NAHANT — The Board of Health reports that the Town of Nahant has seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases recently, resulting in an increased risk designation from the Commonwealth.
According to the public health data released on Thursday, Oct. 29, the town’s designation is now “Red,” indicating a “high risk” in the community. Residents are urged to continue to practice social distancing, wear face coverings in public and limit their interactions with anyone who lives outside of their household. This is the first time Nahant has been designated as high risk since the state debuted it’s risk map over the summer.
According to yesterday’s data, there have been six new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Nahant over the past two weeks. Nahant’s average daily incidence rate, which the state uses to calculate risk determinations, has risen to 13.1 per 100,000 residents. Anything above eight per 100,000 nets a high risk designation.
“Our increased risk designation is a reminder that we all still have work to do to overcome this pandemic,” Town Administrator Tony Barletta said. “Residents should continue to be mindful of the importance of wearing masks, limiting interactions with people outside their household and practicing all other COVID-19 safety protocols that have become second nature to us in the last several months.”
Under state guidelines, Nahant will remain in its current phase of reopening unless it remains in the high risk category for three consecutive weeks.
“The recent rise in cases across the Commonwealth and locally in Nahant is a reminder that abiding by social distance guidelines is important and especially now as we approach the colder weather and holiday season,” said Board of Selectman Chairman Mark Cullinan.
Massachusetts’ Stop the Spread testing initiative remains ongoing, and Nahant residents are encouraged to get tested regardless of symptoms in order to better know their COVID-19 status. The closest Stop the Spread testing sites are located in Lynn. For information about testing availability nearby through the Stop the Spread initiative, click here.
Free COVID-19 testing is also available at the First Congregational Church in Swampscott, 49 Monument Ave., on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Though the town has been designated as high risk this week, schools can and will remain open.
Residents who plan to participate in Halloween activities this weekend are asked to take several precautions. This includes considering one-way or “grab and go” trick-or-treating, wearing a face mask, observing proper hygiene, avoiding large or crowded gatherings and avoiding activities not with people in your household.
COVID-19 prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health include:
- Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing, maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from others, is critical.
- Those who must go out are urged to:
- Avoid gathering in groups
- Maintain 6 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.
Additional information regarding the Town of Nahant’s response to COVID-19 can be found online at NahantCOVID19.com.
Nahant residents with questions may additionally contact the Nahant Board of Health at 781-581-0088.
###