No Confirmed Cases in Marion
MARION — Town Administrator James McGrail, the Marion Board of Selectmen and the Marion Board of Health would like to provide Marion residents with some important tips and information about the respiratory disease COVID-19, or the “coronavirus.”
At this time there are no confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases in Marion.
As of March 2, coronavirus has infected people in 74 countries including the United States. Currently, the risk to the general public remains very low, with the incidence rate significantly lower than the incidence rate of the seasonal flu.
Coronavirus can range from no or mild symptoms in some individuals to a serious, potentially deadly infection in others. The severity of the illness appears to vary by both general health condition and age of the individuals infected, with elders being more significantly impacted than youth.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and respiratory illness including pneumonia in severe cases. If you suspect that you are ill with a respiratory disease, or have been informed that you have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your Primary Care Provider immediately.
In an effort to prevent the spread of flu, colds and other respiratory illnesses, the Marion Board of Health recommends the following measures:
- Practice good hand hygiene! Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Singing the “ABC” song is helpful in estimating the timing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
- Do not share drinking glasses, straws, cups, utensils, dishes, facecloths, towels or other similar items. Wash these items thoroughly with soap and water after use.
- Avoid close contact (hugs, handshakes, kisses) with others who are sick whenever possible. Please remember that it is possible to be a “carrier” of a virus and not be ill. It is advisable to avoid as much direct physical contact with others while there is any type of an outbreak.
- Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
- Practice other good health habits: Clean and disinfect surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is in regular communication with local Boards of Health, healthcare providers, hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools and local government officials. COVID-19 information is posted on the MADPH website and updated regularly: https://www.mass.gov/guides/information-on-the-outbreak-of-2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19
Additionally, the CDC provides up-to-date information on its website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Town officials will keep you informed of updates or changes as they are advised by local and state departments of public health.
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