December 23, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
Because the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Hingham and statewide, town officials are recommending that residents take extra precautions when celebrating Christmas and other holidays this year.
"During this season, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to urge residents to follow the public health guidance that we know will help keep people safe, stop the spread of COVID-19, and prevent deaths," Asst. Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur said in her weekly update to the Selectmen.
This year MDPH is encouraging residents to:
- limit in-person celebrations to household members only
- postpone or cancel travel, or if traveling, to comply with state travel order requirements
- follow the current size limit of 10 people for indoor gatherings at private residences and 25 people for outdoor gatherings
Lower risk celebrations and activities include:
- Hosting a virtual holiday dinner with extended family or friends
- Preparing food for family and neighbors and delivering them in a contact-free way
- Virtually attending traditional holiday activities, such as a visit with Santa
- Considering virtual caroling by providing a link to those you want to sing to or with remotely
- Viewing holiday lights from your car with members of your household
Another suggestion is to call family members, friends, and neighbors who might feel especially isolated this season.
"We know it’s hard to maintain the holiday spirit in this environment," Monsegur said. "Please be conscious of the continued COVID risk and celebrate the holidays in a safe way to protect your health and the health of others. We wish everyone a safe and healthy new year."
Governor announces new restrictions
Because of the spike in the number of cases, Governor Charlie Baker announced new COVID-19 restrictions yesterday -- effective Saturday, Dec. 26 and continuing until at least Sunday, Jan. 10.
A few highlights:
- Indoor restaurant capacity will be set at 25 percent of pre-COVID seating, with the usual social distancing and face mask guidelines in place.
- Limits at indoor event venues are being reduced to 10 people.
- Limits at outdoor event venues are being reduced to 25 people.
- Office spaces will be required to reduce capacity to 25 percent, with continued allowances for offices offering “critical services,” such as public safety and public health.
- Grades K-12 continue to be exempted from these capacity limits and are required to follow Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards and guidelines.
"These new requirements signal that the COVID-19 situation is worsening significantly. We're asking everyone to adhere to social distancing, face covering, hand washing, and other public health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19," Town Administrator Tom Mayo told the Selectmen this week.
The town’s Vaccine Planning Group is coordinating logistics so that the town "is prepared to do our part," Mayo said. At this point, Hingham is eligible to request vaccines from MDPH for police, fire, and emergency medical services personnel only.
Hingham is partnering with Cohasset, Hull, Norwell, and Scituate to apply to MDPH to facilitate vaccination of public safety personnel for these five communities.
"If MDPH approves, we anticipate coordinating clinics for public safety employees in January," Mayo said.