Town of Swansea Designated as High Risk Community for COVID-19

SWANSEA — Board of Selectmen Chairman Christopher Carreiro reports that the Town of Swansea has seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases recently, resulting in an increased risk designation from the Commonwealth. 

According to the public health datareleased on Thursday, Oct. 29, the Town’s designation is now “Red,” indicating a “high risk” in the community. Residents are urged to continue to practice social distancing, wear face coverings in public and limit their interactions with anyone who lives outside of their household. 

According to today’s data, there have been 29 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Swansea over the past two weeks. Swansea’s average daily incidence rate, which the state uses to calculate risk determinations, has risen to 13 per 100,000 residents, up from last week’s rate of 5.4. Anything above eight per 100,000 nets a high risk designation.

“Our daily incidence rate has continued to increase over the past several weeks, which shows us that all community members must still take the proper measures to stay healthy,” Chairman Carreiro said. “Especially with Halloween coming up this weekend, we encourage everyone to keep public health precautions in mind as they celebrate. Please avoid large gatherings, continue to social distance and wear a face mask, and consider alternative Halloween activities that will help limit your risk of exposure to COVID-19.”

Massachusetts’ Stop the Spread testing initiative remains ongoing, and Swansea residents are encouraged to get tested regardless of symptoms in order to better know their COVID-19 status. The closest Stop the Spread testing sites are located in Fall River or New Bedford. For information about testing availability nearby through the Stop the Spread initiative, click here.

Residents who plan to participate in Halloween activities this weekend are asked to take several precautions. This includes considering one-way or “grab and go” trick-or-treating, wearing a face mask, observing proper hygiene, avoiding large or crowded gatherings and avoiding activities not with people in your household. Further information from the Town of Swansea regarding celebrating Halloween safely this weekend can be found here. 

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.

Additional information regarding the Town of Swansea’s response to COVID-19 can be found on the Town’s website: www.town.swansea.ma.us.

Swansea residents with questions may additionally contact the Swansea Board of Health at 508-324-6704.

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