Town Of Dedham: A Message From The Board Of Health - February 11, 2022

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

02/11/2022 8:30 AM

DEDHAM – There continues to be a decrease in COVID-19 cases in Town and across the Commonwealth. Below please find COVID-19 information as of February 10, 2022. More statistics can be found on www.mass.gov.

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NOTE: These numbers do not include people who tested positive with at-home antigen tests.

Mask Requirements in Schools

On February 9, 2022, Governor Baker announced that the statewide indoor mask requirement for K-12 schools and childcare settings will be lifted on February 28, 2022. The decision was made in consultation public health and medical experts at the State level. Vaccinations are the greatest protection against severe illness due to COVID-19. Massachusetts has among the highest vaccination rates of young people in the nation with the following percentages of youth with at least one dose: 51% of 5–11-year-olds; 83% of 12-15-year-olds; and 82% of 16-19-year-olds. 

Per Federal order, masks must continue to be worn on school and other transportation. Masks also need to be worn following the first five days of isolation or quarantine in accordance with State isolation and quarantine guidance.

Pfizer Seeks Approval to Expand COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to 6 Months - 4 Years

The FDA Advisory Panel will meet on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 to review Pfizer’s request for emergency use authorization to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children 6 months through 4 years old.

At-Home COVID-19 Tests for Dedham Residents in Need

The Town of Dedham purchased a limited supply of at-home COVID-19 tests to distribute to residents disproportionately impacted by the pandemic using available funds through the American Rescue Plan Act, commonly referred to as “ARPA”. The Town is using the below criteria to determine resident eligibility.

• Low-income status
• Mobility issues
• At-risk for severe illness (per CDC guidelines - including people over 65 and those with medical conditions)

At this time, the at-home test distribution is a one-time-only resource for residents that fit the criteria above and has been established to prioritize those in need within our community. Please contact the Health Department at (781) 751-9220 if you believe you are eligible and are interested in receiving a free at-home test.  

COVID-19 Vaccine

Residents 5 years and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and residents 12 years and older are eligible to get a COVID-19 booster. The Board encourages anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. Vaccine appointments can be scheduled at vaxfinder.mass.gov/.

Updated Information on Town Website

The Town’s website has been updated to include guidance on preventing rodent activity in Dedham. Residents and businesses are encouraged to visit www.dedham-ma.gov/departments/health/rodents to learn more.

Stay safe and be kind! 

Respectfully submitted by the Board of Health,
Leanne Jasset, Chairman
Mary Ellard, Vice-Chairman
Noreen Guilfoyle, Member

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