Town Of Dedham: A Message From The Dedham Board Of Health - July 22, 2021

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

07/22/2021 10:57 AM

DEDHAM — In light of recent concerns regarding health-related matters, the Board would like to provide the following update:

COVID Delta Variant
National statistics are indicating an increase in positive COVID cases attributed to the Delta Variant. For the month of July, the Commonwealth is seeing an average of 155 new positive COVID cases per day. The Commonwealth is not sequencing all positive COVID specimens, and as a result, it cannot be determined that all cases are related to the Delta Variant.

Although the Commonwealth boasts a 70% vaccination rate, the Board encourages all non-vaccinated residents who are eligible to reach out to their local pharmacy or medical facility for information on how and where to obtain the vaccine. 
While we recognize the mask mandate was recently lifted, we encourage all unvaccinated persons to follow the current Mask Advisory by wearing a mask when social distancing is not possible.

Return to School 
At the present time, no specific guidance has been issued with respect to mask wearing upon a return to school in September. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is expected to issue guidelines in mid to late August, at which time the Board will provide an update.

Vaccine Eligibility
Studies are ongoing regarding vaccination eligibility for those aged 2-11 years. The Board is closely following the CDC’s findings regarding these studies and will report same as soon as information becomes available.   

West Nile Virus
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced last Friday that mosquito samples in the city of Boston tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). To date, there have been no human cases of WNV detected in Massachusetts this year. The risk level of WNV in Dedham remains lows. Regardless, it is important that Dedham residents take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. 

The Norfolk Country Mosquito Control District treats all catch basins in Dedham to prevent mosquito breeding. Additionally, you can request spraying in your area by calling the Mosquito Control District at (781)762-3681. 

The following are safety tips to ensure you and your family have a fun and safe summer while outdoors: 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home:

• Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and kiddie pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.

Avoid Mosquito Bites:

• Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old.
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
• Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Stay safe and be kind!

Respectfully submitted by the Board of Health,

Leanne Jasset, Chairman
Mary Ellard, Vice-Chairman
Noreen Guilfoyle, Member

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