Town of Maynard Announces Three Probable Positive Coronavirus Cases

Residents are Urged to Continue Preventative Measures to Reduce Risk of Exposure

MAYNARD —Town Administrator Greg Johnson and the Maynard Public Health Staff report that there are currently three “probable positive” cases of COVID-19 in the community.

Town officials learned of the probable cases of the virus today. Since July 17, the town has had between zero and one probable cases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a probable case is an individual who meets clinical criteria by displaying a combination of certain known symptoms of the virus and epidemiological evidence without laboratory testing or an individual with presumptive laboratory evidence and either meeting clinical criteria or epidemiological evidence. A person who has died may also be declared a probable case if they meet vital records criteria. To learn more, click here. 

“This virus has not gone away, and this is a critical reminder for our community to continue adhering closely to the prevention tips that have been shared by local and national public health officials,” Town Administrator Johnson said. “We urge everyone to continue social distancing, wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently and to please stay home if you are sick.”

The Town of Maynard’s COVID-19 cases are updated daily here. 

Maynard’s Public Health Division is diligently working on contact tracing, and wishes to provide residents with an overview of the contact tracing process:

• The Town of Maynard is notified by the state’s MAVEN database regarding COVID-19 positive cases for Maynard residents.
• The positive individual is notified and given directions to isolate and list any direct contacts.
  • A direct contact is someone who has been within six feet of a positive COVID-19 case for 15 minutes or more, with or without a face covering.
• Direct contacts are notified and told to quarantine and to get tested. Some investigative work is done by the public health nurse, as sometimes the positive individual does not have the contact information for a direct contact.
• If you believe you have been exposed to the virus, or if you think you may have symptoms, call your health care provider. To view a list of testing sites in Massachusetts, click here. 

All identified close contacts of the three probable cases will be contacted by a public health nurse. 

Maynard town officials also wish to share the following COVID-19 prevention tips with residents:

• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Regularly clean frequently touched items and surfaces with a household cleaning spray or wipes. 
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
• If you are sick, stay home and avoid close contact with others. 
• Continue social distancing and maintaining six feet from others who do not live in your household. Residents are advised to stay home as much as they can, even if they do not have symptoms, and practice social distancing if you must go out. COVID-19 can be spread up to 48 hours before an individual exhibits symptoms. 
  • Call, FaceTime or online chat with friends and family instead of visiting them in person where possible.
  • Stay home as much as you can.
  • Those who must go out are reminded not to gather in groups, maintain six feet of distance and do not shake hands or hug. 
• Wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible in outdoor public spaces, and in all indoor public spaces and the entryways and hallways of private residential buildings.
  • Gov. Charlie Baker issued an order this May requiring face masks or cloth face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible, applicable in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Children under the age of two and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition are exempt. Click here to read the full guidance on this order from the Department of Public Health.

For more guidance regarding COVID-19, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website by clicking here.

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