CANTON — The Canton Board of Selectmen wishes to provide residents with the latest information regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as federal and state officials continue to monitor the virus domestically and internationally.
There are currently 164 confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, including 31 in Norfolk County, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, March 10.
For additional updates and information, Canton residents can visit the COVID-19 page that has been added to the Town of Canton website.
The Town of Canton has also created a COVID-19 task force made up of various sectors within the town, including public health officials. This task force is communicating and meeting regularly to monitor the spread of the virus on a daily basis and pass on important health and safety information in an effort to keep Canton’s citizens informed.
The Canton Fire, Police and School Departments remain in close contact with the Health Department, as well as with DPH. Canton’s firefighters and police officers are following the latest guidelines from DPH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure first responders are fully prepared to provide emergency services to the Town of Canton as the public health crisis unfolds.
On Sunday, March 15, Gov. Charlie Baker announced new guidelines for all Massachusetts residents to promote social distancing and help to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• No gatherings of any kind of more than 25 people at one time, in one place.
• All public and private schools in Massachusetts will close on Tuesday, March 17 until at least April 7.
• All bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.
Residents, business owners and community members are asked to abide by these newest guidelines from the Governor’s office.
According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear 2-14 days after exposure. The DPH reports that symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia in severe cases.
The DPH recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:
• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
• Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
More information from the Town of Canton COVID-19 task force relating to COVID-19 will be shared when available.
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