IPSWICH — Director of Public Health Colleen Fermon urges residents to remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 as the community remains at high risk for the disease.
According to public health data released on Thursday, Jan. 14, the Town’s designation remains at “Red,” indicating a “high risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Ipswich is 55.9 per 100,000 residents, up from 45.3 last week.
Ipswich officials report that there are currently 84 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. There have been a total of 477 cases in Ipswich since the start of the pandemic.
Approximately 6.67% of COVID-19 tests in the community have been positive over the past week, up from 5.7% last week.
Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid high risk activities, especially indoor social gatherings, and all Massachusetts residents are under orders from the Governor to wear masks at all times while in public.
“We knew the winter season would be a real challenge as this pandemic wears on, and implore everyone to do everything they can to stop the spread and stay healthy,” Director Fermon said. “Avoiding private, in-person social gatherings is a big step to reducing the spread, but it’s equally important that we all continue wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing and sanitizing our hands regularly, and staying home when sick.”
Residents are reminded to always take the following precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community:
- Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing — maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from others — is critical.
- Those who must go out are urged to:
- Avoid gathering in groups
- Maintain 6 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 at all times.
- 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.
For the latest COVID-19 updates for the Town of Ipswich, visit ipswichcovid19.com.
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