State data shows Grafton at low risk for COVID-19

Grafton is designated a low-risk community for COVID-19 under data released Tuesday.

While Massachusetts has seen an overall decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations since May, there has been a slight uptick in certain communities in recent days.

On a map released by the state during Gov. Charlie Baker’s daily pandemic press conference, low risk communities are designated white, with green, yellow, and red showing the increased community viral spread. The color is based on data on the average daily cases per 100,000 residents, average percent positivity, and positive tests, for all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns over the past two weeks.

The release comes as concerned Grafton parents face the decision on whether to send their children back to school on September 16 under the hybrid classroom/remote learning model or opt for the Remote Learning Academy (the photo above by School Committee member Elizabeth Spinney shows a socially distanced classroom at South Grafton Elementary School). Superintendent of Schools Jay Cummings will hold question and answer Zoom sessions with parents starting Wednesday.

Grafton continues to hold steady at 102 overall cases, with five newly reported over the past two weeks from 483 tests.

Any city or town designated higher risk is considered to have a high level of COVID infection, and will receive additional support from the Commonwealth to address the spread of the virus.

Statewide Enforcement and Intervention supports will include: 

• Targeted interventions and inspections by a range of member agencies, including Local Services, Labor Standards, DPH, MSP and ABCC, coordinated by EOPSS and MEMA.
• Increased enforcement, including fines, of sector guidance for businesses to ensure businesses and residents are aware of and following COVID-19 orders.
• Cease and desist orders as necessary for businesses and organizations in violation of the COVID-19 orders.
• Support for ABCC and local licensing boards in exercising their existing authority to fine restaurants or suspend or cancel liquor licenses when restaurants do not comply with required COVID-19 safety measure or sanitation codes.
• Targeted public messaging to alert residents of higher risk COVID communities (road signs, PSAs, reverse 911, etc.).
• Technical support to local government officials to support enhanced local COVID-19 prevention efforts such as assistance in accessing CARES Act funding.
• Potential restrictions or shutdowns for parks, playgrounds, businesses or other entities and locations believed to be contributing to the COVID-19 spread in higher risk COVID-19 communities.
• Additional public health support such as testing, tracing and quarantining.