Key Points of a Public Health Emergency

• Memo from the Board of Health explaining some "behind the scenes" actions in Weston during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Due to the public health emergency associated with the novel coronavirus that causes the highly contagious and potentially fatal COVID-19 respiratory disease, Weston is in a State of Emergency as of March 17th, following the Massachusetts declaration on March 10th, and the Federal declaration on March 13th 
• Weston’s Emergency Management Leaders are monitoring updates and have the mandated responsibility to follow and enforce the orders and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the State Department of Public Health, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Weston’s Board of Health follows CDC protocol when managing an infectious disease
• Temporary measures have been enacted, and may continue to be put in place, by Weston’s Emergency Management team to help prevent or control community spread and to help maintain the health and safety of residents and town employees. Those temporary measures are posted to Weston.org/Covid19

Mental Health, and other Health and Human Services

We understand that this is an atypical time that may be causing much concern and some anxiety; however, we encourage all to avoid listening to the multiple news stories that are focused on sensationalism and social media posts and shares. 

Please obtain facts of the situation from local, state and federal sources, i.e. Weston Board of Health, MassDPH, and the CDC.

Please also see resources and tips from MassDPH for maintaining emotional health and well-being, particularly how we can help older adults who depend upon socialization.

Riverside Emergency Services has clinicians that provide support over the phone for those who may be struggling with sadness, worry, parental or caregiver stress, etc. Call 781-769-8674 if you need support during this anxious time.

Reach Beyond Domestic Violence is a non-profit organization providing safety and support to survivors of abuse. REACH provides free and confidential services in both English and Spanish to all survivors regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, or income level. For more information or support, please visit our website at www.reachma.org or call our 24/7 hotline at 800-899-4000. 

Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Do you know someone who lives or works in Lincoln or Weston and who might need food or help with emergency expenses? St. Julia Parish, through its St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) conference, operates a food pantry and may assist with emergency medical or housing expenses. Please call St. Julia parish office at 781-899-2611 and leave a message; a member will call contact you.

Also keep in mind the Mass 211 resource available 24/7 that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. This free service helps find government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources. Always a confidential call, Mass 211 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies. 

AlertsMA is a new messaging too that allows residents to subscribe to real-time notifications by texting the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777. After signing up, state and public health officials can send short messages and links to information directly to a resident’s cell phone or other mobile device.

Local Protocol

The Weston Board of Health is following the protocols for managing the Covid-19 / Coronavirus as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Mass Department of Public Health.  

At the present, those directives require:

1. The Mass Dept of Public Health will notify Weston’s Board of Health (BoH) if someone arrives from an area of known concern
2. The BoH will contact the individuals and place them in quarantine for 14 days - they will not be able to leave their homes during this time  
3. The BoH will call them each day to find out if they have a fever  
4. If they have a fever, they will be required to go to the hospital after they notify the hospital that they are on their way in and they are suspected to have Covid-19
5. The hospital will prepare an area for isolation so that when they arrive other patients are not exposed to the individual who may have the virus

Process Flow Charts and Facts

• How the CDC Protects and Prepares Communities
• How the Weston Board of Health Manages Risk Assessment and Decision Making