March 30 Coronavirus Update: 25 Cases Confirmed By Northborough Board Of Health

Press release from the Town of Northborough:

Updated on March 30, 2020

25 Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Northborough Board of Health As of March 30th, the Town of Northborough has 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Northborough Board of Health will continue to work with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to ensure any affected residents are properly monitored, quarantined and isolated per the guidelines set by MDPH. It is imperative that residents continue to practice social distancing which includes avoiding larger groups of people and staying home as much as possible.

The Northborough Board of Health cannot release any personal information regarding cases due to federal laws under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996(HIPAA). Each confirmed case will be contacted by the Board of Health. Those considered to have been in close contact with a confirmed case will be contacted by the Board of Health with proper instructions regarding quarantine and testing.

Massachusetts Launches New Online Health Tool BuoyOn Friday, the Baker-Polito Administration launched the Buoy Health’s online resource for residents to check their symptoms and connect with the appropriate health care resource. Over the weekend, more than 14,200 people completed online interviews with the tool. Buoy does not replace emergency medical care, but it may be used as a support for residents during the COVID-19 outbreak to connect them with appropriate health care resources if they display coronavirus symptoms. Buoy Health’s online 24/7 tool buoy.com/mass is free for Massachusetts residents and uses current COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additional resources are available on the State’s website Mass.gov

Preventing Exposure is KeyThe following precautionary actions will help prevent exposure to any respiratory viruses, including seasonal influenza and Coronavirus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Cough/sneeze into a tissue and dispose of used tissues immediately. If you do not have a tissue then cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not on your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, which can accelerate the spread of infections.
• Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
• If you are sick, seek health care and avoid contact with others and avoid large social gatherings, meetings, and events.
• Practice social distancing.

Contact InformationCasey Mellin, Health Agentvoice: 508-393-5009email: cmellin@town.northborough.ma.us

March 28, 2020 – Message from the Town AdministratorAmerica is facing unprecedented challenges unlike any other time in our history as a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus around the world. In response to this, it is our priority to make every effort to keep people safe. As a result, the Board of Selectmen and I have had to make difficult decisions such as closing municipal buildings to the public and constraining nonessential services.

Despite these decisions, we want you to know that although the “buildings” are closed, our dedicated town employees are making every effort to continue to provide town services to residents and businesses. Our employees remain available to help you through our various online services, e-mail or by telephone.

Over my 23 years of being a part of Northborough, I have witnessed the strength of our community’s ability to rise to above challenges and help one another. The level of care and compassion in Northborough is second to none! This is why I am confident that as we work together, we can help each other get through these difficult times. Please help us by distributing the message and resources below to anyone who may benefit from them. Although our operations and resources will continue to change, we are committed to communicating those changes to you in real time, so please sign up to receive email notifications and check the website often for updates. Thank you again for your continued cooperation in taking the call for social distancing seriously.John Coderre,Town Administrator

JOINT MESSAGE

NORTHBOROUGH SENIOR CENTERand FAMILY & YOUTH SERVICES

The staff of Northborough Family & Youth Services and the Senior Center appreciate the importance of maintaining communication with residents, especially during this difficult, unprecedented time in our country.

In combating the COVID-19 virus, we absolutely understand the need for social distancing, as it is designed to contain this highly contagious virus. However, this may also lead to social isolation for many.

That is why we want to reassure you that we are still here for you! It is our priority to continue to assist and support you and your family members. Although our physical buildings are closed to the public, our employees remain available to serve you.

We have included a list of essential resources for residents during these trying times. However, in addition to these, we also have access to an extensive network of other social service agencies and resources. This is why we want to encourage you to call our offices directly for assistance. This may include any questions you may have, the need for additional resources, or most importantly, to simply speak with another human being.

Should you decide to reach out, please note that if we are on the other line when you call, we are asking you to please leave a message, with your name and telephone number (even if you think we have it). We will return your call as soon as possible.

