Below please find the November 6, 2020 Town of Bedford Update on COVID-19. This is the full update, there is no attachment.
Case Counts
MA DPH has delayed the release of community-level data until today, Friday, November 6, 2020. As such, the COVID-19 Task Force will release the town specific information next week. In the meantime, you can check the MA DPH website for other COVID-19 related information and data by navigating to https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting
New State COVID-19 Safety Measures
Please be advised of new orders from Governor Charlie Baker that are now in effect to curb the spread of COVID-19 and enable schools and businesses to be open safely.
- Face Coverings: The updated executive order requires all persons over the age of 5 to wear face-coverings in all public places, even where able to maintain 6 feet of distance from others, as well in carpools and at gatherings. The fine for non-compliance is $300. The order still allows for a medical or disabling exception.
- Gatherings: The updated executive orders reduce the gathering size limit for gatherings at private residences: indoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 25 people. All gatherings must end by 9:30 PM and organizers must report known positive COVID-19 cases to the local health department and cooperate with contact tracing. The fine for violations is $500 for each person above the limit.
- Early Closure of Businesses: A new executive order requires certain businesses including in-person dining, liquor stores, and gyms to close each night at 9:30 PM. Several types of activities including youth sports must also cease at 9:30 PM Click here to read the new executive order (including a full list of businesses required to close at 9:30 PM).
- Stay at home advisory: A revised Stay at Home Advisory instructs residents to stay home between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. The advisory allows for activities such as going to work, running critical errands, addressing health needs, and taking a walk.
Common Sense Actions to Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19
Employ Social Distancing Basics:
- Stay Home, especially if you’re feeling sick, have a fever, or a cough to avoid contact with other individuals. If you are sick, stay at home and contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
- Call/Facetime/Online chat with friends and loved ones
- Frequently clean and sanitize common-touch surfaces
If you go out for essential needs:
- Avoid Crowds
- Stay 6 feet away from others
- Don’t shake hands or hug
- Wear a face covering or mask if physical distancing is not possible. Always have a face-covering with you. You cannot always predict or control when someone will be close to you.
Follow the 3 Ws – Wash your hands, Wear a mask, Watch your Distance!
Need a COVID-19 test?
Free COVID-19 testing sites are open in numerous communities as part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s “Stop the Spread” initiative. Visit www.mass.gov/stopthespread for free testing site locations.
If you need testing closer to home, consider navigating to https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13 to find a testing site. Check with your insurance company for covered services prior to booking an appointment for testing.
As always stay safe, practice social distancing, and wear a mask!