After discussing the increase in Dighton’s COVID-19 testing positivity rate and receiving recommendations from the town’s Pandemic Task Force, the Dighton Board of Selectmen announces new face covering guidance for town municipal buildings.
In an effort to protect the health and safety of residents, visitors and employees, the Town of Dighton is encouraging, but not requiring, employees and the general public to wear face masks while inside all Town of Dighton municipal buildings until further notice.
The new town guidance comes as a result of a Pandemic Task Force meeting held on Thursday, Aug. 5, where the group met to discuss the Town of Dighton’s COVID-19 community transmission rate. As of Aug. 5, Dighton has experienced 14 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 over a two-week period. Dighton’s positivity rate was reported to be at 3.4%, which is well above the state average of 2.11% but below the current Bristol County rate of 3.98%.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Risk Map, Bristol County is currently at “high” risk for COVID-19 community transmission.
Town offices will remain open, and meetings and events will continue as planned. Signs will be posted at the entrances and exits of all municipal buildings to encourage the wearing of face masks.
The Town will also continue to place a priority on increasing cleaning practices in Town buildings, the use of hand sanitizer stations, and the use of protective Plexiglas barriers to also help better ensure the health and safety of employees, residents and the general public.
“Like all communities, Dighton remains vigilant and is closely monitoring the increase in COVID-19 positivity rates in the wake of the Delta variant,” Town Administrator Michael Mullen said. “We’re encouraging the wearing of face masks by employees and the public in municipal buildings out of an abundance of caution in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and the Delta variant.”
COVID-19 Vaccination Locations
Individuals in Massachusetts between the ages of 12 and 17 are eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and individuals over the age of 18 can get any of the approved COVID-19 vaccines.
To find a location where you can be vaccinated, visit vaxfinder.mass.gov. Free testing is also available through the state’s Stop the Spread initiative. For more information, click here.
The Task Force will provide further updates to the Board of Selectmen and via the Town of Dighton website, the Dighton Portal and Town social media accounts as they become available.
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