Recently, the Bedford Health Department has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases in town. Additionally, the CDC COVID-19 Community Level in Middlesex County is High and there is an increase in COVID-19 viral load in the regional wastewater.

Given this uptick in COVID-19 metrics, the Health Department wants to remind the community that the Board of Health’s Mask Advisory is still in place along with their COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies. Please consider taking the following measures we know help slow the spread of COVID-19, including:

-Test before visiting or attending an indoor event or gathering with vulnerable individuals and/or if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

-Wear a mask in public indoor spaces (see the Bedford Board of Health Advisory Regarding Face Coverings and Masks).

-Get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster if you not already done so.

-Increase ventilation by opening windows or gathering outdoors.

-Stay home if you are sick.

If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your health care provider right away to discuss possible treatment options to avoid serious illness. It is also advised that you have a plan with your household members about where you will isolate and how to acquire provisions and medications should the need arise.

These strategies can help us all get through this latest surge. Keep up to date on recent COVID-19 metrics for Bedford and the region by visiting the Bedford, MA COVID-19 Dashboard. For additional information on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, view the full list of the Board of Health’s COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies and the CDC’s guidance for communities with a High COVID-19 Community Level.