By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven and Acushnet are designated yellow, instead of red, on the state’s list of municipalities. It’s not that the numbers changed much in either town, but the state changed its metrics a bit.
An outbreak of COVID-19 cases at Alden Court in October, reportedly contributed to Fairhaven’s numbers being higher in early November. But that spike does not seem to be a trend according to data on the state’s website.
On the November 16 report, all three Fairhaven facilities, Alden Court, Our Lady’s Haven, and The Royal, reported no new cases. The Royal reported six resident cases on 11/14.
As of November 12, the state’s weekly report (updated on Thursdays), showed Acushnet in the yellow, with a lower number of cases and a lower positive case rate of 4.04%. Acushnet had a total of 234 cases with 39 in the previous 14 days, and three positive tests.
Fairhaven is also yellow, although its case count shows the trend as higher, and a positive test rate of 4.40%. Fairhaven has had a total of 436 cases, with 81 in the previous 14 days, 97 positive tests in the same time period.
Marion has moved into the red. The town has a total of 78 cases, with 43 in the previous 14 days, and 50 testing positive, and a positive test rate of 2.94%, with the trend higher.
Mattapoisett is yellow with 86 total cases, 25 in the previous 14 days, 27 positive tests in the last 14 days, and a positive test rate of 5.5%, which trending higher.
Last week Mass. Governor Charlie Baker announced the establishment of a field hospitcal in Worcester in anticipation of increased hospitalizations due to COVID. Hospitalizations have increased since Labor Day and officials fear with the cold weather, people being inside and in close quarters, that the spread of COVID-19 will increase.
State officials have imposed more restrictions, such as wearing a mask even outside and limiting gatherings to 10 indoors and 25 outdoors for private gatherings.
Officials have been warning about the holidays, and have urged people not to have big holiday get-togethers or to travel for Thanksgiving.
If in the presence of those you do not live with officals urged residents to wear a mask when not eating or drinking; not to share food; wash hands often with soap and water; stay six feet apart from others; and improve ventilation indoors by opening windows and doors. Officials also ask residents to consider that those around you may be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
As of November 17, Massachusetts had 186,774 confirmed cases of COVID-19; 32,309 active cases; 835 COVID patients in the hospital, with 159 in ICU; 2,263 new cases were reported on 11/17. The state’s seven-day average positivity rate was 3.25%
Get Tested
Fairhaven will hold a test clinic on Saturday, 11/21, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Recreation Center, 227 Huttleston Ave. (near Stop & Shop). For Fairhaven residents only. Acushnet holds testing events every week for Acushnet residents. Call the Fire Department, 508-998-0250, to find out when the next one is.
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