Town of Nahant Designated as High Risk “Red” Community for COVID-19

NAHANT — Town Administrator Antonio Barletta and the Nahant Board of Health are urging residents to remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 as the community reaches a high risk designation for the disease.

According to the public health data released by the state on Thursday, Jan. 7, the Town’s designation has been elevated to “Red,” indicating a “high risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Nahant is 68.5 per 100,000 residents, up from 46.4 last week.

There are currently 31 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. There have been a total of 151 cases in Nahant since the start of the pandemic.

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.

Additionally, Governor Charlie Baker announced that temporary capacity and gathering limits put in place on Dec. 26 will be extended to Jan. 24. This includes restaurants, office spaces, retail businesses, places of worship and fitness and health clubs. To view all the full list of restrictions and limits, click here.

“Now that the holiday season has passed, the state is continuing to see a significant rise in COVID-19 cases due to community members travelling and attending holiday gatherings,” Town Administrator Barletta said. “Unfortunately, our community is not immune to this significant increase in positive cases. We would like to continue to stress the importance of all of our community members to follow public health guidance.”

Additional 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 six 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.

Additional information regarding the Town of Nahant’s response to COVID-19 can be found online at NahantCOVID19.com.

Nahant residents with questions may additionally contact the Nahant Board of Health at 781-581-0088.

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