COVID-19 Information for Plainfield

Important updates from the Board of Health

People in nearby towns in western Massachusetts have tested positive for the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19. Now that one lab in the state is able to conduct testing, the number of cases is growing rapidly in Massachusetts.

On March 10, 2020, Governor Baker declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts to make resources available to respond to COVID-19, the coronavirus disease caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Read more about the announcement. This is a dangerous disease that has been declared a worldwide pandemic as of March 11, 2020, according to the World Health Organization.

What can we do?

The most important thing we can all do is to SLOW THE SPREAD of the disease to reduce overloading hospital and medical resources (see the graphic above). While there may end up being about the same number of cases overall, this approach has proven to dramatically reduce the number of deaths in past pandemics.

To slow the spread of the disease and to reduce your own likelihood of being infected, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.

To further slow the spread of the disease, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends:

• Avoid large gatherings if you are at higher risk
• Postpone or cancel non-essential large events and gatherings
• Postpone or cancel school travel, both international and domestic AND strongly consider cancelling activities that involve hosting either domestic or international students or teachers.

More information on COVID-19, including the most recent number of cases in Massachusetts, is available from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

Posted: to Board of Health on Wed, Mar 11, 2020
Updated: Wed, Mar 11, 2020