Politics & Government

Town Of Dedham: Dedham Covid-19 Updates Ahead Of Holiday Season

As reported by the Baker-Polito Administration, the number confirmed cases of Covid-19 continue to rise across the state due to the Delt ...

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Press release from the Town of Dedham:

12/23/2021 12:00 PM

As reported by the Baker-Polito Administration, the number confirmed cases of Covid-19 continue to rise across the state due to the Delta variant and Omicron variant, and the Town of Dedham continues to urge residents to get the Covid-19 vaccine and booster when eligible to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Find out what's happening in Dedhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Baker-Polito December 21, 2021 Covid-19 Update

On Tuesday, December 21, 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the activation of the National Guard beginning December 27, 2021 as “non-clinical support for hospitals and transport systems” and has updated the State mask advisory, regardless of vaccination status. The National Guard support includes patient transport between facilities and within hospitals, patient observation, security, and food service transport within healthcare facilities. The additional help of the National Guard is aimed to fulfill address staff shortages within hospitals and fulfill various operational roles to ensure patient care remains a consistent top priority. With regards to masks, the State mask advisory has been updated to recommend all residents wear a mask or face covering in public spaces and when not in their own home. The requirement to wear a mask still applies in the following locations:

Find out what's happening in Dedhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Public and Private Transportation
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Congregate care facilities
  • Emergency shelter programs
  • Houses of correction, Department of Correction prisons, jails, or other correctional facilities
  • State-operated health care and day services/programs
  • Home health care worker

To read the full press release and updated State mask advisory, please visit mass.gov/covid-19-updates-and-information.

Masks in Dedham Town Buildings

The requirement for all residents and visitors over the age of 2 to wear a mask or face covering when inside Town of Dedham municipal buildings remains in effect. An exception can be made when an individual is unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition or disability. The mask requirement applies to Town of Dedham municipal buildings, only, including:

  • Town Hall
  • Ames Senior Center
  • Public Library (both locations)
  • Endicott Estate
  • Dolan Center (Parks and Recreation)
  • DPW Building
  • Police Station
  • Fire Station

Cases and Vaccination Rates in Dedham

According to MAVEN, the Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network, as of December 21, 2021, there have been a total of 3,166 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Dedham since the start of the pandemic.

Beginning in February 2021, the Dedham Health Department has hosted over a dozen public vaccination clinics where approximately 1,800 residents received Covid-19 vaccines. Most recently, a two-part Covid-19 vaccination clinic was held for children ages 5 to 11, and 243 children have received both doses. On November 18, 2021, 169 Dedham seniors, ages 65 years or older, received a booster dose.

Importance of Vaccination and Following Safety Measures

Vaccines remain the most effective tool is reducing the spread of Covid-19 and for reducing the likelihood of severe symptoms, followed by wearing masks and regular testing. The Dedham Health Department has taken proactive steps to protect the residents of Dedham and to help to reduce the spread of Covid-19 through mask advisories, regular communication with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and have hosted a number of public vaccination clinics for eligible residents.

The Dedham Board of Health encourages everyone to get the vaccine and booster to help stop the spread of the virus. For eligible residents, ages 5 years and older, who have not yet received the Covid-19 vaccine or would like to receive a Covid-19 booster, please visit vaxfinder.mass.gov to schedule an appointment at a nearby location. It is important to remember that the Covid-19 vaccine and booster are safe, effective, and are provided at no cost (you do not need health insurance or an ID to receive the vaccine).

Omicron Covid-19 Variant

The CDC has categorized the Omicron variant as the dominant strain of the Coronavirus in the Unites States and has provided the following information:

  • How easily does Omicron spread? The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. How easily Omicron spreads compared to the Delta variant remains unknown. The CDC expects that anyone infected with the Omicron variant can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.
  • Will Omicron cause more severe illness? More data is needed to know if Omicron infections, in vaccinated and unvaccinated people, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants. 
  • Will COVID-19 vaccines work against Omicron? Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The recent emergence of Omicron highlights the importance of vaccination and boosters.

Holiday Gathering Recommendations

December is a time of celebrating holidays with family and friends.  To help you enjoy a safe holiday season, remember to take precautions like wearing a mask and washing your hands, and avoid activities that put you, your family, and your friends at increased risk for COVID-19.  Here are more tips:

  • Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people vaccinated. Vaccine appointments can be scheduled at vaxfinder.mass.gov
  • Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings and you are not fully vaccinated.
  • If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. The CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.
  • If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering and get tested.

At-Home Covid-19 Tests

The Town of Dedham does not have at-home tests to provide to residents at this time. Availability of at-home tests has become limited and difficult to find leading into the holiday season. Before ordering or purchasing an at-home Covid-19 test kit, please review the updated list of FDA-approved test kits, available online at www.fda.gov. Listed below are the eleven tests currently approved by the FDA for use at home without a prescription (in alphabetical order):

When using an at-home test, please follow the directions carefully to ensure the most accurate reading.

Note: The State of Massachusetts provided over 2 million at-home test kits to over 100 communities across the Commonwealth over the past two weeks. The Communities selected represent the highest proportion of families at or below the poverty level and include the twenty most disproportionately impacted equity communities. The Town of Dedham was not included on this list and did not receive test kits from the State.

Local Resources

The Dedham Health Department is available to connect Dedham residents will available resources including food, elder services, healthcare, family resources, intimate partner violence, and more. Please contact the Health Department staff at 781-751-9220. In addition, the Town of Dedham has partnered with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay to help individuals and families who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. Help is available to Dedham residents by calling 781-751-9126 and donations to the Covid-19 Relief Fund can be made online at unitedwaymassbay.org/covid-19/local-funds/dedham and click “Donate”.