Eileen Bogle, Interim DirectorNorthborough Senior Center

June David-Fors, LICSW, DirectorNorthborough Family & Youth Services

March 24, 2020 – Governor Baker’s Stay at Home Advisory

March 24, 2020 – Governor Baker’s Stay at Home AdvisoryOn March 23, 2020 Governor Charlie Baker Ordered All Non-Essential Businesses To Cease In Person Operation and Directed the Department of Public Health to Issue Stay at Home Advisory For Two Weeks effective March 24th 12noon. To view the complete advisory along with a listing of essential services, click hereSocial/Physical Distancing - You can help prevent COVID-19 with social distancing:

• Call/Facetime/online chat with friends and family and check on your neighbors
• Stay home as much as you can
• If you must go out:
  • Don’t gather in groups
  • Stay 6 feet away from others
  • Don’t shake hands or hug
• And please continue to wash your hands frequently

Town ServicesThe Town of Northborough will continue to maintain essential services to the extent possible during this period. Although our buildings are closed to the public, staff remains available by e-mail and phone to assist residents and provide services. For a listing of Town Departments and contact information, click here

• Residents who are in need should contact the Family & Youth Services Office 508-393-5020 or the Senior Center 508-393-5035 for assistance.
• Online payments & requests, click here
• Trash & Recycling – the Town’s PAYT curbside collection service will remain in operation. For additional information, click here

Town trash bags are sold at the following stores:

Hannaford’s, Route 20, Marlborough

Helen’s Variety, 292 Main Street

Richdale Convenience, 5 West Main Street

Honey Farms 369 West Main Street

Roche Bros., Bay State Commons, Westborough

Rocky’s, Ace Hardware, 261 West Main Street

Stop & Shop, 290 Turnpike Road, Westborough

Stop & Shop, 32 Lyman Street, Westborough

Wegman’s, 9102 Shops Way

• Food Pantry 37 Pierce St. – the pantry remains in full operation and donations are gladly accepted. For additional information go to: http://nfpantry.org/nfp/ call 508-393-6897, or e-mail info@nfpantry.org

Communications/Information Sources

• Code Red – emergency notification service, click here
• Town News – e-mail notifications, click here
• Town Website – www.town.northborough.ma.us
• Television/CATV – cable access television broadcasts notices and updates
  • Verizon Fios: channel 30
  • Charter: channel 192
  • Online: click here
• 211 - residents may also dial 211 or visit Mass211.org Get connected. Get answers. The 211 service is provided by the United Way.
• Text updates are available from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by texting the word: COVIDMA to: 888777
• Social Media - Official Town of Northborough Pages, click here

March 23, 2020 - Northborough Board of Health - THREE CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES IN NORTHBOROUGHOn March 22, 2020 the Northborough Board of Health was notified of two additional Northborough residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of known cases in Northborough to three. The Northborough Board of Health will continue to work with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to ensure any affected residents are properly monitored, quarantined and isolated per the guidelines set by MDPH.

The Northborough Board of Health cannot release any personal information regarding cases due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Each confirmed case will be contacted by the Board of Health. Those considered to have been in close contact with a confirmed case will be contacted by the Board of Health with proper instructions regarding quarantine and testing.

Starting March 30th, the Board of Health will give weekly updates every Monday regarding the number of confirmed and presumptive cases in Northborough. These updates will be posted no later than 4 PM. The Northborough Board of Health urges residents to practice social distancing including staying home as much as possible, avoiding large gatherings, and staying a minimum of six feet away from others.

Most recent MDPH updates regarding numbers of cases in Massachusetts by state and county: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring

Massachusetts residents are recommended to use Mass 2-1-1 for information, resources, and referrals regarding COVID-19. Operators are staffing this hotline 24/7 and translators are available in multiple languages. Residents with questions can dial 2-1-1 from any landline or cellphone or use the live chat option on the Mass 2-1-1 website (mass211.org). Mass 2-1-1 partners with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and local offices of emergency management to provide citizens with critical information and non-emergency assistance before, during and after emergency or disaster events.

Preventing Exposure

The following precautionary actions will help prevent exposure to any respiratory viruses, including seasonal influenza and Coronavirus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Cough/sneeze into a tissue and dispose of used tissues immediately. If you do not have a tissue then cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not on your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, which can accelerate the spread of infections.
• Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
• If you are sick, seek health care and avoid contact with others and avoid large social gatherings, meetings, and events.
• Practice social distancing.

