Stoneham Officials Share Tips For Preventing Coronavirus

STONEHAM, MA — In the wake of the first confirmed case of the coronavirus in Massachusetts, Health Agent John Fralick and Emergency Management Director Matthew Grafton are providing Stoneham residents with tips to prevent its spread. There are no cases of the virus in Stoneham at this time, Fralick and Grafton said.

On Friday, it was confirmed a Boston man returning from Wuhan, China contracted the virus. The man, a UMass Boston student, sought medical care shortly after his arrival. The risk of the coronavirus remains low for Massachusetts residents, according to the DPH.

Stoneham health officials wish to remind residents that the flu is a far more prevalent concern, however, and that they should continue taking precautions to stay healthy. According to the DPH and Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, between 20,000-25,000 people in Massachusetts visited the emergency room for flu symptoms between Sept. 29, 2019 and Jan. 25.

"While there has been only one confirmed case of the virus in Massachusetts, and the risk of contracting it is low, we want residents to be aware of its detection in Boston and take reasonable precautions to prevent themselves from falling ill," Fralick said in a statement.

According to the CDC, those who contract the coronavirus experience mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath. Symptoms of the virus appear between two and 14 days of exposure.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Town of Stoneham wishes to provide residents with recommended actions to take from the Boston Public Health Commission to protect themselves and others from the illness:

• Wash hands frequently, with soap and water, for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizing gels and liquids.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Try to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• When sick yourself, stay home to protect others.
• Always cover your cough or sneeze.
• Clean and disinfect areas and objects that are touched frequently, such as desks, phones, door handles, etc.

Public health officials are continuing to learn more information about this latest strain of coronavirus, and for the most up-to-date information, visit the DPH's website here or the CDC's site here.