On October 29, 2020, we became a high risk COVID-19 Community. This means that over the past two weeks, residents have tested positive for COVID-19 at an average daily rate of eight or more per 100,000.
Being a high-risk community, we are back to Phase III – Step I. Blandford will remain a high risk until we have three consecutive weeks of lower risk reporting.
The Town of Blandford Board of Health has adapted the following informational guidelines to help residents reduce the risk of COVID-19. These guidelines are based on information provided by CDC, DLS and other public officials.
We ask that all residents of Blandford take these guidelines seriously and try to follow the informational guidelines diligently so we can quickly return to a healthy community. COVID-19 is everyone’s responsibility.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Drycough
- Tiredness
Less common symptoms:
- Aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
Serious symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Loss of speech of movement
If you travel in an area with high number of COVID-19 cases, you are asked to follow the CDC guidelines. You will need to quarantine for the required 14 days or have a negative test result.
If you have been in close contact with someone infected by COVID-19, with high chances of being infected yourself, stay home and not to come into physical contact with anyone.
What is the difference between the Common Cold, Influenza (Flu) & COVID-19?
- Common Cold: is a viral infection that affects your upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). It’s generally not considered serious, and most people recover within a week or two. A cold can be contagious from a few days before you start showing symptoms until you fully recover. There are over 100 viruses that can cause the common cold. The weather itself CANNOT cause the common cold.
- Influenza (Flu): is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild
to severe illness and most people recover within five to seven days. The flu can be contagious from one day before symptoms develop up to one week after getting the flu. There are two main types of influenza (flu) viruses: A & B. Influenza A can be found in humans, birds and pigs; B is typically only found in humans. The weather itself CANNOT cause the flu. - COVID-19: is a contagious respiratory illness caused by an infection with a new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It can cause mild to severe illness and most people recover within 14 days. Symptoms develop 5 days after being infected, but symptoms can appear as early as 2 days after infection or as late as 14 days after infection, and the time range can vary. COVID-19 is contagious about 2 days before experiencing signs or symptoms and remain contagious for at least 10 days after signs or symptoms first appear. If someone is asymptomatic (free of symptoms) or symptoms go away, IT IS possible to remain contagious for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19.
Common Cold – STAY HOME
• with signs of cough, sneezing, fever or feel poorly
• wear face mask, stay 6’ social distance, use hand sanitizer and wash hands
frequently
Influenza (Flu) – STAY HOME
• with signs of cough, sneezing, fever or feel poorly
• wear face mask, stay 6’ social distance, use hand sanitizer and wash hands
frequently
COVID-19 – STAY HOME
• With signs of cough, sneezing, fever, gastrointestinal problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Have traveled to an outside state with 5% positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average.
• wear face mask, stay 6’ social distance, use hand sanitizer and wash hands frequently
Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with the flu or COVID-19.
Residents are encouraged to Stop-the-Spread and get tested. Please visit www.mass.gov/covidtestmap for a location.
Please feel free to reach out to the Board of Health with any questions or concerns you may have. You may also reach out to us if you need assistance. We can be reached at: [email protected]. Let’s work together and stamp out COVID-19!