Town of Wenham Implores Residents to Protect Themselves, Others from COVID-19

Town Just Shy of High Risk Designation from State

WENHAM — The Town of Wenham is urging residents to continue closely following COVID-19 prevention guidelines even as positive case numbers have decreased over the past week.

According to public health data released on Thursday, Jan. 28, the Town’s designation is now at “yellow,” indicating a “moderate risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Wenham is 34.3 per 100,000 residents, down from 59 last week.

Wenham officials report that there are currently 19 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. There have been a total of 228 cases in Wenham since the start of the pandemic.

Those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine through Phase One of the state’s distribution plan and those 75-years-old and older who become eligible next week are advised to visit the state’s website here to view a map of vaccination sites to make an appointment. All sites require an appointment. Those 75-years-old and older may click here for additional guidance. 

Residents who need assistance or have accessibility issues with booking an appointment can call the Wenham Council on Aging at 978-468-5529. Town staff and volunteers are available to assist residents with booking appointments.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the Town’s CodeRed Emergency Notification System for the latest town vaccination distribution updates by clicking here. Residents can opt to receive notifications by phone call, email, text and/or social media about not only the latest local vaccination distribution updates but also other time sensitive communications about important announcements regarding utility outages, water main breaks, fire or floods, chemical spills and other emergency situations.

All notifications about available appointments at the Town’s drive-thru vaccine clinic at Pingree Park will be shared via the CodeRed robocall system when doses become available. 

The Board of Health encourages all residents to seek out vaccination when they become eligible whether they go to their primary care physician, local pharmacies, mass vaccination sites or the Board of Health. The Board of Health also asks residents to be patient and thanks everyone for their continued cooperation as there is significant demand for vaccines. Registration for vaccination appointments distributed locally will be available as soon as doses are available.

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 physical 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 and avoid touching your face
• Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands
• Wear a mask when outside of your home or vehicle
• Face coverings should:
  • Cover the nose and mouth
  • Fit snugly and comfortably against the sides 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.

Wenham residents with questions may additionally contact the Wenham Board of Health at 978-468-5520 ext. 4 or visit wenhamma.gov/covid.

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