  Contact Information

  Casey Mellin, Health Agent

  508-393-5009

March 20, 2020 - Public Schools of Northborough & Southborough *Social/Physical Distancing*

COVID-19 Social/Physical Distancing

What it is and what it isn’t

By Dr. Safdar Medina, District PhysicianMs. Mary Ellen Duggan, District Wellness Coordinator

COVID-19 spreads via respiratory droplets from person to person. The virus is more contagious than influenza and lives on surfaces for long periods of time. Reducing the ways people come in close contact with each other is essential to lessen the risk of getting sick.

Social or physical distancing means staying away from others and staying home as much as possible, it is the only way we can slow this virus down. We need to do it now to protect ourselves, the vulnerable and those that can’t protect themselves.

Social/Physical distancing is:

Staying away from other people (besides immediate household members).

Going into public places only if essential (food is essential -plan your grocery shopping during non-peak hours).

Protecting yourself and others.

The right thing to do, RIGHT NOW.

Social/Physical distancing is NOT:

Hanging out with friends (in a house, on a field, at a park, anywhere!).

Standing in line at a store or coffee shop with other people (please use drive-thru, pick up or delivery).

Bringing your kids to the playground.

Visiting elderly relatives.

Please continue to monitor your children’s social media use. There is a lot of information available, and not all of it is true. Various social media platforms have had posts that minimize the effects of COVID-19 and encourage kids to get together - THIS IS NOT TRUE.

As we see the number of cases rise locally, in the state, and nationally, our efforts to follow the strictest social/physical distancing guidelines are imperative. We are all responsible for protecting those at higher risk, this includes the elderly, children with disabilities, or any person with a compromised immune system. Social/Physical distancing may feel like an inconvenience, but it is the best way to protect our family, friends, and neighbors. Doing the right thing now will save lives.

Along with social/physical distancing, please continue everyday prevention including:

· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

· Cough/sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue, dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands.

· Avoid touching your face.

· Avoid close contact with others who are sick.

· Stay home if you are sick.

PLEASE, be healthy, and be safe.

Dr. Safdar Medina Mary Ellen Duggan, RN Gregory L. MartineauSchool Physician Wellness Coordinator Superintendent of Schools

What do I do if:

I am ill with a fever, cough, and shortness of breath?

Stay home and contact your medical provider immediately.

If my child is ill with a fever, cough, and shortness of breath?

Stay home and contact your medical provider immediately.

If someone in my household tests + for COVID-19?

The entire household needs to stay home, strict self-quarantine, monitor for symptoms and contact your medical provider.

If someone I was in close contact with tests + for COVID-19?

Stay home, strict self quarantine, monitor for symptoms and contact your medical provider.

I don’t know if I have had contact with someone who has COVID-19?

If a person tests positive, DPH is notified. If you are considered a close contact, you will be notified by DPH of the need to self- quarantine and monitor or the need to be tested.

March 19, 2020 - Northborough Board of Health FIRST CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASE IN NORTHBOROUGHOn March 19, 2020 the Northborough Board of Health was informed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) that a Northborough resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is being treated at a local hospital. The Northborough Board of Health will continue to work with MDPH to ensure any affected residents are properly monitored, quarantined and isolated as each case dictates. As of March 17, 2020, there are 256 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts.

To view the most recent MDPH updates regarding numbers of cases in Massachusetts by state and county:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring

Preventing Exposure is Key

The following precautionary actions will help prevent exposure to any respiratory viruses, including seasonal influenza and COVID-19.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Cough/sneeze into a tissue and dispose of used tissues immediately. If you do not have a tissue then cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not on your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, which can accelerate the spread of infections.
• Avoid close contact with others who are sick.

If you are sick, seek health care and avoid contact with others and avoid large social gatherings, meetings, and events.

Contact Information

Casey Mellin, Health Agent

508-393-5009 or e-mail: cmellin@town.northborough.ma.us

March 16, 2020 - Town of NorthboroughTown Buildings are Closed to the Public beginning Tuesday March 17th Until Further Notice. Buildings are Staffed and Online Services Remain Available. Please click here to read the full press release.

