Town to Remain in Phase 3 Step 1 of State Reopening Plan
AVON — Town Administrator Gregory S. Enos and Health Agent Kathleen Waldron report that the Town of Avon remains a “Red” High Risk community according to the latest data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released Wednesday, Oct. 7.
According to the data, Avon has had a total of 90 positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic, including 5 in the past 14 days. The current average daily incidence rate per 100,000 households is 8.2, which keeps the town as a “Red community”.
The data used by the state is based on a 14-day period from Sunday to Saturday, meaning the data that was released Oct. 7 captures the positive tests between Sept. 20 to Oct. 3.
“I want to remind residents that although it is helpful to know the color system and the positive case numbers, it is more important to remember we are still in the middle of a pandemic,” Health Agent Waldron said. “You should be familiar with the symptoms of COVID-19 and do your part to stop the spread of the virus.”
The Town of Avon continues to urge residents to remain vigilant in their fight against the spread of COVID-19. This includes practicing social distancing, frequently washing hands, and properly wearing a facial covering (a mask that covers both the mouth and nose and includes multiple layers of fabric).
For a further explanation of the Town’s current data, view the latest weekly video update featuring Health Agent Waldron and Fire Chief Robert Spurr by clicking here.
Impact on State Reopening Plan
Due to the “Red” designation, the town will remain in Phase 3 Step 1 of Gov. Charlie Baker’s four-phase approach for reopening.
Per Gov. Baker’s order, only lower risk communities will be permitted to move into Phase 3 Step 2 of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. This means:
- Outdoor performance venue capacity will remain at 25% with a max of 50 people
- Indoor theaters and performance venues remain closed
- Arcades and indoor/outdoor recreation businesses with activities such as trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks and laser tag must remain closed
- Fitting rooms must remain closed
- Gyms, museums, libraries and driving/flight schools must keep their capacity at 40%
- Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will be limited to 50 people and cannot increase to 100.
Know the Signs and Symptoms
Residents are reminded of the warning signs and symptoms of COVID-19. These include a loss of taste or smell, abdominal pain, chills, cough, headache, fever, diarrhea, muscle pain, shortness of breath and vomiting.
“If a resident is experiencing any combination of these symptoms, we urge them to be extra cautious in order to avoid spreading the virus to other people,” Health Agent Waldron said.
Learn More
Any resident with questions or concerns is asked to contact the Avon Board of Health at 508-588-0414 ext. 1016, or email kwaldron@avon-ma.gov.
For information tips from the state on maintaining mental health and wellbeing, click here.
More information about COVID-19 can be obtained by:
- Visiting the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 website at: www.mass.gov/covid19
- Calling Massachusetts 2-1-1 or visiting www.211info.org/corona-virus
- Visiting the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Calling the DPH Epidemiology Line, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at: 617-983-6800
- To get up-to-date alerts sent directly to your phone, text COVIDMA to 888-777
The Town of Avon will continue to share information to ensure residents are updated as quickly as possible.
