Town of Bridgewater Urges Residents to Remain Vigilant Against COVID-19 Following Recent Rise in Cases 

Town Remains in “Yellow” Medium Risk Designation

BRIDGEWATER — Town Manager Michael Dutton and Health Agent Eric Badger report that the Town of Bridgewater has seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases recently, and are urging the community to follow COVID-19 prevention guidance.

As of Wednesday evening, when the most recent numbers were released by the Commonwealth, the town remains in the “Yellow” or Medium Risk designation. Since receiving this designation, the town has worked in close collaboration with the  Massachusetts Department of Public Health to address the recent rise in the prevalence of the novel coronavirus in the community.

According to data shared by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Wednesday, there have been 16 confirmed positive cases of the virus in Bridgewater over the past two weeks.

“Our community continues to actively fight this virus and it is imperative that our residents take all the necessary precautions to ensure there isn’t a larger spread within the town,” Town Manager Dutton “The best actions our residents can take to prevent further spread of the virus is to continue to get tested, as well as continue to take the necessary safety measures, including wearing a mask and maintaining a social distance of 6 feet from others.”

The town works very closely with Bridgewater State University, the Bridgewater-Raynham School District and the Department of Correction to ensure that all appropriate safety measures are being taken across town to prevent the spread of the virus, and to ensure that appropriate steps are taken when a positive test occurs.

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 six 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 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.

For the latest news, case counts, and lab testing results, visit the state’s COVID-19 website at www.mass.gov/covid19. Residents can also call 2-1-1 with questions, or text the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777 to receive notifications via their smartphone.

Bridgewater residents with questions may additionally contact the contact the Bridgewater Board of Health at  508-697-0903.

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