Town of Norwood Designated as High Risk Community for COVID-19

NORWOOD — General Manager Tony Mazzucco and Health Director Sigalle Reiss report that the Town of Norwood has seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases recently, resulting in an increased risk designation from the Commonwealth. 

At this time, the town is designated as a “high risk” community by the Commonwealth, and residents are reminded to continue being vigilant in practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings in public and limiting their interactions with anyone who lives outside of their household. 

“Our two-week case count has increased in this week’s report, which serves as a reminder to us all that the fight against COVID-19 is not over,” General Manager Mazzucco said, “We all still have work to do to mitigate the risk of illness for ourselves and our neighbors, and I ask everyone in our community to continue doing their part to fight this virus by practicing social distancing, wearing masks and washing their hands regularly.”

According to data shared by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health yesterday, there have been 34 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, and a 1.86% test positivity rate over that time period. 

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.

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