Update On Coronavirus From Town Of Needham And Needham Public Health

Press release from the Town of Needham:

July 3, 2020

July 2, 2020 – The Town of Needham and Needham Public Health today provided the following update regarding COVID-19.

State DPH COVID-19 Numbers

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports the number of positive cases and deaths daily on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard here.

Town-specific case numbers are published by the state every Wednesday on the COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Report.

• 330 Needham cases (7/2/2020)
• 76 Coronavirus deaths in Needham (6/22/20)

Phase 3 Begins in MA Monday, July 6th The state announced today that Phase 3 of the Reopening Massachusetts plan will begin Monday, with the opening of gyms and fitness facilities, museums and cultural facilities. The Governor also announced revised guidance around the limit on gatherings both indoors and outdoors. Like Phase 2, Phase 3 will have two parts. Phase 3 will also last significantly longer than earlier phases, with Phase 4 not occurring until there is a vaccine.

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/news/reopening-massachusetts-baker-polito-administration-initiates-transition-to-third-phase-of

Reminder: Face Covers Required Indoors in Needham, Strongly Encouraged Outdoors

The Needham Board of Health last month extended the requirement that face covers be worn in all buildings in Needham. In addition, the Board of Health is strongly encouraging the use of face covers outdoors, particularly when physical distancing is not possible. Face covers are proven to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 virus particles. Face covers are not a substitute for social distancing, and people should remain vigilant about distancing, as well as handwashing and sanitizing.

Summer Camps Require Licensing by Needham Public Health

As families seek options for camps for their children this summer and many high school and college students are eager to share their skills and make some money by offering informal camps, Needham Public Health is reminding people that, per Massachusetts law, all camps must be licensed by local Boards of Health. Anyone looking to host a camp must be licensed by Town of Needham - Public Health Division. If you would like to run a camp, please call the Needham public health nurse at 781-455-7940.

14-day Quarantine Advised for Travelers to MA Including Residents Returning From Out of State Travels

Governor Baker this week reiterated that travelers from out of state and Massachusetts residents returning home from out-of-state travels are advised to quarantine for 14 days. The Governor offered an exception for those traveling from any New England state, New York and New Jersey, given the lower levels of COVID-19 cases in those states.

Needham Reopening Website Offers Local Reopening Information

The Town will continue to post reopening-related updates to a dedicated Reopening website. Check there for updates as new information is posted.

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