News Flash

August 20, 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 Wednesday on the COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Report.
• 370 Needham cases to date (8/20/2020) *Note, the state revised its cases to take some formerly “positive” cases out of Needham’s case count. The 370 cases reflects an increase of 7 cases in the last 14 days Needham continues to be in the green (low risk) category with less than 4 cases per 100,000 residents. See the most recent COVID-19 community map.

• 77 Coronavirus deaths in Needham to date (8/12/20). No new deaths.

State Requires Flu Vaccine for Children
Yesterday, the Department of Public Health has added a new influenza vaccine requirement for all children 6 months of age and older attending childcare/preschool, students in all grades of school from Kindergarten through Grade 12, and students of post-secondary institutions. This requirement was put in place to reduce influenza-related morbidity and to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness in a population still facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will be expected to have received an influenza vaccine for the current influenza season (July-June) by December 31 unless they have a medical or religious exemption.

The Town of Needham will begin offering flu clinics early this fall. More to come on that soon. Read DPH’s full announcement: https://www.mass.gov/news/flu-vaccine-now-required-for-all-massachusetts-school-students-enrolled-in-child-care-pre

West Nile Virus Threat Now “Moderate” in Needham

State officials have found mosquitoes in Needham that have tested positive for West Nile Virus. A risk level of moderate means residents should take extra precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
• Avoid mosquito bites by using an insect repellent with an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET.
• Limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• When venturing outdoors wear long pants and long shirts whenever possible.
• Consider rescheduling activities planned for dawn or dusk for a time when mosquitoes are less active.
• Avoid areas known to have a high mosquito population.
• Remove standing water from around your home.
For more information about West Nile Virus visit www.mass.gov/mosquitoesandticks. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Needham Public Health at 781-455-7940.

 Early Voting Begins This Weekend
Voters seeking to cast their Primary ballots in person ahead of the September 1^st Primary Election can do so beginning this weekend at Town Hall. Face covers are required and COVID-19 health and safety protocols will be in place. Voting will take place in the Select Board Chambers during the following dates and times:

• Saturday, August 22^nd and Sunday, August 23^rd : Noon to 5 pm
• Monday, August 24^th – Thursday, August 27^th : 9 am to 5 pm
• Friday, August 28^th : 9 am to noon

Voters can still mail their ballots or drop them in the Red Box outside of Town Hall. Ballots must be received by 8 pm on September 1^st. In-person voting will also take place on Election Day, September 1^st at designated polling locations.