By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven has suffered its first official COVID-19 deaths this week. In a press release on Sunday, 4/4, Fairhaven Health Agent Mary Freire-Kellogg said the town was notified by the Massachusetts Department of Health on Sunday.
“Both residents were elderly and had advanced medical conditions,” wrote Ms. Freire-Kellogg. “The Town would like to offer condolences to the families of these Fairhaven citizens.”
According to the state’s website, two additional deaths were recorded, a man and a woman, both in their 70s, in Bristol County on April 5.
The press release also states that the town has been notified of a total of 15 positive cases of COVID-19.
According to the town’s website, seven are active cases that are being followed by the public health nurse.
“Our Public Health Nurse is in contact with these individuals and is following all procedures recommended by DPH and Centers for Disease Control (CDC),” reads the press release.
The town will not release any identifiable information on residents who have tested positive.
Ms. Freire-Kellogg also encourages residents to continue taking precautions, such as “proper handwashing, cleaning and sanitizing their homes, cars, shopping carts and any other touchpoints where COVID-19 could be contracted or spread.”
She also asked residents to practice social distancing of six feet between people and no group gatherings of more than 10 people.
“It’s important to connect with isolated people or seniors who are alone, as well as seek help if you find you are anxious or in a crisis situation,” wrote Ms. Freire-Kellogg in the press release, adding that resources have been posted to the webpage.
For daily updates on cases in Fairhaven, visit https://www.fairhaven-ma.gov/coronavirus
For information from the state, visit https://www.mass.gov/covid19
As of press time, Massachusetts had 15,202 confirmed cases of COVID-19; and 81,344 individuals have been tested.
Nationally, the US had 374,329 cases, and 12,064 deaths by press time (per www.cdc.gov). New York state remains the hardest hit, with 5,563 deaths; New Jersey is second with 1,232 deaths (per New York Times). Massachusetts has had 356 COVID-19 deaths (per mass.gov).
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced on Tuesday that the state would send $800 million to buoy the healthcare system, with $400 million going directly to hospitals, and the rest going to nursing homes and other healthcare providers.
Gov. Baker said that other revenue streams had dried up for healthcare institutions as they were forced to stop all elective surgeries and other procedures to concentrate on gearing up for COVID-19 patients.
The state has also launched a program to allow for rapid on-site testing of residents in long-term care facilities.
Families of residents in long term care facilities and rest homes have not been able to visit their loved ones in weeks. The state has set up a Nursing Home Resource Line to connect family members with information and resources. The line will provide a central contact if they have questions or concerns about the care their loved is receiving. The line is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Call 671-660-5399.
The state has also set up a rapid testing site in Lowell, in partnership with CVS. The site will be able to test 1,000 people a day and they will receive results on-site within minutes, at no charge to them. Patients will need to pre-register online at https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing.
Not everyone will qualify for testing. The site is for high-risk patients, such as healthcare workers. There is a series of questions on the website to screen patients.
Residents may also call 211 with questions. To receive text-alert updates, text “COVIDMA” to 888-777.
To see video of the governor’s updates, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl4cQXPbUXcziy41Jfsuqwg
Closer to home, the town has lit up the town hall with a blue light to honor healthcare workers and first responders.
In a statement, Selectboard Chairperson Charles K. Murphy, Sr., wrote: “As the Town faces the COVID-19 pandemic on a local level, we wanted to acknowledge our first responders who are on the frontlines risking their well-being for our community.”
“We want our first responders — Fire and EMS and Police — and all healthcare professionals working in our community — to know that the Town of Fairhaven stands with you and thanks you for your heroism,” he wrote. “I ask other residents to consider showing their appreciation using items they have on hand — red/blue lights, handmade signs in their windows, chalk messages — to let our first responders know how much they are appreciated.”
In the pasts week, Massachusetts and other states have tightened restrictions on gatherings to encourage people to stay home except for essential errands, such as the grocery store and pharmacy.
Parking lots at Fort Phoenix State Reservation have been closed, basketball hoops and volleyball nets have been removed around the state.
The message that is loud and clear from authorities is: STAY HOME.
The state has not yet seen its peak number of cases, and officials are worried that the hospital system will be overwhelmed if too many people get sick and require intensive care, especially ventilators, at the same time.
The state has increased ICU beds and step-down beds to try to meet the need, but if the virus spreads too quickly, even the overflow beds will be quickly overwhelmed. If people stay home, the virus will not spread as quickly and the system can meet the need.
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