Coronavirus: 3/29/20 Town Update

TO: Residents
FROM: Board of Selectman, Board of Health, Emergency Management
DATE: March 29, 2020
MEMO: Stress & Anxiety

There are so many things that could be said and most of which most are repetitive. But first, the Board of Health would like to thank the residents of Blandford for their continued support during this challenging time. Each day we hear so many stories about the Covoid-19 outbreak, that it becomes overwhelming. Coping with the stress and anxiety during this time will make you and the people you care about and your community stronger. Remember, we all respond to stress situations differently, including elderly, teens and children. Take frequent breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate, eat healthy, exercise. Share accurate information and remember Covid-19 can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity. Remember, take time and talk with your child or teen about the Covid-19 outbreak. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so they can learn how to cope from you.

Here comes our repetitive but so very important and can’t say it enough:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms of:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath AND
  • Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

Please keep you, your family and neighbors safe. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to you and will keep your information confidential.

Coronavirus: 3/23/20 Emergency Declaration

TO: Residents
FROM: Board of Selectman, Board of Health, Emergency Management
DATE: March 23, 2020
MEMO: Emergency Declaration

In response to the Governor’s Declaration of Emergency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the national declaration of emergency by the President of the United States. A state of emergency is declared at the Town of Blandford, effective March 23, 2020, in preparation for improving our local ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic threat. Click here to see the declaration.

This action is being taken proactively and not in response to any confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in the Blandford community.
 
According to Cara Letendre, Chair of the Selectboard, “This declaration is to bring us to alignment with federal and state declaration of emergencies, specifically to help us prepare, give the Town the administrative capability to adjust Town operations, and ensure the allocation of more resources as it relates to COVID‐19.” Many proactive preventative measures to mitigate any potential spread of COVID-19 has been implemented at Town Hall to keep personnel and the public safe. Town Administrator Joshua A. Garcia says, “The Board of Selectman, Board of Health, and the Emergency Management team are committed to working with the public to navigate the issue. Considering requirements, recommendations, and best practices, we have implemented several changes at Town Hall to ensure greater safety of our personnel, as well as the public.” These updates and other helpful information are shared on the Town website at https://townofblandford.com/ and is updated regularly.
 
Any questions regarding the COVID-19, Blandford residents can contact the Board of Health at (413) 848-4279, extension 401 or [email protected].