Coronavirus: First Positive Case In Grafton

GRAFTON, MA — Grafton announced its first case of the new coronavirus this weekend after a resident tested positive for the virus. Grafton Public Health officials said they are working with the person infected and will notify anyone else the person may have had contact with.

Grafton's first case comes as the number of cases in the state continues to rise, the number of cases in Massachusetts jumped to 646 Sunday, an increase of 121. Gov. Charlie Baker said the state's goal is to expand daily testing, meaning the number will only increase. Monday, the governor issued a stay-at-home advisory.

With the news of the first Grafton case the town offered resources to the community.

Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus will be including all Towns who are members of the CMRPHA – which Grafton is a member - of the number of positive COVID-19 cases in his daily press conference around 5 p.m. The Worcester Regional Health Alliance has also established a COVID-19 information line for Grafton Residents to use at 508-799-1019.

According to the CDC, the best way of preventing the disease is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

To avoid spreading any respiratory illness, the CDC recommends staying at home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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