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As reported by the Baker-Polito Administration, the number confirmed cases of Covid-19 continue to rise across the state due to the Delta variant and Omicron variant, and the Town of Dedham continues to urge residents to get the Covid-19 vaccine and booster when eligible to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Baker-Polito December 21, 2021 Covid-19 Update

On Tuesday, December 21, 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the activation of the National Guard beginning December 27, 2021 as “non-clinical support for hospitals and transport systems” and has updated the State mask advisory, regardless of vaccination status. The National Guard support includes patient transport between facilities and within hospitals, patient observation, security, and food service transport within healthcare facilities. The additional help of the National Guard is aimed to fulfill address staff shortages within hospitals and fulfill various operational roles to ensure patient care remains a consistent top priority. With regards to masks, the State mask advisory has been updated to recommend all residents wear a mask or face covering in public spaces and when not in their own home. The requirement to wear a mask still applies in the following locations:

  • Public and Private Transportation
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Congregate care facilities
  • Emergency shelter programs
  • Houses of correction, Department of Correction prisons, jails, or other correctional facilities
  • State-operated health care and day services/programs
  • Home health care worker

To read the full press release and updated State mask advisory, please visit mass.gov/covid-19-updates-and-information.

Masks in Dedham Town Buildings

The requirement for all residents and visitors over the age of 2 to wear a mask or face covering when inside Town of Dedham municipal buildings remains in effect. An exception can be made when an individual is unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition or disability. The mask requirement applies to Town of Dedham municipal buildings, only, including:

  • Town Hall
  • Ames Senior Center
  • Public Library (both locations)
  • Endicott Estate
  • Dolan Center (Parks and Recreation)
  • DPW Building
  • Police Station
  • Fire Station

Cases and Vaccination Rates in Dedham

According to MAVEN, the Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network, as of December 21, 2021, there have been a total of 3,166 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Dedham since the start of the pandemic.

Beginning in February 2021, the Dedham Health Department has hosted over a dozen public vaccination clinics where approximately 1,800 residents received Covid-19 vaccines. Most recently, a two-part Covid-19 vaccination clinic was held for children ages 5 to 11, and 243 children have received both doses. On November 18, 2021, 169 Dedham seniors, ages 65 years or older, received a booster dose.

Importance of Vaccination and Following Safety Measures

Vaccines remain the most effective tool is reducing the spread of Covid-19 and for reducing the likelihood of severe symptoms, followed by wearing masks and regular testing. The Dedham Health Department has taken proactive steps to protect the residents of Dedham and to help to reduce the spread of Covid-19 through mask advisories, regular communication with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and have hosted a number of public vaccination clinics for eligible residents.

The Dedham Board of Health encourages everyone to get the vaccine and booster to help stop the spread of the virus. For eligible residents, ages 5 years and older, who have not yet received the Covid-19 vaccine or would like to receive a Covid-19 booster, please visit vaxfinder.mass.gov to schedule an appointment at a nearby location. It is important to remember that the Covid-19 vaccine and booster are safe, effective, and are provided at no cost (you do not need health insurance or an ID to receive the vaccine).

Omicron Covid-19 Variant

The CDC has categorized the Omicron variant as the dominant strain of the Coronavirus in the Unites States and has provided the following information:

  • How easily does Omicron spread? The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. How easily Omicron spreads compared to the Delta variant remains unknown. The CDC expects that anyone infected with the Omicron variant can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.
  • Will Omicron cause more severe illness? More data is needed to know if Omicron infections, in vaccinated and unvaccinated people, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants. 
  • Will COVID-19 vaccines work against Omicron? Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The recent emergence of Omicron highlights the importance of vaccination and boosters.

Holiday Gathering Recommendations

December is a time of celebrating holidays with family and friends.  To help you enjoy a safe holiday season, remember to take precautions like wearing a mask and washing your hands, and avoid activities that put you, your family, and your friends at increased risk for COVID-19.  Here are more tips:

  • Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people vaccinated. Vaccine appointments can be scheduled at vaxfinder.mass.gov
  • Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings and you are not fully vaccinated.
  • If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. The CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.
  • If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering and get tested.

At-Home Covid-19 Tests

The Town of Dedham does not have at-home tests to provide to residents at this time. Availability of at-home tests has become limited and difficult to find leading into the holiday season. Before ordering or purchasing an at-home Covid-19 test kit, please review the updated list of FDA-approved test kits, available online at www.fda.gov. Listed below are the eleven tests currently approved by the FDA for use at home without a prescription (in alphabetical order):

When using an at-home test, please follow the directions carefully to ensure the most accurate reading.

Note: The State of Massachusetts provided over 2 million at-home test kits to over 100 communities across the Commonwealth over the past two weeks. The Communities selected represent the highest proportion of families at or below the poverty level and include the twenty most disproportionately impacted equity communities. The Town of Dedham was not included on this list and did not receive test kits from the State.

Local Resources

The Dedham Health Department is available to connect Dedham residents will available resources including food, elder services, healthcare, family resources, intimate partner violence, and more. Please contact the Health Department staff at 781-751-9220. In addition, the Town of Dedham has partnered with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay to help individuals and families who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. Help is available to Dedham residents by calling 781-751-9126 and donations to the Covid-19 Relief Fund can be made online at unitedwaymassbay.org/covid-19/local-funds/dedham and click “Donate”.

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This press release was produced by the Town of Dedham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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