COVID-19 Update
- As of yesterday, the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting 184,511 total confirmed COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, of which 13,031 are in Plymouth County.
- As of Friday, Hingham remains in the “green” category for the second week in a row, with 449 total cases and an average daily incidence rate of 9.2 per 100,000 people over the prior 14 days.
- Our COVID-19 dashboard is now live on the Town website in the COVID-19 Update Center. The dashboard consolidates state and Hingham Public School data into one visual that we will update each Friday.
- Please remember that in accordance with the Governor’s most recent COVID-19 orders, everyone over age 5 must wear face coverings in all public places, even when more than 6 ft. apart.
- In addition, gatherings at private residences are restricted to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, and they must end by 9:30pm.
- We’d like to remind everyone that Special Town Meeting is coming up this Saturday, November 21st at 12pm outdoors at Hingham High School. As they did in the spring, the Governor’s most recent COVID-19 orders provide an exception for municipal legislative bodies.
- We are taking as many COVID-19 precautions as possible so we can conduct the meeting in a safe manner. These measures include holding the meeting outdoors, spacing chairs 10 ft. apart, requiring masks and social distancing, having hand sanitizer stations available throughout the venue, and cleaning microphones after each use.
Thanksgiving during COVID-19
• As Thanksgiving approaches next week, DPH has published recommendations on its website about higher and lower risk celebrations and activities. Their recommendations include:
o Avoid shaking hands and hugging. Wave and verbally greet others instead.
o Wear a mask when not eating or drinking.
o Avoid sharing food and drinks.
o Avoid singing, dancing, and shouting. These activities increase chances of catching COVID-19 through the air.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water.
o Stay at least six feet apart from others.
o Avoid in-person gatherings with people at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults and people with certain medical conditions.
o If gathering indoors, improve ventilation by opening windows and doors.
• As Tom mentioned, indoor gatherings at private residences are currently limited to 10 people.
• Please be safe and responsible this holiday season.