STOW — Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski urges residents to remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 as the community reaches a high risk designation for the disease.
According to the public health data released on Thursday, Jan. 7, the Town’s designation has been elevated to “Red,” indicating a “high risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Stow is 25.6 per 100,000 residents, up from 19.7 last week.
There are currently 26 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. There have been a total of 144 cases in Stow since the start of the pandemic.
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.
Additionally, Governor Charlie Baker announced that temporary capacity and gathering limits put in place on Dec. 26 will be extended to Jan. 24. This includes restaurants, office spaces, retail businesses, places of worship and fitness and health clubs. To view all the full list of restrictions and limits, click here.
“As we expected, we are continuing to see a significant rise in cases both in our community and throughout the entire state now that the holidays are over,” Town Administrator Dembkoski said. “It’s vital that everyone continue to do their part to prevent any further spread of this disease in our town. Please always wear a mask when out in public, wash or sanitize your hands frequently, and — most importantly — stay home if you are sick or waiting to receive your test results.”
Additional 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 six 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.
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