Town of Brookline Urges Vigilance as Community Maintains ‘Moderate’ Risk Designation

BROOKLINE — The Town of Brookline is urging residents to remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 as the community maintains a moderate risk designation from the state.

According to public health data released on Thursday, Jan. 14, the Town’s designation is “yellow” indicating a “moderate risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Brookline is 27.3 per 100,000 residents, up from 25.4 last week.

According to the report there were 247 cases of COVID-19 in the community from Jan. 1-12. There have been 1,438 cases of COVID-19 in the community since the pandemic began.

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 all have the power to make an impact on this situation, in our own way, by continuing to follow the public health guidance we’ve been discussing for almost a year now,” Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett said. “Please, wear a mask and practice social distancing, and help us stop the spread.”

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.

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Brookline, visit BrooklineCOVID19.com.

###