Somerset Officials Urge Vigilance as Town Remains a High Risk Community for COVID-19

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

According to the public health data released on Thursday, Nov. 19, the Town’s designation remains at “Red,” indicating a “high risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Somerset per 100,000 residents has risen to 58.6, up from 47.1 last week.

Somerset has conducted 1,938 tests in the past 14 days, with 166 coming back positive. This represents a 8.57 “percent positive” rate, considered alarming by public health standards. 

“We all need to enhance our efforts to combat the spread of this virus by doubling down on prevention measures, including wearing a mask or face covering, practicing social distancing and washing our hands regularly,” Brown said.

Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid high risk activities, especially indoor social gatherings, and all Massachusetts residents are under orders from the Governor to wear masks at all times while in public. 

The CDC has strongly cautioned against traveling or gathering with friends and family outside your own household to celebrate Thanksgiving. Instead, residents should plan to celebrate the holiday only with those within their own household. 

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 at all times.
• 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.

As always, Somerset residents can learn the latest about the COVID-19 situation in Somerset by visiting the town’s COVID-19 portal: https://somersetcovid19.com/

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