February 28, 2020

Health Advisory for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Billerica – Town and School Officials met today to review communication and preparedness protocols due the evolving situation created by the 2019
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This group included the Town Manager, the Superintendent of Schools, The Chief of Police, the Board of
Health Director and members of the Town’s Emergency Management Team. While this is a new virus the Town’s protocol for public health preparedness
is not.

The group reviewed reinforcing safety protocols for First Responders for respiratory viruses as well as cleaning protocols in Town and school building to
prevent the spread of viruses. The Town will also take advantage of municipal service outlets, such as Schools, Recreation and Council on Aging to
disseminate educational material to promote good public Health. Some of the educational material and more information is attached below.

o 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

o The Town is guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) on actions to
take in the event we are at risk for the virus.
o While there are 15 total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States and 1 confirmed case in Massachusetts, there have been no cases in Billerica.
o The risk to residents in Massachusetts remains low.
Because we are in the midst of a seasonal cold and flu season, it is important to emphasize the risk of exposure to seasonal influenza is a primary public
health concern in Massachusetts at this time. There has been an uptick in seasonal influenza case in recent weeks in Massachusetts and Billerica. The
following precautionary actions will help prevent exposure to any respiratory virus:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds of scrubbing or use alcohol-based hand cleaners (if soap and water is unavailable)

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, not your hands

Avoid close contact with others who are sick.

Stay home from work or school if you are sick and avoid contact with others

As information and guidance is rapidly changing, please refer to the CDC Traveler advisory for the most up-to-date information.

The Billerica Board of Health is continuing to monitor this situation very carefully and will make sure that the most up to date information will be available
to residents. Refer to the MDPH website for the most up to date Massachusetts cases or contact the Billerica Board of Health at 978-671-0931 or visit the
Public Health Nurse webpage of our website.