MARION — Town Administrator James McGrail and the Marion Board of Health would like provide residents with an update on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Marion.
There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Marion. Three people have recovered from COVID-19.
In order to protect the residents’ medical privacy rights, no additional information can be disclosed.
The availability of testing supplies remains limited in Massachusetts and across the country. The Commonwealth is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and prioritizing the testing of healthcare workers and hospitalized patients. As a result, the Board of Health notes that the actual number of COVID-19 cases is likely higher and is growing. It is fair to assume that there are many more who carry the virus without knowing it.
Recent Updates
On Tuesday, April 28, Gov. Baker extended the closure of non-essential business and the stay-at-home advisory to May 18. Gov. Baker also announced the establishment of a Reopening Advisory Board to develop phased reopening plans for the Commonwealth. Click here for more information.
All town offices, the Elizabeth Taber Library, Natural History Museum and Community Center remain closed until further notice.
Face Coverings
On Tuesday, April 21, the Marion Board of Health issued an advisory to essential businesses urging them to require employees to wear face coverings when interacting with members of the public and when within six feet of a co-worker to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Additionally, all residents are encouraged to wear face coverings while in public to help protect themselves and others from COVID-19. It is especially important for people to wear face coverings in situations where it is difficult to maintain a social distance of six feet from others, such as a pharmacy or grocery store.
Face coverings are recommended to be a fabric mask, scarf or bandanna, and should not be surgical masks or N-95 respirators as those supplies are needed by medical professionals and first responders.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), a cloth mask should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face,
- Be secured with ties or ear loops,
- Include multiple layers of fabric,
- Allow for breathing without restriction, and
- Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
Residents should only touch the ties or ear straps when putting on and taking off the mask, and wash their hands and face after removing the mask. Also, cloth masks should be regularly washed after use.
A mask should not be worn if it obstructs vision or causes any difficulty breathing. Cloth masks should not be placed on children under age 2 or anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance.
COVID-19 Information Resources
Marion officials encourage everyone to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following websites are recommended for the most updated information:
- Town website: www.marionma.gov/
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health: www.mass.gov/covid-19
- Massachusetts 2-1-1 general COVID-19 information: Click here or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)
- Sign up for the Massachusetts COVID-19 Text Message Notification System to receive important updates: text “COVIDMA” to 888-777
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.
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