Fall 2023 Updated COVID Advisory

Updated Fall COVID-19 Advisory

From the Whately Board of Health

 With reports of new covid cases in our community, it's important to keep taking precautions, especially if you or someone in your household is at higher risk for severe disease.  The best course of action is to STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK.  To avoid becoming ill and to protect our community we are advising residents to get all recommended vaccines when available, wear a surgical or KN95 mask in crowded spaces, regularly wash hands, utilize ventilation in indoor spaces (open windows, and/or use air-purifiers with HEPA or MERV13 filters), and follow isolation and masking guidance if you do test positive.

If You Test Positive for or Are Exposed to COVID:

Although variants are evolving, there is no difference in what you should do if you test positive or are exposed.  If you test positive for COVID, you should isolate until day 5 after your positive test or first symptoms, then mask for days 6–10.  If you are exposed to COVID, you should mask for the next 10 days and get tested if you develop symptoms.

The Town of Whately has rapid covid tests available at the town offices and the library during open hours.  Our Foothills Health District public health nurse is able to give out rapid tests, review symptoms and answer questions for individuals at Whately’s health clinics on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10 -11:30 in the Whately Town Hall next to the Post Office, or by request to 413-522-7112.

 
If the levels of COVID in the community do increase significantly, consider wearing a mask in high-risk crowded environments for extra protection.  Keeping up to date with your vaccines and practicing good hand hygiene are also simple ways to stay healthy and avoid illness.  Stay tuned to health news updates.

Questions?
Please feel free to contact our public health nurse Mike Archbald 413-522-7112 or phn@burgy.org