No Confirmed or Suspected Cases in Raynham

Risk Remains Low Throughout Massachusetts

RAYNHAM — Chief Bryan LaCivita and the Raynham Fire Department wish to provide residents with the latest information regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as federal and state officials continue to monitor the virus domestically and internationally.

As of noon on Friday, March 6, there is currently one confirmed case and seven presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in Massachusetts, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). There are no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus in Raynham at this time. Health officials report that the risk of contracting the virus remains low, with the incidence rate significantly lower than the incidence rate of the seasonal flu. 

The Raynham Fire Department remains in close contact with the Raynham Health Department and the DPH. Raynham Fire will be following all DPH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to ensure the department is fully prepared to provide emergency services to the Town of Raynham should COVID-19 become widespread.

Last month, the CDC reported the first cases of community spread of the virus in the United States in western states, and 11 people in the United States have since died from the virus. New cases of the virus nationwide have come to light this week as well, and as of noon on Friday, March 6, the CDC is reporting 164 cases of the virus in the United States, including those who contracted the virus from person-to-person spread, travel and those whose cases are under investigation. There are additionally 49 people with the virus who were repatriated to the United States from the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship and Wuhan, China.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within 2-14 days of exposure. The DPH reports that symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia in severe cases. If you suspect that you are ill with a respiratory disease, or have been informed that you have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your primary care provider immediately.

In an effort to prevent the spread of flu, colds and other respiratory illnesses, residents are recommended to take the following precautionary measures outlined by DPH:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Always cover your cough or sneeze.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Disinfect surfaces, especially high-traffic surfaces such as doorknobs or counter tops.

At this time, the DPH is not recommending people wear masks in public as the risk to the public remains low and there is no substantial evidence suggesting wearing a mask protects an individual outside of preventing someone from spreading a respiratory illness to others in a clinic waiting room.

As of March 4, the CDC is currently urging Americans to avoid nonessential travel to Italy, China, Iran and South Korea, which are designated “Warning Level 3.” Additionally, the CDC and Governor Charlie Baker have stated that those who return to the U.S. after visiting any Level 3 country “should stay home and monitor their health during travel and for 14 days after returning to the United States.”

For the most up-to-date information, visit the DPH’s website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.

Town officials will keep you informed of updates or changes as they are advised by local and state departments of public health.

###