August 6, 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 here.
Town-specific case numbers are published by the state every Wednesday on the COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Report.
- 369 Needham cases to date (8/6/2020)
- 77 Coronavirus deaths in Needham to date (7/29/20. Next update 8/12)
Rhode Island No Longer Considered a Lower-Risk State
Beginning Friday, August 7, travelers from Rhode Island to Massachusetts will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to MA or produce a negative COVID test. This includes residents of MA who are returning from time spent in Rhode Island. Travelers arriving in Massachusetts from any place other than New York, New Jersey, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut or Hawaii must quarantine for 14 days or have a negative COVID test no more than 72 hours before arriving in MA. This order pertains to residents returning home to Massachusetts as well as out-of-state residents. Read the order. Travelers must also fill out a Massachusetts Travel Form.
Help Needham Businesses Protect Their Workers and Patrons
Face coverings are required for all individuals entering buildings in Needham. Can’t wear a face covering because of a medical condition? To help protect the health and safety of workers and the public, Needham businesses are making arrangements for customers to contact the business to arrange for alternative service delivery. Needham Public Health has worked with local businesses to create signage reminding people that they must either wear a face cover or make alternate arrangements. Businesses can download the sign here. Please also be mindful that many of Needham’s businesses are small and can become easily crowded, making it hard to social distance. Please send only one member of your party into a retail establishment at a time. Please also be sure to use hand sanitizer if made available. Thank you for doing your part to help Needham’s businesses.
Save the Date - Select Board Sets Special Town Meeting Date, Location
The Select Board voted today to move the Fall Special Town Meeting to Sunday, October 4, 2020 at 1 pm. The Rain Date is Sunday, October 11, 2020 at 1 pm. Like Spring Town Meeting, Special Town Meeting will be held outdoors in the Memorial Field parking lot to allow for COVID-19 safety measures. More information will be forthcoming.
Where to Get a COVID-19 Test
Need a COVID test but not sure where to get one? Check out the list of testing locations here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/ma-covid-19-testing-sites/download
Reopening Website Offers Local Reopening Information
The Town will continue to post reopening-related updates to a dedicated Reopening website. Check there for updates as new information is posted.