September 22, 2021 By Carol Britton Meyer (Unsplash Photo)
There were 47 new COVID-19 cases reported during the two-week period ending Sept. 16, compared to 37 new cases for the prior two-week period ending Sept. 9, representing "a small uptick in COVID-19 cases in Hingham over the last two weeks," Town Administrator Tom Mayo reported to the Select Board Tuesday night.
The vaccination rate for Hingham has increased slightly -- to 72 percent, which remains above the state average of approximately 66 percent.
"If we consider only vaccine-eligible individuals in Hingham (ages 12 and older), the percent of fully-vaccinated eligible residents rises to 85 percent," he said.
Given these slight upticks, Mayo outlined what he called the "basics" -- recommended health and safety protocols:
- follow guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, including:
- staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with others;
- getting vaccinated;
- washing your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds;
- avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
- cleaning frequently-touched items such as doorknobs and countertops with household cleaning spray or wipes;
- covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.