March 12, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer (Unsplash photo)
Hingham remains in the medium-risk COVID-19 "yellow" zone for the eighth week in a row, with 46 new cases since last week's Massachusetts Department of Public Health report.
The number of new Hingham COVID-19 cases reported each Thursday has remained relatively stable over the past few weeks.
Last week's MDPH report showed 45 new cases, with 41 the previous week and 46 the week before that. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Hingham since Jan. 1, 2020 is 1,657.
There were 85 new cases reported in the last 14 days, as compared with 88 last week, 82 the previous week, and 106 the week before that.
Town Administrator Tom Mayo reported this week that the state recently updated its travel guidance with respect to individuals who have been fully vaccinated as follows:
* Those who have been administered two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines or one dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms are not required to test negative for COVID-19 before traveling to Massachusetts or to quarantine when they arrive. "If asked, you must show documentation of your vaccination, including the date(s) administered," Mayo said.
* Those who have been vaccinated and are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms are expected to continue to follow Gov. Charlie Baker's travel order and related testing and quarantine requirements.
* Those who were fully vaccinated more than 14 days ago are not required to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19. "However, you should continue to wear a face mask," Mayo said.
While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, "it's important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, such as covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least six feet apart from others," according to Mayo.
Town's reopening plans
Mayo reported that the town continues to closely monitor public health data and to assess its plans to reopen public buildings. "We are working on plans to gradually reopen municipal facilities, including Town Hall and town offices, the Hingham Public Library, expanded recreation programs, and the Senior Center," Mayo said. "Our top priority remains the health and safety of our residents, town employees, and business owners, and we will continue to keep the public informed of our plans as they progress."
The mPathy COVID-19 testing center at 308 Cushing St. is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays. The 7 to 10 a.m. slots each testing day are reserved for Town of Hingham residents and employees. After 10 a.m., appointments are available to the general public. Visit mpathy.org/schedule to schedule an appointment.
Reminders:
* The Hingham Health Department posts weekly COVID-19 data from the MDPH and the Hingham Public Schools in a dashboard that is updated every Friday at https://www.hingham-ma.gov/860/COVID-19-Updates. All cases are laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases.
* Visit https://www.hingham-ma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=940 for Updated COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance.