Jan. 22, 2021—As the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the nation as a whole are in the midst of a surge in COVID- 19 cases, the Bedford Health Department reminds Bedford residents that the surge is happening here in town too.
Travel over Thanksgiving and the December holidays, socializing at gatherings, and mixing of households during celebrations are all situations believed to have contributed to the increase in positive cases. Additionally, based on contact tracing data, we know many of our cases are attributable to household contact – the virus is spread within the home when one infected (likely asymptomatic) family member has close contact with uninfected household members during their infectious period.
Because the virus is predominantly spread via droplet and aerosol transmission, mask-wearing is an important protective measure in preventing virus transmission. We bring this to your attention not to shame anyone or point fingers, but human nature is indeed a contributing factor to the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
With vaccine distribution underway in the pursuit of herd immunity, now is not the time to let down our guard. All safety protocols necessary to slow the spread have to continue to be followed: wear a mask, maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, wash your hands frequently, sanitize common touch surfaces regularly, increase ventilation in indoor spaces, take advantage of testing opportunities, limit gatherings and encounters with people outside your immediate household and get vaccinated as soon as you can!
As of the writing of this article, the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) has reported one hundred sixty-six (166) Confirmed and Probable COVID-19 cases in Bedford since January 1st, which is about double the number of new cases from the previous 20 day time period. Thirty-five (35) cases have been reported within the Bedford Public School (BPS) Community since January 1s, a number almost equal to all the positive cases realized from the beginning of school through December 31, 2020. Only one of the BPS cases to date was suspected to result from in-school transmission.
With our current Incidence Rate of over 10/100,000 but a positivity rate under 5%, Bedford remains in the yellow “lower risk” category. If Bedford’s positivity rate reaches 5%, that will elevate us to the red or “higher risk” category. We were assigned that category for one week several months ago before the risk metrics were changed by the MA DPH. The red category releases additional outreach resources to the town from the state as well as triggers an elevated surveillance alert to the Bedford Public Schools (BPS), in that it would be one of many factors reviewed in the event schools had to close due to high case counts or evidence of widespread in-school transmission.
In late December, the Governor further restricted occupancy in many businesses to 25% of capacity in an effort to limit contact and potential for exposure in certain public places. That order was extended and will now be in place until at least February 8, 2021, unless again extended.
Please be mindful of the provisions and requirements of the Governor’s Orders (see the whole list here: (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency). They are in place to protect the public and enable us to get to the other side of the pandemic as quickly as possible with fewer positive cases and deaths. Following the protective orders not only helps protect you from contracting COVID-19, but because many folks with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, it protects those around you from contracting the virus. We all have to do our part to get through this.
The initial distribution of vaccine to COVID-facing medical workers and first responders is a great first step in starting to raise immunity in our community. The Bedford Health Department anticipates holding numerous COVID-19 vaccination clinics to administer COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with the distribution phases established by the state. We do not yet have vaccine.
We anticipate, starting in early–mid February, COVID vaccination clinics will be held at the John Glenn Middle School at 99 McMahon Road on those days when students are not in school. Health and safety measures including increased ventilation during and after each clinic and cleaning and sanitizing after each clinic will be in place.
Clinic schedules and instructions for registration will be forthcoming and information will be distributed widely. The Health Department does not have a waitlist at this time.
Please check the Health Department and Town websites often for announcements of impending COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
Don’t forget to register for “Code Red” (https://www.bedfordma.gov/home/pages/code-red-emergency- notification-system) and Town of Bedford “E-Alerts” (sign up for “home page news” and Board of Health/Health Department updates at https://www.bedfordma.gov/subscribe) to get updates sent directly to you.
We also ask you to be mindful of the phased approach to vaccine distribution, and who qualifies to receive the vaccine in each phase by visiting the MA DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Information Webpage: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine.
Wishing you good health and continued dedication to slow the spread as we start the initial phases of building immunity within the Bedford community and beyond.
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