Coronavirus fears cancel Grafton High school trip, town advised on precautions

Coronavirus is not in Grafton.

Yet.

Pat Bruchmann of the Central Mass Regional Public Health Alliance said questions about the COVID-19 coronavirus, which first presented in Wuhan, China and is now spreading globally, are constant from the communities which they cover. Twelve states have reported cases including Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Public Health Lab is now testing for the virus.

“The risk to Massachusetts residents is still considered low,” she said, noting that only one person has tested positive, while another is “presumed positive” while undergoing testing.

“As far as the alliance goes, people should be more concerned about flu,” she added.

But while the risk may be low for now, its rapid spread has raised fears of a global pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control is instructing travelers returning from countries with Level-3 alerts — China, South Korea, Italy and Iran — to self-quarantine for two weeks after returning to the U.S. The CDC also advises travelers arriving from countries with a Level-2 alert, such as Japan, to monitor their health and limit their public interactions for 14 days.

State Health Secretary Marylou Sudders said in a press conference Wednesday that the state has seen 719 instances of people undergoing self-quarantine, up from 608 self-quarantines last week. Of those, 470 people completed their self-quarantine, and the other 259 are still at home.

The Department of Public Health has urged colleges and high schools to cancel organized trips and study abroad programs. Among those affected are Grafton High School students whose school-sponsored trip over April break has been canceled.

“Our administration’s top priority continues to be the health and safety of Massachusetts residents, and our ongoing collaboration with medical experts, first responders, school officials, local public health leaders and other stakeholders is a crucial part of our ongoing preparedness efforts,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “While the risk for COVID-19 in Massachusetts remains low, our partnership with these organizations and leaders is crucial to ensuring that the Commonwealth remains safe and prepared.”

The greatest risk is to senior citizens and those with pre-existing conditions, Bruchmann said. The state is monitoring travelers who have passed through areas of concern.

“Right now, there is not a traveler in your town,” she told the Select Board. “But this is  very fluid, very evolving situation.”

Local grocery and drug stores now have bare shelves where antibacterial gels were stocked. Town Administrator Tim McInerney said the Municipal Center has antibacterial dispensers in the hallways, with all town departments taking precautions such as wiping down counters and doorknobs. Election workers during the presidential primary on Tuesday frequently wiped down polling stations and pens.

“People do not have to hoard anything,” Bruchmann emphasized. “Masks are not recommended for the general public. Most people aren’t even using them properly. Masks are meant for people who are sick and medical personnel.

“We just need to dial back the concern,” she added. “Treat it like the flu. Wash your hands. Stay home if you’re sick.”

Although the risk of COVID-19 to Massachusetts residents remains low, and the risk of the flu is high, people are advised to take many of the same steps they do to help prevent colds and the flu, including:

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes and face.
• Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• Stay home when feeling sick.
• Stay informed.
• Get a flu shot.