Town Receives ‘Red’ High-Risk Designation According to Latest Department of Public Health Data
MIDDLEBOROUGH — Town Manager Robert Nunes reports that the Town of Middleborough has seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, and is urging the community to follow COVID-19 prevention guidance.
According to public health data shared by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Thursday, Middleborough has had 32 new positive COVID-19 cases in the past two weeks. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Middleborough per 100,000 residents is 8.5, according to the data. Any number higher than 8 triggers a “Red” high-risk designation from DPH.
Middleborough public health officials confirm that nine of the positive cases in the past two weeks are from an elder care facility in town, while the rest of the cases are believed to be the result of general community spread.
Town public health officials will continue to monitor the situation and discuss any necessary precautions that will need to be taken as a result in the rise in cases.
The Town of Middleborough recommends residents follow the following COVID-19 prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:
- Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing, maintaining a minimum of six feet from others, is critical.
- Those who must go out are urged to:
- Avoid gathering in groups
- Maintain six feet from people outside your household
- Do not shake hands or hug
- Wash your hands often
- Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over the age of 65 and with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands.
- Wear a mask in indoor and outdoor spaces where social distancing from people outside your household is not possible. This does not apply to those under the age of two and with underlying health conditions.
- Face coverings should:
- Cover the nose and mouth
- Fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with either ties or ear loops
- Permit breathing without difficulty
- Be able to be washed and machine dried without damage. Face masks should be washed regularly depending on the amount of use.
For more information about COVID-19 prevention and symptoms, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website here and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website here.
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