By Beth David, Editor
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has extended COVID-19 restrictions on non-essential businesses throughout the state to May 4. The Department of Health’s Stay-At-Home Advisory remains in effect; schools remain closed.
Residents are asked to stay at home, not gather in groups, and stay at least six feet away from each other when venturing out. Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, liquor stores, restaurants (for take-out only), and other essential businesses are open. Residents are allowed to go to those stores for essentials. People are also encouraged to get outside and go for a walk, but please keep your distance from each other (at least six feet).
COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus, meaning that humans do not have a natural immunity to it. It is highly contagious and more lethal than the seasonal flu. Older individuals, and people with underlying conditions have a difficult time fighting the virus, often require ventilators in an Intensive Care Unit, and a large percentage do not survive the virus.
The best defense is to avoid being exposed to it. Although the overwhelming majority of those who get it do survive, the highly contagious nature of the disease has experts alarmed that the hospital systems will be overwhelmed. There are not enough ICU beds with ventilators if the patients arrive too quickly.
States across the nation, including Mass., have been scrambling to add beds, and especially ICU beds. Individual hospitals are increasing capacity and the state has taken over at least one nursing home to be used for hospital beds. All elective surgeries have been canceled as hospitals get ready for virus patients.
In Mass., the surge of patients expected to need hospitalization is estimated to be between April 7 and 14. The stay at home order is meant to slow the spread of the virus so the peak of cases requiring hospitalization will be lessened. Scientists call it “flattening the curve,” referring to the graph line that curves up sharply as cases mount. The idea is to lower the spread enough for hospitals to be able to meet the demand.
According to reports, there are seven people with the virus hospitalized in South Coast Hospital system that includes St. Luke’s, Tobey, and Charlton.
As of press time there were 6,620 confirmed cases in Mass.; 306 in Bristol County, including at least one each in Fairhaven and Acushnet; 89 total deaths in Mass.; 46,935 people have been tested in the state.
The short version is: STAY HOME unless you need something. Then, keep your distance from other people. Wash your hands with lots of soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer, especially at the store or if you venture out.
President Trump also signed the COVID-19 relief bill passed by the house and senate. The package will send $1200 to each person who made less than $75,000 last year and $500 for each dependent child; expands unemployment benefits to nearly everyone, including freelancers/gig workers, and self employed people; and offers incentives to businesses to keep people on the payroll.
In Fairhaven, Health Agent Mary Freire-Kellogg has posted a 15-minute video on YouTube, with helpful information, links and phone numbers. Visit the health department’s page on the town’s website at https://www.fairhaven-ma.gov/board-health for a link to the video.
In the presentation, Ms. Freire-Kellogg reminds adults that children hear the television, although they may not understand what is happening. Have a conversation with children and elderly people who may have dementia, she said. Their routines have changed.
“They may not understand, but they know people are dying,” she said.
She also asks that people keep in touch by phone with anyone who may be isolated, getting lonely, and may become depressed.
“Call,” she said. “Keep their spirits up.”
But most of all, take care of yourself. Go for a walk outside, do yoga online.
“We have to keep moving,” she said.
Visit www.mass.gov/ for updates on the state’s guidelines.
Sign up for message alerts by texting “COVIDMA” to 888-777, and you can also add an email account to receive alerts. You may also call 211 from a land line or a cell phone.
Visit https://www.cdc.gov for information from the Centers for Disease Control.
If you feel sick, or feel you should be tested for COVID-19, do NOT just show up at a doctor’s office or even a testing site.
You MUST get an order from a doctor to get tested. Call your doctor. If you do not have a primary care physician, call an urgent care center, or 211 to get instructions on where to go to get tested. Only people who meet certain criteria will get tested.
Go for a walk
The state’s parks remain open, but some activities have been restricted. For guidelines on state parks visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-state-parks-covid-19-update?fbclid=IwAR1R7673dxj6VfrXbnOWFKI-BPx77PDJX-IQ-Q5Zyl52rXIh0xM4PJWJCnc
Amazon Kids
Amazon Kids is offering lots of free movies and other content to keep the whole family entertained and learning. Visit https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/storefront/ref=atv_hm_hom_1_c_ZWyNDQ_fMHI51_1_1?contentId=freeforall&merchId=freeforall
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 4/2/20 issue: 04-02-20 MealsOnWheels
