ACTON –Town Manager John Mangiaratti and Health Director Sheryl Ball report that the Town of Acton 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, Nov. 19, the Town’s designation is now “yellow,” indicating a “medium risk” in the community.
According to Thursday’s data, there have been 35 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Acton over the past two weeks. Acton’s average daily incidence rate, which the state uses to calculate risk determinations, has risen to 10.5 per 100,000 residents, up from last week’s rate of 7.2.
“As cases continue to rise not just in our community, but throughout the entire state, it is vital that we all take the necessary precautions to prevent any further spread of COVID-19,” Town Manager Mangiaratti said. “This includes following CDC guidance regarding celebrating Thanksgiving this year. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation, working together toward a common goal is essential for stopping the spread of this disease in our town.”
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.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traveling increases one’s potential to be exposed to COVID-19 and of potentially spreading it to others. Staying home and observing the holidays with those in your household or hosting a virtual celebration are the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
For further guidance for celebrating Thanksgiving amid COVID-19 from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, click here.
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 all public indoor and outdoor spaces. This does not apply to those 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.
For the latest updates regarding COVID-19 in Acton, visit the Town’s COVID-19 information center by clicking here.
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