Dedham Urges Resident To Stick To Virus Guidelines As Cases Mount

DEDHAM, MA — Dedham was officially designated a high risk community after a COVID-19 cluster in town brought the case count from 459 up to 485. A series of parties is being blamed as the source of the cluster — the increased case count caused the School Committee to vote to postpone in-person classes.

Dedham Board of Health Chairwoman Leanne Jasset explained what the high risk designation means for residents.

"The state's Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) will provide Dedham with a mobile testing unit that will remain in town for a minimum of three days. We expect to have more information regarding the dates and hours of the testing site soon and will share those details with the community as soon as they are available. It is expected that the testing site will be operational later this week. We are encouraging as many people to get tested as possible," Jasset said.

"The town's "high risk" designation should serve as a strong reminder that COVID-19 has not gone away and heeding public health guidance is as important as ever. The community's participation continues to be crucial in stopping the spread," Jasset said.

COVID-19 prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health include:

• Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing, maintaining a minimum of six feet from others, is critical.
• Those who must go out are urged to:
• Maintain six 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 where social distancing from people outside your household is not possible. This does not apply to those under the age of two and with underlying health conditions.
• 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.