination, it may take up to 2 weeks for your body to develop protection.

Q. How can I volunteer to help the Town with COVID clinics?

A. The Town is extremely fortunate to have a well-rounded, committed core group of volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the department with your information. We are seeking both medical and non-medical volunteers.

Confirmed Cases
The confirmed case count as of January 13, 2021 is 1416, an increase of 133 cases from last report. 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.