Recent Increase in Positive Cases Attributed to New Cases in Young Adults
EASTON — Emergency Management Director Kevin Partridge, Director of Health and Community Services Kristin Kennedy and Town Administrator Connor Read are urging residents and young adults to follow COVID-19 prevention guidance following an increase in COVID-19 cases within the community.
According to the public health data released on Friday, Nov. 6, the average daily incidence rate for the Town of Easton per 100,000 residents has risen to 9.9, up from the previous week’s rate of 5.7. This reflects 33 new cases of COVID-19 in Easton in the previous two weeks, the largest number of new bi-weekly cases since May, with many of those attributed to a recent rise in cases among young adults. Currently, the spread is seen to be primarily occurring within households and at social gatherings.
Although Easton’s COVID-19 incidence rate has increased, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has updated how risk designations are calculated to better reflect COVID-19 caseload in relation to population and test positivity rates. Prior to this change, Easton had been designated as a medium risk or “yellow” community. Easton is now “green”. For more information on the DPH’s new metrics for risk designations, click here. To see the full weekly report for all 351 cities and towns from DPH, click here.
Last week, Gov. Baker also announced a variety of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. This follows weeks of increasing cases around the Commonwealth, with COVID-19 cases up 278% and hospitalizations up by 145% since Labor Day. These measures include revisions to the Massachusetts Face Covering Order, reduced gathering limits, and more. Please review the Governor’s new measures by clicking here.
“As the holidays approach, we would like to remind residents to celebrate with a renewed commitment to being responsible and stopping the spread of COVID-19,” Director Kennedy said. “This means residents should consider avoiding traveling for the holidays and refrain from hosting large social gatherings to limit the spread of COVID-19. “
Holiday Safety
With the holiday season upon us, the Town of Easton would like to share the following holiday safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Family and friends should consider the number and rate of COVID-19 cases in their community and in the community where they plan to celebrate when considering whether to host or attend a holiday celebration.
- Host outdoor activities rather than indoor activities as much as possible. If hosting an outdoor event is not possible, and you choose to host an indoor event, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated, or fully enclosed indoor spaces.
- Avoid traveling for the holidays as traveling increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household poses low risk for spread.
- During holiday celebrations, you should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet or more from people you don’t live with, wear a mask and avoid busy eating areas, such as restaurants during high volume mealtimes.
- If you participated in higher risk activities or think that you may have been exposed during your celebration, take extra precautions (in addition the ones listed above) for 14 days after the event to protect others:
To view more holiday safety tips, visit the CDC’s COVID-19: Holiday Celebration page here.
Flu Clinics
The Town of Easton has arranged for CVS to provide flu clinics at Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows St., for residents the age of three and older. The next flu clinic will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 1-5 p.m.Click here to register
At the clinics, all residents are required to wear face coverings and they should wear short sleeves to make receiving the shot easier and faster.
The clinic is offered at no cost to Easton residents. Town officials ask that you bring your insurance information with you if you are insured. For further information about the upcoming flu clinics, click here.
General COVID-19 Safety
Town officials would also like to remind residents, especially young adults, of the COVID-19 prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH):
- 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.
Stay Informed
The Town encourages everyone to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following websites are recommended for the most updated information:
- Easton Department of Health and Community Services COVID-19 FAQ: Click here
- Town of Easton Official Website: www.easton.ma.us
- 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)
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Residents can find information regarding the upcoming election and voting, municipal services and request limited services appointments here.
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