Town of Southwick: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Government and Politics

September 13, 2022

Southwick Monthly Statistics Updated 09/12/22

FDA authorizes second COVID-19 booster shot for Americans 50 and older 03/29/22

Advisory Regarding Face Coverings 03/01/22

Massachusetts is adopting the updated CDC guidance regarding isolation and quarantine for the general population

The Department of Public Health is adopting updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding isolation and quarantine periods for the general population, effective immediately. For the general public, this updated guidance shortens the recommended time for isolation and quarantine from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others.

On background:

Learn more about these changes on mass.gov: What to do if you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19

The updated isolation guidance applies to K-12 schools. At this time, quarantine guidance for K-12 schools remains unchanged. DESE’s current mask requirement and Policy on Vaccination Rate Threshold remains in effect.

DPH is reviewing updated CDC guidance regarding isolation and quarantine for healthcare workers and will have more to share soon.

COVID-19 Test Site Locator

CDC Update on the COVID-19 Pandemic and Delta Variant

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Recently, a new coronavirus - 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus – that was first detected in China is now spreading worldwide. This virus causes a disease called COVID-19 and can lead to fever, cough and shortness of breath. There are thousands of confirmed cases in a growing number of countries internationally and the virus is now spreading in the United States. There are ongoing investigations to learn more about this virus.

Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their health care provider before seeking treatment in person.

This is a rapidly changing situation. Please regularly check mass.gov/2019coronavirus and the CDC's Novel Coronavirus webpage for updates.

Symptoms

The 2019 novel coronavirus may cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like:

cough

fever

trouble breathing andpneumonia

CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

How Does Novel Coronavirus Spread?

Most of the early reported cases had contact with a seafood and live animal market, suggesting an animal source of the outbreak. However, most cases are now likely to be spread from person to person by droplets when coughing. Since this virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads.

Prevention

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

COVID-19 Resources

Coronavirus Resource Guide Preppers Guide

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