GEORGETOWN — Health Agent Deb Rogers and the Town of Georgetown are urging residents to remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 as the community remains at high risk for the disease.
According to the public health data released on Thursday, Dec. 3, the Town’s designation remains at “Red,” indicating a “high risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Georgetown is 30.2 per 100,000 residents, up from 24.6 last week.
As of Thursday, the Town reports 38 active cases of the virus in the community. There have been a total of 170 cases in Georgetown since the start of the pandemic.
“The pandemic remains ongoing and it’s vital that we all remain cautious against further spreading the disease in our community,” Rogers said. “Please make sure to wear a mask whenever you leave your home, wash your hands frequently, and, most importantly, stay home if you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or awaiting test results.”
It is important to note that yesterday marked the highest number of cases of COVID-19 across the Commonwealth at 6,477 new coronavirus cases, the highest single-day total reported in the state since the start of the pandemic. This number includes an additional 680 cases from Dec. 1 that were not previously reported after a technical issue with the software used by that laboratory’s reporting vendor caused a delay.
Resident should also be mindful of a possible uptick in cases resulting from Thanksgiving. Residents should continue to exercise extreme caution moving forward as numbers across the state are expected to continue to rise.
Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid high risk activities, especially indoor social gatherings, and all Massachusetts residents are under orders from the Governor to wear masks at all times while in public.
The closest Stop the Spread testing sites is located in Methuen. For information about testing locations and availability nearby through the Stop the Spread initiative, 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 indoor and outdoor spaces at all times.
- 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.
As always, Georgetown residents can learn the latest about the COVID-19 situation in Georgetown by visiting the town’s COVID-19 portal.
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