City of Newburyport Urges Continued Vigilance as COVID-19 Risk Remains ‘Moderate’

NEWBURYPORT — Mayor Donna Holaday, Director of Public Health Frank Giacalone and the City of Newburyport are urging residents to remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 as the community maintains a ‘moderate’ risk designation from the state. 

Mayor Holaday also issued a video update regarding the state of the pandemic Thursday, which can be viewed by clicking here.

According to public health data released on Thursday, Jan. 14, the City’s designation has remained “yellow,” indicating a “moderate risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the City of Newburyport is 52.3 per 100,000 residents, up from 43 last week.

The report, which includes the latest data up until Wednesday, Jan. 12, states there have been 130 cases of COVID-19 in the community over the last 14 days. Newburyport officials report as of yesterday have been a total of 763 confirmed cases in the city 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. 

“We’re seeing a rise in case numbers not only here in our city, but statewide as well,” Mayor Holaday said. “It is critical that our residents keep taking steps to protect not only the health of themselves and their loved ones, but our community at large. Please, take care to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and stay home if you feel sick. We can only stop the spread if we all do our part.”

Residents are reminded to always take the following precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community:

• 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, Newburyport residents can learn the latest about the COVID-19 situation in Newburyport by visiting the city Health Department’s website.

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