Bellingham Begins Process for Safe Reopening
May 19, 2020 10:30AM ● By Pamela Johnson
As of Tuesday, May 19, the number of people in Bellingham tested for Covid-19 has increased to 672, with 124 positive cases. Of those, 30 are active and 84 people have recovered.* The death toll remains at 10.
Public Health Nurse Ester Martone provided some insight to the Bellingham Bulletin. “It appears that the curve has been flattened here in town. We had approximately 30 residents tested over the weekend with 1 positive case. As things start to re-open we will have to keep an eye on the trend."
To prepare for the phased reopening detailed by Governor Charlie Baker on May 18, businesses and the town will have to comply with safety guidelines to protect employees and customers, including providing employees with personal protective equipment (PPE). If the first phase of reopening leads to increased cases of coronavirus, it could delay the second wave of reopenings, which businesses in that phase and following phases surely do not want.
Responsibility also falls on customers to keep others and themselves safe and prevent any spike in cases by adhering to what has become the Covid-19 mantra: maintain a distance of six feet between you and others, wear a mask in public when it isn't possible to maintain that safe distance, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, and disinfect high-touch surfaces as often as possible.
Public Health Nurse Ester Martone provided some insight to the Bellingham Bulletin. “It appears that the curve has been flattened here in town. We had approximately 30 residents tested over the weekend with 1 positive case. As things start to re-open we will have to keep an eye on the trend."
To prepare for the phased reopening detailed by Governor Charlie Baker on May 18, businesses and the town will have to comply with safety guidelines to protect employees and customers, including providing employees with personal protective equipment (PPE). If the first phase of reopening leads to increased cases of coronavirus, it could delay the second wave of reopenings, which businesses in that phase and following phases surely do not want.
Responsibility also falls on customers to keep others and themselves safe and prevent any spike in cases by adhering to what has become the Covid-19 mantra: maintain a distance of six feet between you and others, wear a mask in public when it isn't possible to maintain that safe distance, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, and disinfect high-touch surfaces as often as possible.
If those on both sides of the counter, so to speak, following these guidelines, hopefully Bellingham businesses will be able to safely reopen without negative consequences.
For more information on reopening businesses in Massachusetts, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts
*According to Healthline, even for people who recover from COVID-19, health issues can remain. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-we-know-about-the-long-term-effects-of-covid-19
