First case of the coronavirus confirmed in Dighton – Taunton Daily Gazette

DIGHTON State public health officials have confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Dighton, town officials announced Thursday.

Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein, the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Health, in a press release, confirmed that the Town of Dighton has been notified by Massachusetts Department of Public Health officials of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in town.

The individual is currently in isolation per Department of Public Health orders.

Close contacts (defined as someone who has spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of a positive case) have been identified, contacted by health officials, and are adhering to DPH guidelines for self-quarantine.

Dighton Board of Health officials are involved and will continue to closely monitor the individual and their identified close contacts. In order to protect the residents medical privacy rights, no additional information will be disclosed.

In nearby towns, eight residents in Taunton had the virus as of Wednesday, four in Raynham and three in Berkley.

Person-to-person spread

The situation is fluid and new information is being posted regularly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the DPH. The CDC offers the following guidance for how COVID-19 spreads:

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects:

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. As a precaution, it is recommended that residents clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.

Social Distancing and Hygiene

Due to the evolving spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, Gov. Baker issued a stay-at-home advisory. This means all residents are advised to stay home during this time in order to curb the spread of this virus, with the exception of going grocery shopping or picking up medication.

The Town of Dighton and state and federal public health officials urgently encourage all residents to practice social distancing and remain at least six feet away from others while avoiding congregating in groups larger than 10. Practice social distancing with your children and explain to them the importance of doing so.

Social distancing will help to minimize exposure among people, especially given that COVID-19 is highly contagious and people may be contagious prior to exhibiting symptoms.

Officials are encouraging residents to take the following precautions to prevent infectious diseases, such as the flu and COVID-19, from spreading:

As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not come to work or school and they are advised to contact their primary care physician.

COVID-19 Information Resources

Residents are encouraged to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following websites are recommended for the most updated information:

Town of Dighton Official Website: https://www.dighton-ma.gov/

Town of Dighton News Portal: https://dightonportal.com/

Massachusetts Department of Public Health: http://www.mass.gov/covid-19

Massachusetts 2-1-1 general COVID-19 information: Click here or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)

Sign up for the Massachusetts COVID-19 Text Message Notification System to receive important updates: text COVIDMA to 888-777

United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov

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First case of the coronavirus confirmed in Dighton - Taunton Daily Gazette