Town Of Dedham: What's Happening This Week Here In Dedham

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

07/26/2021 4:30 PM

Download the Weekly Update PDF

DEDHAM BOARD OF HEALTH UPDATE TO RESIDENTS

In light of recent concerns regarding health-related matters, the Board would like to provide the following update:

COVID Delta Variant
National statistics are indicating an increase in positive COVID cases attributed to the Delta Variant. For the month of July, the Commonwealth is seeing an average of 155 new positive COVID cases per day. The Commonwealth is not sequencing all positive COVID specimens, and as a result, it cannot be determined that all cases are related to the Delta Variant.

Although the Commonwealth boasts a 70% vaccination rate, the Board encourages all non-vaccinated residents who are eligible to reach out to their local pharmacy or medical facility for information on how and where to obtain the vaccine. 

While we recognize the mask mandate was recently lifted, we encourage all unvaccinated persons to follow the current Mask Advisory by wearing a mask when social distancing is not possible.

Return to School 
At the present time, no specific guidance has been issued with respect to mask wearing upon a return to school in September. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is expected to issue guidelines in mid to late August, at which time the Board will provide an update.

Vaccine Eligibility
Studies are ongoing regarding vaccination eligibility for those aged 2-11 years. The Board is closely following the CDC’s findings regarding these studies and will report same as soon as information becomes available.   

West Nile Virus
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced last Friday that mosquito samples in the city of Boston tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). To date, there have been no human cases of WNV detected in Massachusetts this year. The risk level of WNV in Dedham remains lows. Regardless, it is important that Dedham residents take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. 

The Norfolk Country Mosquito Control District treats all catch basins in Dedham to prevent mosquito breeding. Additionally, you can request spraying in your area by calling the Mosquito Control District at (781)762-3681. 

The following are safety tips to ensure you and your family have a fun and safe summer while outdoors: 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home:

• Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and kiddie pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.

Avoid Mosquito Bites:

• Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old.
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
• Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Stay safe and be kind!

Respectfully submitted by the Board of Health,

Leanne Jasset, Chairman
Mary Ellard, Vice-Chairman
Noreen Guilfoyle, Member

MASSDOT LAUNCHES STATEWIDE BICYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN SURVEY

MassDOT is conducting this survey to learn more about why and when Massachusetts residents ride a bike. All Massachusetts residents are invited to take the survey, including those who bike infrequently or who do not bike at all!

The survey is available in more than ten languages and should take about 5-10 minutes to complete.

Use this link to take the survey: https://tinyurl.com/massbikesurvey or scan the QR code to the left. 

ANNUAL BIKE RODEO COMES TO TOWN ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 28TH

The annual Dedham Bike Rodeo is coming back to the Endicott Estate on Wednesday, July 28th at 10:00 a.m.! Open to residents of all ages, the Bike Rodeo is a fun community event organized by the Dedham Police Department and Recreation Department that is full of fun activities and important bike safety information. Each child that attends will get a free t-shirt and will be fitted for a bike helmet to take home that day! Planning to your bike there? Be sure to show off your skills and test out some new tips you learn in the obstacle course and slow bike race. Lunch and ice cream will be served, and the event will also include a K-9 demonstration by local public safety partners. Be sure to follow the Dedham Police Department on Twitter (@DedhamPD) and the Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook (@DedhamParksandRecreation) for more updates and information!

EVENTS AT THE AMES SENIOR CENTER THIS WEEK

Stop by the Senior Center on Wednesday, July 28th between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to participate in the VNA Wellness Clinic. No appointment is required, and all are welcome to stop by for services including blood pressure check and more!

On Wednesday evening, Tom Quigley returns to the Senior Center at 5:30 p.m. with great music AND you can also treat yourself at the ice cream sundae bar! He will be playing hits by the Beach Boys, the Temptations, Elvis, and more!

While you’re here, grab a copy of the newsletter, and don’t forget to ask about the upcoming trip to the Cape Cod Canal in August because there are only a few spots left!

Call the Senior Center at 781-751-9495 for more information and to reserve your spot. We look forward to seeing you!

PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING PROJECT UPDATES

What to expect July 19, 2021 (Monday) through July 23, 2021 (Friday):

• The project site remains closed to the public.
• The project team and construction crews have made tremendous progress installing the structural steel onsite. Steel installation will continue next week using the crane located onsite.
• To maintain an efficient and organized jobsite, crews will continue to remove excess material for the site.
• Deliveries of steel and metal decking will continue next week.
• The dewatering system remains in place and operational.
• This week, crews will continue to install waterproofing and damp proofing at the foundation walls.
• Localized anchor and foundation repairs are on-going.
• Expect periodic entrance and exit of large trucks at the project site entrance, located at the intersection of Washington Street and Bryant Street. Please expect minor traffic delays at this intersection.
• No additional traffic impacts or pedestrian impacts are anticipated during this week.

For more information and to sign up for weekly construction updates, visit the Public Safety Building Project page.

PUBLIC MEETINGS & COMMUNITY EVENTS THIS WEEK

Tuesday, 7/27/21:

•  Planning Board at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall, O’Brien Meeting Room

Wednesday, 7/28/21:

• Building, Planning & Construction Committee at 4:00pm at Town Hall
• Farmer’s Market from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at First Church Green
• Charter Review Committee at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall, Room 305
• Summer Concert Series at 7:00 p.m. at Endicott Estate

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