Milford Asks Residents To Heed New Quarantine Guidelines

MILFORD, MA — With coronavirus cases in Milford rising quickly and sharply, town health officials are reminding residents what to do after having "close contact" with someone who is either exhibiting symptoms or who has tested positive.

Last week, Milford added 104 new cases, and the town's positive test rate rose to 7 percent. The statewide positive test rate was at about 5.3 percent as of Sunday evening.

"This is a more widespread and significant surge than in the spring. Cases are not largely clustered in the congregate living settings," the Board of Health said in a bulletin on Monday. "Cases are in all neighborhoods, and COVID-19 is spreading quickly among household members."

Having a "close contact" can come in two ways: 1) coming within 6 feet of a person for more than 15 minutes two days before symptoms began, or 2) coming within 6 feet of a person for more than 15 minutes two days before they tested positive for coronavirus.

If you fit into one of those "close contact" categories, Milford health officials are asking you to quarantine — but the amount of time may vary.

• If you don't have symptoms, get a test on the fifth day after your close contact. If the test is negative, you can come out of quarantine on day eight.
• If you don't have symptoms but don't get a test, you must remain in quarantine for 10 days. If you don't show symptoms by day 11, you can leave quarantine — but must monitor for symptoms until day 14.
• If you have symptoms, you must quarantine for 14 days, even if you get a negative test result.

Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus should stay isolated — that means staying in your home alone, only leaving home for emergencies. People who test positive should also contact anyone who may have been a "close contact."