HOLBROOK — The Town of Holbrook wishes to inform residents that the local health department is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and recommends following precautions from local and state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Holbrook officials have been in close contact with the Holbrook Health Department and officials met this morning to discuss the situation and how it may impact residents. As of today, there are currently no confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Holbrook.
The town continues to work 24/7 with state and federal agencies to determine the best course of action to promote and protect residents’ health and well being. Holbrook town departments and boards are working together and will update residents as necessary.
Effective today, Governor Baker has banned all gatherings of 250 people or more in Massachusetts. The ban includes faith-based gatherings, fairs, parades, fundraisers and conventions. The ban does NOT include gatherings at airports, restaurants, stores, hospitals, offices or manufacturing facilities.
The COVID-19 situation is very fluid, and new information and guidelines are being posted by the CDC on a regular basis. The CDC offers the following guidance for how COVID-19 spreads.
If anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician. According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within 2-14 days of exposure.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:
- Practice good hand hygiene! Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. 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.
- Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
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