NAHANT — Town Administrator Tony Barletta reports that the Town of Nahant has received notification that a resident has died due to complications of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
The resident passed away over the weekend, and tested positive for the virus after their death. No further information about the invdidual is being released at this time.
Town of Nahant Public Health Nurse Deb Murphy investigated a possible second confirmed case of the virus in town, but learned that the individual believed to have the virus does not currently reside in Nahant, She has been in contact with health officials from that community where that person currently resides.
Individuals who are considered to be close contacts (defined as someone who has spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of a positive case) have been identified, contacted by health officials, and are adhering to DPH guidelines for the need to self-quarantine.
In addition, the Town of Nahant is extending the ongoing closure of non-essential town buildings until Monday, May 4.
COVID-19 Information and Resources
In order to help residents remain up to date on the latest COVID-19 news, and how the virus is impacting life in the community, the town has launched a dedicated website: nahantcovid19.com.
The Nahant COVID-19 Hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on weekends. The hotline number is 781-771-2121
All non-essential public buildings in Nahant are closed until at least May 4, and all non-essential town employees who are able to are working remotely. All K-12 schools in Massachusetts — including Johnson Elementary School — will be closed until May 4.
The Council on Aging is providing delivered meals to Nahant seniors and has organized personal food shoppers for those in need. You can reach the Council on Aging by calling 781-581-7557.
Nahant’s Inspectional Services will continue to operate but the main office and inspectors will be conducting their work remotely as much as possible. You can reach Inspectional Services by calling 781-581-5263.
Locally, Seaside Variety and Richland Convenience stores may remain open with social distancing practices in place. Dunkin Café and Seaside Pizza are also open for take-out only.
The Town encourages everyone to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following websites are recommended for the most updated information:
- Town of Nahant’s COVID-19 NEW dedicated webpage: nahantcovid19.com
- Nahant COVID-19 Hotline (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on weekdays, 9 a.m. to noon on weekends): 781-771-2121
- Town of Nahant website: nahant.org
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health: www.mass.gov/covid-19
- Massachusetts 2-1-1 general COVID-19 information: Click here or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)
- Sign up for the Massachusetts COVID-19 Text Message Notification System to receive important updates: text “COVIDMA” to 888-777
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Police and Fire
The Nahant Fire Department and the Town’s advanced life support provider, Atlantic Ambulance, are fully staffed and prepared to respond to any emergency.
The Police and Fire Stations and their respective lobbies are currently closed to the public. Residents are encouraged to call the Fire Department business line at 781-581-1235, or the Police Department business line at 781-581-1212. Always dial 911 in an emergency. Residents are asked not to dial 911 for questions about COVID-19.
Firefighters and medics may wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to calls and their interactions with the public will be different, out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of first responders and the public alike.
If emergency fire or medical services are needed, residents should inform the 911 dispatcher if they or anyone they have been in contact with is experiencing signs and symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 virus. The dispatcher should also be alerted if individuals or anyone they live with or have come in contact with have been required to self-quarantine.
Social Distancing
Due to the evolving spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, Gov. Baker directed the DPH earlier this week to issue a stay-at-home advisory. This means all residents are advised to stay home during this time in order to curb the spread of this virus. Residents may continue to conduct essential activities such as grocery shopping or picking up medication. Gov. Baker has also temporarily banned gatherings of more than 10 people.
All residents are encouraged to continue to practice aggressive social distancing — maintaining a distance of approximately 6 feet from other people — and appropriate personal hygiene.
Social distancing will help to minimize exposure among people, especially given that COVID-19 is highly contagious and people may be contagious prior to exhibiting symptoms.
Prevention Tips
Local, state and federal health officials are encouraging residents to take the following precautions to prevent infectious diseases, such as the flu and COVID-19, from spreading:
- For a minimum of 20 seconds, wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces
- When you have a fever or are ill, stay home from work or school
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