Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Kevin Sweet, Wrentham Public Health officials, King Philip Regional School District Superintendent Paul Zinni and Wrentham Public Schools Superintendent Allan Cameron report that the Town of Wrentham has seen a rise in positive COVID-19 cases recently, leading to the town’s designation as “high risk” for COVID-19 according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The Town of Wrentham was designated a “Red” high risk community in the DPH’s weekly health report released Thursday, Oct. 22. According to the data, the average daily incidence rate for the Town of Wrentham per 100,000 residents is 12.7. Any number over 8 leads to a “Red” designation.
Town health officials confirm that none of the positive cases reported in town are from students in the King Philip Regional School District or Wrentham Public Schools. At the recommendation of Wrentham Public Health officials, there will be no change to the current hybrid learning model at any of the schools in the two districts.
There will also be no change to after-school athletics at any of the schools.
“After consulting with local and state health officials, we feel confident in continuing with our hybrid model of education and continuing with our sports programs at this time,” Superintendent Zinni said. “As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with Wrentham Public Health officials, and will act accordingly should the situation change in any way.”
The Town of Wrentham was designated a “Red” high risk community by DPH on Sept. 16, and again on Sept. 23. Town officials confirmed that the positive cases during this time belonged to one “cluster” of cases tied to a single nursing home facility in town.
This most recent designation, however, is believed to be due to general community spread.
As always, health officials are urging all residents to be vigilant in combating COVID-19.
“One of the most important things you can do is to stay home if you feel sick,” Town Administrator Sweet said. “We have seen cases rise not just in Wrentham but in communities throughout the region and the state, and we must all do our part to reduce the spread of the virus as best we can.”
Prevention Methods
Wrentham Public Health officials, King Philip Regional School District and Wrentham Public Schools all urge residents to review the following COVID-19 prevention tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:
- Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing, maintaining a minimum of six feet from others, is critical.
- Those who must go out are urged to:
- Avoid gathering in groups
- Maintain six feet from people outside your household
- Do not shake hands or hug
- Wash your hands often
- Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over the age of 65 and with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands
- Wear a mask in indoor and outdoor spaces where social distancing from people outside your household is not possible. This does not apply to those under the age of two and with underlying health conditions.
- Face coverings should:
- Cover the nose and mouth
- Fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with either ties or ear loops
- Permit breathing without difficulty
- Be able to be washed and machine dried without damage. Face masks should be washed regularly depending on the amount of use.
Stay Informed
For more information about COVID-19 prevention and symptoms, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website here and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website here.
Wrentham residents can stay up-to-date on COVID-19 news as it relates to the Town by visiting wrentham.ma.us or by visiting the Town’s Public Heath and Emergency Management blog by visiting wrenthamcovid19.com.
