COVID 19 Update-April 7th
First and foremost, the Town of Saugus’s top priority is the safety of its citizens. We would like you to know we are here for you and want to know how you are doing. If you have any concerns, questions or issues please call the Town Manager’s Office @781-231-4111.
As of the second week of April, there are 51 cases of COVID-19. Those are confirmed positive cases through the Health Department. Based on information provided by federal, state, and local officials these numbers are set to increase rapidly over the next few weeks. It is also believed that there are far more cases of COVID-19 in the community that have not been tested or have not received their results as of yet.
The town is urging residents to adhere to the guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), as well as complying with Governor Baker’s orders in order to make sure everyone stays safe.
On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced an extension of the “stay at home” advisory for all residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts until May 4, 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Governor Baker also extended his order that all non-essential businesses must keep their physical workplaces and facilities (brick-and-mortar premises) closed to workers, customers, and the public until May 4, 2020. You can find the list of businesses that are determined to be COVID-19 Essential Services here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-essential-services as well as a new FAQ page here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-essential-services-faqs.
The Governor also extended his order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people until May 4, 2020. As we continue to work to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, we are urging residents of all ages to practice intensive social distancing at all times. We are emphasizing that necessary services such as supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations will remain open during this time.
If you do need to leave your home to visit any of these establishments, you should not bring your family with you. Additionally, restaurants, bars and other retail establishments that sell food to the public will remain open, for take-out and delivery only, provided that they follow social distancing protocols and the prohibition of more than 10 people set forth in the Department of Public Health guidance.
Even if your business fits the criteria of a COVID-19 Essential Service put forward by the Governor, it is imperative that all businesses and their employees abide by all of the social distancing and hygiene recommendations below from the CDC & DPH to prevent community spread:
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue and dispose of any used materials. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home if you are sick and call your doctor.
Keep your distance from others - about 6 feet.
As we work to mitigate this current public health emergency, we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this time.
Please be safe and know that we will get through this together.