Residents Urged to Continue Wearing Masks, Practicing Social Distancing
IPSWICH — Town Manager Tony Marino and Director of Public Health Colleen Fermon report that the Town of Ipswich has continued to see a significant number of new COVID-19 cases and are urging residents to adhere to public health guidance to stop the spread of the virus.
As of today, Ipswich officials report there are 38 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. There have been 196 cases of the virus in Ipswich since the pandemic began.
The Town’s risk designation by the state is now “yellow” according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s weekly COVID-19 report, issued today, indicating a “medium risk” in the community. This reflects COVID-19 case data from Nov. 15-28, during which time there were 32 cases of COVID-19 among residents. Ipswich’s average daily incidence rate during this time was 17 active cases per 100,000 residents, down from last week’s rate of 22.9.
“We’re continuing to see a significant number of new cases in our community, and each one of us has a responsibility to help stop the spread,” Fermon said. “Everyone should be wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and washing their hands. If you feel sick, are experiencing symptoms or may have been exposed, call your doctor, get tested and stay home until you receive your results.”
Residents are reminded that the closest Stop the Spread testing sites are located in Salem. For information about testing availability nearby through the Stop the Spread initiative, free for all Massachusetts residents, 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 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 COVID-19 updates for the Town of Ipswich, visit https://ipswichcovid19.com/.
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