March 13, 2020 - Public Schools of Northborough & Southborough

Working in collaboration with the Northborough and Southborough Town Administrators, Boards of Health, District Physician, police, fire, and school committees, I have made a decision to close The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough from March 13, 2020, through March 27, 2020. The plan is to reopen on Monday, March 30, 2020. This closure applies to all schools, extra-curricular activities, athletics, clubs, and building use.

Closing schools is only a part of the broader solution to prevent community spread of COVID-19. It is critical that students and families refrain from meeting in large groups and that social distancing is practiced as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The District will monitor this situation closely and follow the guidance of our local Boards of Health, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). With this District closure, DESE guidance indicates that the last day of school for The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough is June 23, 2020.

On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the District will share this information with families, by email. This information will include optional virtual learning opportunities and resources, including how to access food services.

Over the next week, the District will communicate with families any additional details about the closure. The District recognizes that this is unprecedented and that this closure will be a significant burden for a number of our families. Should you or your family need support during this period, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s principal or me by email.

Respectfully,

Gregory L. MartineauSuperintendent of Schools

March 12, 2020 - Town of NorthboroughIn line with the advice from the Commonwealth, the Town of Northborough is postponing, modifying, or canceling discretionary programs and events involving the public. These include many programs offered by the Library, Senior Center and Recreation Department, among others. Regular business and internal business will continue for now, including but not limited to mandated public hearings as well as required board and committee meetings. When possible, we encourage the public to send emails for public comment and to use the Town’s online services to pay bills or conduct routine business.

While we appreciate the disappointment that the cancellation of these programs may bring, our main priority is the safety of our community. Please continue to check individual departmental webpages for more detailed updates regarding specific program changes and cancelations.

March 11, 2020 - Town of NorthboroughOn Tuesday, March 10, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker announced a Declaration of a State of Emergency to respond to COVID-19. At this point in time, there are no known cases of COVID-19 in the Town of Northborough. The Governor's Declaration does not require any immediate action and all Town services remain open. Governor Baker stated that the Declaration was intended to give the state government "more flexibility to respond to the developing outbreak."

The Town continues to assess the appropriateness of canceling unnecessary programs and events, and this review will continue until the State of Emergency is lifted. If you are interested in learning more about a State of Emergency and what it means, please visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/state-of-emergency-information.

Town Officials continue to work closely with the Northborough School Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and is implementing the recommended DPH and CDC guidelines.

The safety and well-being of our community is our highest priority. If you have any questions regarding this message, please contact Casey Mellin at the Northborough Board of Health at 508-393-5009.

Notification Services:

Code RedAs a reminder, residents should ensure that they are registered to receive notifications from the Town’s Code Red Emergency Notification System. Click here to register

Town NewsResidents may also subscribe to receive e-mail notifications when important information is posted on the Town’s website. Click here to subscribe

Online PaymentsResidents can easily pay their bills and request records online. Click here for more information

Drop Box

Residents may utilize the lock box located adjacent to the entry door at Town Hall to submit payments and requests.

Social Media

Official Town of Northborough Social Media Accounts, click here

March 9, 2020 - Northborough Board of Health

The Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new coronavirus which is now known as COVID-19. The virus is thought to spread similarly to the flu and we encourage people to follow the same precautions. The Northborough Health Department and Board of Health is working closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) in monitoring the virus outbreak.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is closely monitoring people returning from travel that may have been in contact with the virus; the State and individual Towns are taking the necessary precautions as laid out by the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and following up with those who have recently returned to ensure they are monitored for the virus. For information on quarantine, please check the CDC webpages. The Town is following the Department of Public Health’s guidance and will continue to stay vigilant.

A reminder , it is still flu season. Please help us to prevent the spread of the flu by washing your hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds, stay home when you are sick, and cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Remember, it’s not too late to get a flu shot.

Please continue to check back for further information and updates. Please note, the Center for Disease Control (CDC)and the MDPH have the most up to date information on COVID-19 and can be found here:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus...

Residents may also visit the Northborough Board of Health Page on COVID-19 here: https://www.town.northborough.ma.us/health-department

Contact Information:

Casey Mellin, Health Agent

(508)-393-5009 or e-mail: cmellin@town.northborough.ma.us

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