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

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

08/16/2021 12:00 AM

Download the Weekly Update PDF

DEDHAM BOARD OF HEALTH UPDATES: COVID-19, WEST NILE VIRUS, TICKS, AND MORE

The Board reports that as of Thursday, August 12th, there have been 2,510 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Town. This is an increase of 18 cases from last week’s update. Currently, there are 21 active confirmed cases. The Commonwealth is not sequencing all positive COVID-19 specimens, and as a result, it cannot be determined that all cases are related to the Delta Variant.

COVID-19 Vaccine

The Board encourages anyone who is eligible and unvaccinated to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is safe, free, and effective – even against the Delta variant. Go to Vaxfinder.mass.gov or contact your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for information about getting the vaccine.

Face Masks Required in All Town of Dedham Municipal Buildings

Effective August 10th, face masks are required inside municipal buildings for all individuals aged 2 years or older, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals unable to wear a face mask due to a medical condition or disability are exempt. This decision was made by Town Manager Leon Goodwin based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after consulting with stakeholders. According to the CDC’s Risk Map, Norfolk County is at substantial risk for COVID-19 transmission.

Mosquitoes

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced last Friday that mosquito samples in the town of Westwood 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 low. 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.
  • Install or repair screens.
• Avoid Mosquito Bites:
  • Apply insect repellent when outdoors.
  • Be aware of peak mosquito hours.
  • Wear proper clothing.

Ticks

While enjoying the outdoors this summer, the Board recommends conducting routine tick checks. Ticks are most commonly found in shady, damp, brushy, wooded, or grassy areas (especially in tall grass), including backyards. Favorite places ticks like to go on your body include areas between the toes, back of the knees, groin, armpits, neck, along hairlines, and behind ears. It is important to check children and pets for ticks too. If you find a tick on your body, use a pair of fine point tweezers to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure. If you develop a rash where you were bitten, or experience symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, or muscle aches, call your primary care physician. The following are safety tips to prevent tick bites when outdoors:

• Stick to recreational pathways and the center of trails when hiking.
• Wear a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt with long pants - tuck pants into your socks. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep ticks away from your skin and make it easier to spot a tick on your clothing.
• Use bug repellents. Repellents that contain DEET can be used on exposed skin. Permethrin can be used on clothes. Always follow the product instructions and use repellents with no more than 30-35% DEET on adults and 10-15% DEET on children. Never use insect repellents on infants.

Bats

Bats frequently roost and raise their young in attics. Some bats can spread rabies if they bite. Anytime a sleeping person awakes to find a bat in the room, or an adult witnesses a bat in a room with a previously unattended child, mentally disabled person, intoxicated person, or pet the situation should be handled as a possible exposure to rabies. If you find a bat in your home and believe someone in your household or a pet has been exposed, contact the Dedham Health Department (781) 751-9220, the MDPH (617) 983-6800, or your primary care physician.

CARDBOARD RECYCLING DAY RETURNS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 21ST

Can we recycle more cardboard than we did in July? Let's do it! Come by this Saturday, between 9:00 a.m. and Noon with your flattened cardboard to recycle it all for free.

PARKING METERS IN DEDHAM SQUARE AND HOW TO USE THEM

The construction and installation of additional parking meters in Dedham Square is underway and will include temporary removal of brick pavers, masonry sawing and installation of electrical conduit. Removal of old parking kiosks, installation of new utility boxes, meters, and Wi-Fi equipment. Meters will be installed in the same area formerly managed by the parking kiosks, excluding the new outdoor seating areas.

The contractor has provided the following anticipated schedule for upcoming work in the area, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:

• August 16 to August 20 - Along west side of Washington Street (spaces 96 to 106)
• August 23 to August 27 - Along west side of Washington Street (spaces 96 to 106) and north of High Street on east side of Washington Street (spaces 145-148)

Free parking available in Dedham Square during construction:

• Keystone Lot (10 Eastern Avenue) = 138 spaces
• Lower Gonzalez (506 Hight Street) = 45 spaces
• Upper Gonzalez (420 Providence Highway) = 27 spaces

Currently, the active parking meters (as of June 7, 2021) are around the Courts, on High Street and Court Street, west of Washington Street. The meters are active between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and each parking meter provides a 10-minute grace period at no charge.

Tips for Using New Parking Meters:

• First 10 minutes are free – Pay before you leave to take advantage of this 10-minute grace period and avoid a ticket
• Parking Meters are active between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday
• Payment available by card, coins, or through the mobile app (Sentry Mobile app)
• Parking Meter will automatically detect your car when you park
• You will only be charged a fine if you leave without paying

Learn more about the new parking meters on our website and for additional information and resources: Parking Meters in Dedham Square

PARKS 7 RECREATION RELEASE FALL-WINTER 2021 BROCHURE

No one wants summer to end, but we are definitely looking forward to the upcoming Fall and Winter programs offered by the Parks & Recreation Department. To see the full list of programs, check out their Fall-Winter 2021 Brochure.

PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING PROJECT UPDATES

What to expect August 16, 2021 (Monday) through August 20, 2021 (Friday):

• The project site remains closed to the public.
• The dewatering system remains in place and operational.
• Steel installation will continue using the crane located onsite.
• Deliveries of steel and metal decking will continue this week.
  • 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.
• Inspection of the structural steel is scheduled for Monday, August 16, 2021.
• To maintain an efficient and organized jobsite, crews will continue to remove excess material for the site.
• No additional traffic impacts or pedestrian impacts are anticipated during this week.

PUBLIC MEETINGS & COMMUNITY EVENTS THIS WEEK

Monday, 8/16/21:

• School Building Rehabilitation Committee at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Parks & Recreation Commission at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

Tuesday, 8/17/21:

• Dedham Square Planning Committee at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

Wednesday, 8/18/21:

• Select Board at 8:45 a.m. via Zoom
• BPCC at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Farmer’s Market from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at First Church Green
• Human Rights Commission at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall
• Zoning Board of Appeals at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

Thursday, 8/19/21:

• Board of Health at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom

Saturday, 8/21/21:

• Cardboard Recycling Day at 9:00 a.m. 55 River Street (DPW Dumpster)

Events shown as listed on the Town calendar as of 8/16/21. Don't forget to check out the Dedham Public Library events calendar!

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