MAYNARD — Town Administrator Greg Johnson, Maynard Public Schools Interim Superintendent Mary Jane Rickson and the Maynard Public Health staff have been notified that a non-resident school district employee has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Local health officials in the employee’s community have contacted those who were in close contact with the infected individual, and those people have been directed to self-quarantine for 14 days.
“As the novel Coronavirus situation continues, we know that residents are concerned, and we assure them that the Town of Maynard has been working tirelessly to make decisions that will protect and promote the health and well being of our community,” Town Administrator Johnson said. “Additionally, the most important steps any of us can take at this time are to continue practicing social distancing, wash your hands thoroughly and often, cover your coughs and sneezes, and if you are sick, stay home.”
Maynard Public Schools joined numerous school districts across the state and closed beginning on Monday in an effort to promote social distancing and prevent the spread of the virus, and will remain closed until Tuesday, April 7.
Town officials closed several Town facilities, including Town Hall through March 27, and has cancelled various programs and events. To learn more, click here.
Most recently, the Town of Maynard has also closed all public playgrounds, including standalone playgrounds, playgrounds within parks, as well as the dog park.
The Maynard/Acton Commuter Shuttle is currently operating on a reduced schedule, and morning shuttles will remain available for the 7:12 a.m. train until further notice.
The Maynard Police Department additionally announced on Saturday that members of the department are offering pick-up and delivery services for vital supplies for residents identified as being at a higher risk of serious health complications should they contract the virus. This includes the delivery of groceries, prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines.
The Maynard Fire Department has also announced that all non-emergency inspections have been suspended until further notice. The certification of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will continue, however, and residents should call ahead to schedule an appointment. The Department’s business line is 978-897-1014.
As of March 17, the Building and Inspections Division will inspect unoccupied buildings. Inspections of occupied buildings will be conducted on an emergency case-by-case basis. It is requested that social distancing practices be used and precautions are taken to the best of everyone’s ability. Staff is available by phone or email to answer any questions.
According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within 2-14 days of exposure. The DPH reports that symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia in severe cases.
Local, state and federal health officials are encouraging residents to take the following precautions to prevent infectious diseases, such as the flu and COVID-19, from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- When sick yourself, stay home to protect others and practice social distancing.
- Always cover your cough or sneeze.
Anyone who is experiencing a fever and respiratory illness and is concerned they have either come into contact with the virus or traveled to an affected country within the last 14 days is advised to contact their primary health care provider.
For more information, visit the City’s website by clicking here, DPH’s website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
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