Town of Somerset Urges Residents to Remain Vigilant Against Spread of COVID-19 Following Rise to Red ‘High Risk’ Status

SOMERSET — Town Administrator Richard Brown and the Somerset Board of Health report that the Town of Somerset has seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases recently, and are urging the community to follow COVID-19 prevention guidance.

According to the public health data released on Thursday, Oct. 22, the Town’s designation is now “Red,” indicating a “high risk” in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Somerset per 100,000 residents has risen to 8.5, up from last week’s rate of 7.3.

According to today’s data, there have been 22 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Somerset over the past two weeks.

“This increase in cases in Somerset is an important reminder to our community members that COVID-19 hasn’t gone away and following the proper health and hygiene guidelines remains as important as ever,” Town Administrator Brown said. “Wearing a mask, avoiding large groups and frequently washing your hands are all crucial steps to help keep all of our community members safe and healthy.”

COVID-19 prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) include:

• Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing — maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from others — is critical.
• Those who must go out are urged to:
  • Avoid gathering in groups
  • Maintain 6 feet from people outside your household
  • Do not shake hands or hug
  • Wash your hands often
• Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over the age of 65 and with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands.
• Wear a mask in indoor and outdoor spaces where social distancing from people outside your household is not possible. This does not apply to those under the age of two and with underlying health conditions.
• Face coverings should:
  • Cover the nose and mouth
  • Fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face
  • Be secured with either ties or ear loops
  • Permit breathing without difficulty
  • Be able to be washed and machine dried without damage. Face masks should be washed regularly depending on the amount of use.

For more information about COVID-19 prevention and symptoms, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website here and the DPH website here.

Somerset residents are reminded to visit SomersetCOVID19.com, which serves as a dedicated town resource for information on the pandemic.

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