Board of Health Update - March 19, 2020

On March 19, 2020 the Braintree Health Department was notified of a second resident who tested positive for COVID-19. This individual tested positive while in the hospital and remains an inpatient at this time.

The Health Department is initiating protocols as established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and will monitor this individual as required. At this time there is no information that this individual has any children enrolled in the Braintree Public School system.

The Braintree Health Department, through its Director and Public Health Nurse, continues to work with Mayor Charles C. Kokoros and members of the Town’s leadership team to take the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of our community. Updated information regarding COVID-19 and the impacts it is having in Braintree can be found at www.braintreema.gov.

Please be mindful of the following steps you can take to help prevent the transmission of any respiratory infection, including COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes or mouth.
• Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces, including electronics, door knobs and countertops.
• Avoid sharing food utensils, containers and other personal items.
• Practice “social distancing” by maintaining a distance of 6 feet from others.
• Stay home from work if you are sick.
• Practice proper cough etiquette. Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, throw the tissue away and wash or sanitize your hands. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow/upper sleeve.

Please direct any inquiries to Jean McGinty, Public Health Nurse at 781-794-8094 or Marybeth McGrath, Director of Health at 781-794-8095.