Dover Coronavirus Updates And Information

Press release from the Town of Dover:

January 15, 2021

This global public health concern is evolving. Residents can expect that information and recommendations may change. The Town will provide updates as needed, which will be posted here. Please visit our COVID-19 Community Resources page and COVID-19 Business & Employment Assistance page for specific information and helpful links to various programs.

COVID-19 cases in Dover

The Department of Public Health reported 20 new cases in Dover over the week that ended 1/12/2021. We are still experiencing a post-holiday surge, both in our town and throughout Massachusetts.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine
Settings in which transmission can occur

Though approximately half of cases are generally due to household transmission, the other half are spread in a variety of locations in which people from different households mingle. Examples include social gatherings, workplaces, athletic practices and competitions, places of worship, indoor restaurant dining, and senior living communities, among others. Strategies for reducing the risk of COVID spread include Wearing a mask (consider double masking). Maintaining distance of at least six feet, preferably more, from others not in your household. Staying outdoors if you're not with people from your own household. Staying home and getting tested if you have symptoms that could be caused by COVID SIGN UP FOR DOVER COVID-19 OR OTHER TOWN ALERTS AT https://www.doverma.org/list.aspx

If you have questions or comments, please contact the Board of Health at boh@doverma.org

Important Reminders:

• Please remain vigilant. Don’t assume that you and others around you are COVID negative!
• Wear a mask when you are out in public
• Stay 6 feet away from individuals who aren’t part of your household
• Clean your hands frequently
• If you must be with others outside your household, wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet apart, and remain outdoors
• Get your flu shot!
• If you have symptoms that could be consistent with COVID, even if mild, seek testing and avoid contact with others while symptomatic and while awaiting your test result (https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing).
• If you are contacted by the Public Health Nurse as part of a contact trace, please answer the call and participate fully. It helps our community stay healthy, and it is also required by law. The Public Health Nurse keeps all records confidential.

Modified Town, School & Department Operations

Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all Town buildings will be closed to the public until further notice . Buildings will be staffed and services will be available online and by appointment only. If you're entering a Town Building for an appointment, masks are required.

Please click here to view all modified operations across Town Departments.

Caryl Community Center Reopening Announcement 9/28/20

Staying Healthy & Safe

Health & Hygiene

Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds .
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.

There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this novel coronavirus infection.

Social Distancing

• Summer parties are frequent sources of COVID clusters: Parties are frequently the source of clusters of COVID cases, including for people in Dover. Even small parties (<25 attendees) are risky because partygoers tend not to use face coverings or follow the rules of social distancing

You can help prevent COVID-19 with social distancing:

• Call/Facetime/online chat with friends and family
• Stay home as much as you can
• If you must go out:
  • Don’t gather in groups
  • Stay 6 feet away from others
  • Don’t shake hands or hug

Essential vs Non-Essential Businesses

Please visit this link on Mass.Gov to understand the definitions of essential vs non-essential businesses during this time.

Always visit Mass.Gov directly for the latest information and programs.

Stay Informed with News, Updates & Alerts

• Follow Town of Dover Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/townofdovermass
• Follow Town of Dover Twitter: https://twitter.com/TownDover
• Sign up to receive emergency alerts (call & text) via Dover Police Department: http://doverma.org/public-safety/911-notification/
• Mass211.org – 24/7 Residents with questions should call 2-1-1 from any landline or cellphone . Callers dialing 2-1-1 will hear an automated menu of options. Callers press 2-6 for Coronavirus. Residents can also reach 2-1-1 through a live chat option on the Massachusetts 2-1-1 website.
• Dover Sherborn Regional Schools is providing regular updates to families. These are also available on the DSRS website.

Local Hospital Information

Partners HealthCare Coronavirus Hotline: 617-724-7000 (Open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days/week beginning on Monday, March 9)
Beth Israel Lahey Hospital: Monitoring COVID-19: Keeping our Communities Healthy
Beth Israel Deaconness Needham: https://www.bidneedham.org/
Norwood Hospital: https://www.norwood-hospital.o...
Metro West Medical Center: https://www.mwmc.com/
Newton Wellesley Hospital: Coronavirus Information: What you Need to Know

Regional Health COVID-19 Information

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru...
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Link:

Mass.Gov Resources & Information on COVID-19

Town of Dover COVID-19 Response Group

Working together to evaluate and implement local and regional best practices and recommendations are:

• Board of Selectmen
• Board of Health
• Town Administrator
• School Representative
• Police Chief
• Fire Chief
• EMS Administrator
• Park & Rec Director
• Council on Aging Director

Below is information directly from the US CDC regarding the novel coronavirus pandemic, called SARS-CoV-2, which can cause COVID-19 infection

This press release was produced by the Town of Dover. The views expressed are the author's own.