Board Of Health Coronavirus Update For April 1

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

April 1, 2021

DEDHAM — In an effort to continue to update Dedham residents on state and local preparedness efforts and impacts related to COVID-19 (commonly referred to as Coronavirus), the Dedham Board of Health offers the following updates:

April 1, 2021

The Board did not meet this week, however has continued to monitor information regarding business re-openings, vaccine distribution, and all other important COVID information.

On April 5th residents 55+ and residents with one certain medical condition and on April 19th the general public ages 16 years of age and older will be eligible for the vaccine.

We are all looking forward to April 19th, when the opportunity for all residents to be eligible for the vaccine. While it is important to continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing and use proper hygiene, the opportunity to vaccinate the general public will bring us closer to our normal way of life.

On March 25th, the Board met and voted to approve a request from Gail Kelley, Director of Health Services for the Dedham Public Schools, to update the School Department’s Travel Policy to align with the State’s Travel Policy.

Mass Vaccination Sites

The Governor’s Office is encouraging those who qualify for the COVID vaccine to visit the state’s website and to register and/or schedule an appointment at one of the Mass Vaccination Sites. Please visit www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine for additional information.

Testing Sites

STOP THE SPREAD COVID TESTING SITES remain open throughout the Commonwealth. For specific information on site locations, please visit www.mass.gov/COVID19

Assistance

The Board acknowledged that there is a growing population suffering from depression and other mental health issues. “People are tired, frustrated, angry and lonely.” If you are suffering, please reach out. Talk to someone! There are people who can help!

Available assistance; Samaritan Crisis Hotline (1-877-870-4673), or Text HOME to 741741.

Question & Answer

As promised, the Board has added new frequently asked questions. We continue to encourage residents to submit questions and concerns to the Board at [email protected]

Q & A will return next week!

Confirmed Cases
The confirmed case count as of April 1, 2021 is 2269, an increase of 36 cases from last report. Please note, this number reflects the total number of cases confirmed since March 2020. Please be advised that this number is not indicative of any detected cluster in the community.

While many have received the vaccine, it is important to continue to be vigilant. The Board urges everyone to

WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES

STAY SIX FEET APART

WASH YOUR HANDS

It is our hope that we are beginning to turn the corner in the battle against COVID19. Your continued cooperation in following the prescribed protocols will move us closer to winning the war!

Keep the faith! We’ve got this, Dedham!

Resources

Residents are encouraged to visit the website, dedhamcovid19.com, for all town updates as the COVID-19 situation develops. Visitors can subscribe via email to receive notifications for new posts.

Although Town Hall remains closed to the public, the Health Department is

staffed and available to address all questions and concerns. We encourage

residents and businesses to contact the office at 781-751-9220 with any

questions or concerns. The Board most respectfully asks for your patience

and understanding of the demands on the Department. All inquiries and

complaints are important and will be addressed. Please remain kind and

respectful!

The Board appreciates the continued collaboration with all Town departments in assisting residents and businesses adapt to the new normal.

The Board again wishes to remind the public to properly dispose of gloves and masks at all public locations.

The Board wishes to thank the Health Department staff for their continued dedication during these unprecedented times.

Stay safe and be kind!

Respectfully submitted by the Board of Health,
Leanne Jasset, Chairman
Kathy Reda, Vice-Chairman
Mary Ellard, Member

This press release was produced by the Town of Dedham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.