Dedham Board Of Health Publishes Coronavirus Update For March 11

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

March 11, 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:

March 9, 2021

The Board met this week and was provided information on several updates to COVID protocols. The information was received shortly before the meeting, therefore the Board has requested more detailed information be provided at its next meeting.

Unfortunately, there is no change in the restriction to vaccine access for local Boards of Health. We continue to advocate and hope that the state will consider providing vaccine to the community so we can schedule clinics for our residents. We will provide updates if, and when, additional vaccine becomes available to the community.

March 10, 2021 COVID Vaccine Clinic

On a beautiful Wednesday morning, another successful vaccine clinic was held to provide second dose vaccine to our 75 and older residents.

March 20, 2021 COVID Vaccine Clinic

The Health Department will begin reaching out this week to schedule second dose appointments for those who received their first dose vaccine on February 18, 2021.

The Board wishes to thank the Health Department and Council on Aging staff, our Assistant Town Manager, the School Department and custodial staff, the Dedham Middle School staff, the Police Department, the Public Works Department, Fallon Ambulance, and our many volunteers for their continued efforts in planning for and conducting the vaccine clinics. A special thank you to the seniors who have braved the winter elements to attend the clinics.

Mass Vaccination Sites

The Governor’s Office is encouraging those who qualify in Phase Two Priority Two (65 years of age or older, those individuals with two or more specific medical conditions, and K-12 Educators, Child Care Workers and K-12 School Staff) to schedule appointments at 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 dedhamboardofhealth@dedham-ma.gov

The Q & A will return next week.

Confirmed Cases
The confirmed case count as of March 9, 2021 is 2129, an increase of 25 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.