MIDDLEBOROUGH – Following a recent uptick in positive COVID-19 cases in the community, Town Manager Robert Nunes is urging residents to remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19.
”While we understand everyone’s excitement to return to some sort of normalcy, we want to remind residents that COVID-19 is still prevalent in our community,” Town Manager Nunes said. “With brighter days on the horizon as more people receive their vaccinations, we would also like to remind residents that even though they may have received their vaccine, not everyone has yet. As such, vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals should continue to practice preventative measures to help the stop spread of COVID-19.”
As of today, April 8, there are 103 active cases of COVID-19 in the community.
According to public health data released today, the Town’s designation has increased to “Red,” indicating a “high risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Middleborough is 35.7 per 100,000 residents.
Though vaccinations are becoming more widely available, residents are reminded that they must continue to take the necessary precautions in order to prevent further spread of the disease in the community.
The Town urges residents to limit COVID-19 spread by continuing to always wear face coverings while in public — indoors and outside — as well as practicing social distancing and avoiding gatherings. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 is asked to get tested and stay home as they await their results.
Free testing is available through the state’s Stop the Spread initiative. For more information, click here.
Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
Additionally, Middleborough officials wish to share state and federal guidelines for individuals who are fully vaccinated. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated more than two weeks after they have received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or more than two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine.
The state has updated the travel order and quarantine guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated. Based on the new guidelines, these individuals can:
- Travel to Massachusetts without quarantining upon arrival or obtaining a negative test result. Proof of vaccination may be required. This exception does not apply to individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19, who must follow all testing and quarantine guidance outlined in the travel rules. More information about the travel order can be found here.
- Fully vaccinated individuals, as well as those who have had COVID-19 in the last 90 days (from day of symptom onset or day of first positive test if asymptomatic) are no longer required to quarantine following an exposure. More information can be found here.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that fully vaccinated people should continue to:
- Take precautions in public like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing
- Wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease
- Wear masks, maintain physical distance, and practice other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households
- Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings
- Get tested if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
- Follow guidance issued by individual employers
- Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations
This guidance will be updated as the amount of vaccinated individuals increases. The Town will continue to share information as it becomes available.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines in general, visit the CDC’s website here and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website here.
###