September 24, 2020 (Hingham Health Department Statement from the Town of Hingham Website)
As of yesterday, September 23, 2020, the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) reported 333 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hingham, an increase of 12 confirmed cases over the prior week. The state is now listing Hingham in the yellow (moderate risk) category with an average daily case rate over the last 14 days of 7.5 per 100,000 population.
Unlike in the spring, the recent increase in cases is not primarily attributable to nursing homes and residences for vulnerable populations. Instead, we are seeing an increase in transmission in the community at large and in particular, an increase in transmission between members of the same household.
Now is not the time to let your guard down – we need everyone to do their part and remain vigilant. Please continue to practice social distancing, wear a face covering in public, avoid large gatherings, and frequently wash your hands. We must all work together to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 this fall.
In addition, there are several steps you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to household members and others if you are sick or if you have been identified as a close contact of someone diagnosed with COVID-19. DPH recommends the following measures to separate yourself from others:
- Stay at home and use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from other people in the house.
- Do not leave your house to go to school, work, or run errands.
- Do not have any visitors to your house during this time.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Do not share eating or drinking utensils with anybody.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean surfaces that you touch every day with a household disinfectant.
- Monitor your health every day.
- If you get sick with fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other signs of respiratory illness, call your healthcare provider and tell them if you have been exposed to COVID-19.
- If you need see your healthcare provider, do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares to get to your appointment.
- Make a list of everyone you have been close to (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) since you first got sick. Those people have been exposed to COVID-19 and should be asked to self-quarantine.
The CDC offers additional recommendations on what to do if you are sick or if you are caring for someone who is sick. DPH also maintains an interactive online map to make it easy to find the nearest COVID-19 testing centers.
The Hingham Health Department continues to work with DPH, state epidemiologists, and municipal and school leaders to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Hingham. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at HealthDirector@hingham-ma.gov or 781-741-1466. You can also find the latest COVID-19 updates on the Town website.