The Town of Swansea is urging the community to follow COVID-19 prevention guidance following another rise in positive COVID-19 cases recently.
As of Thursday afternoon, when the most recent numbers were released by the Commonwealth, the town received a “Yellow” or Medium Risk designation. According to data shared by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Thursday, there have been 12 confirmed positive cases of the virus in Swansea over the past two weeks.
The town will continue to work in close collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to address the recent rise in the prevalence of the novel coronavirus in the community.
“The Town of Swansea would like to stress the importance of all of our residents doing their part to limit the spread of COVID-19,” Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Eric Hajder said. “If we all continue to do our part we can ensure that the number of positive cases decrease instead of increase. All that we ask is for our residents to continue their social distancing efforts, wear their masks and not gather in large groups. We will continue to keep the residents of Swansea updated as more information relating to the COVID-19 public health crisis becomes available to us.”
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.
Additional information regarding the Town of Swansea’s response to COVID-19 can be found on the Town’s website: www.town.swansea.ma.us.
Swansea residents with questions may additionally contact the Swansea Board of Health at 508-324-6704.
###