Raynham Police and Fire Urge Residents to Remain Vigilant Against Spread of COVID-19 Following Red ‘High Risk’ Designation

RAYNHAM — Police Chief James Donovan and Fire Chief Bryan LaCivita report that the Town of Raynham has seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases recently, resulting in an increased risk designation from the Commonwealth.

As of Thursday afternoon, when the most recent numbers were released by the Commonwealth, the town received a “Red” or High Risk designation. According to data shared by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Thursday, there have been 26 confirmed positive cases of the virus in Raynham over the past two weeks.

“As a result of increasing positive COVID-19 cases within the town, the Town of Raynham has received a high risk designation from the state,” Chief Donovan said. “Most of these cases are tied to single household spreads and, as a result, we urge our residents to continue to follow all COVID-19 prevention guidance to prevent further spread even while in their homes.”

The town will continue to work in close collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to address the recent rise in the prevalence of the novel coronavirus in the community.

“During the flu season, many residents may experience respiratory symptoms that align with both the seasonal flu or COVID-19,” Chief LaCivita said. “With extremely similar symptoms, it may be hard for residents to differentiate between the flu and COVID-19 based on symptoms alone. We encourage any residents displaying signs and symptoms of respiratory illness to get tested immediately and stay away from others.”

The Raynham Police and Fire Departments urge residents to adhere to the following COVID-19 guidance from the state regarding household safety:

• Clean all high touch surfaces including doorknobs, light switches and bathrooms.
• During mealtimes stay either 6 feet apart from one another or take turns eating. Additionally, family members should not share food or drinks, or use the same dishes and utensils.
• Do not allow visitors into your home. This includes children and adults.
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning.
• If you live with someone who is a part of a vulnerable population, ensure that they have safe spaces within the household. 
• Give sick household members their own room if possible, and keep the door closed. Have one person care for them to prevent further spread.

COVID-19 prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health 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 Massachusetts Department of Public Health website here.

Raynham residents with questions may additionally contact the Raynham Board of Health at 508-824-2766.

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