November 12, 2020 – The Town of Needham and Needham Public Health today provided the following update regarding COVID-19.
State DPH COVID-19 Numbers
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports the number of positive cases and deaths daily on the state's COVID-19 dashboard.
Town-specific case numbers are published by the state every Thursday.
- 465 Needham cases to date (11/12/2020). Needham is in the Green category this week. Read the state’s Weekly Public Health Report here.
- 81 Coronavirus deaths in Needham to date (10/29/20).
Select Board, School Committee, Board of Health, Finance Committee Hold Joint Meeting to Discuss COVID-19
As COVID-19 cases rise in Needham and across Massachusetts, Town leaders will hold a joint meeting on November 19th at 4 pm to discuss the pandemic, the Town’s response and ongoing efforts to keep Needham safe. The meeting will be broadcast live on the Needham Channel and ZOOM. Check the Town’s website next week for the ZOOM link.
Needham Public Health Offers Update on COVID-19
Needham Health Director Timothy McDonald sat down with the Needham Channel last week to provide an update on COVID-19, the state’s new orders and ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the virus in Needham. Watch here.
Needham Police Offer Free Annual Holiday Luncheon by Delivery This Year
The Needham Police Department will continue its tradition of serving up a holiday lunch for seniors this year, but will do it with a twist. The Department will cook and deliver meals to seniors Sunday, December 6th from 12 pm to 2 pm. Please call the Center at the Heights to register at 781-855-3629. The meal is free for seniors living in Needham.
How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely During COVID-19
With the Thanksgiving holiday just a few weeks away and cases of COVID-19 on the rise, people should strongly consider limiting attendance at this year’s holiday gathering to immediate family. Because of the nature of most Thanksgiving celebrations – eating, drinking, indoor close contact – the risk of spreading and contracting COVID is very high. To safely celebrate the holiday, Needham Public Health is urging people to do the following:
- Limit the number of attendees. The state has limited gatherings at private residences to 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors.
- Host outdoor activities when possible. If not possible, increase ventilation by opening windows and doors, and limit the number of guests. Maintain distance from one another of at least 6 feet.
- Wear a face covering and wash your hands frequently. Provide an area to wash hands and hand sanitizer.
- Do not share food or drink and consider single-serve items where possible.
Find more tips here.