ATHOL – “We have all known it was only a matter of time before we received this news.”
That was the response of Town Manager Shaun Suhoski Monday upon learning that Athol has its first two confirmed cases of residents with the COVID-19 virus.
“The disease is here an among us,” he said in a release. “Our best defense is to stay home whenever possible, practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently and covering coughs or sneezes, and by following social distancing guidelines when you need to be out.”
Athol Health Agent Deb Vondal was working on the release when she was contacted by the Athol Daily News, which had received several phone calls claiming two cases of the virus had been found among employees at one of the town’s largest employers.
“I get calls and hear all kind of rumors,” she said, “But we get our information from our area health systems. I can’t tell you where the people work because that’s not part of the information provided. We’re only told when a case is confirmed.”
Vondal said Tuesday morning that the addresses of confirmed cases are forwarded to the police and fire departments so that first responders know the disease is present if they are asked to respond to those homes or apartments. She added that no other cases in Athol had been confirmed since Monday.
The statement, released late Monday, went on: “The town is a member of the Montachusett Public Health Network (MPHN), which provides nursing service to regional communities, including Athol. Due to the coronavirus, the MPHN has added nursing staff to monitor suspect and confirmed cases and to identify and investigate close contacts.
“The town recognizes that there may also be area residents that are in home quarantine who are monitored daily while awaiting test results. However, the health department only receives notification for confirmed COVID-19 cases.”
Vondal said the town continues to follow guidelines and orders issued by Gov. Charlie Baker, the state Department of Public Health and federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We ask all citizens to be vigilant in your own actions,” she said, “and to focus on what you can do to help mitigate the spread of this virus during these unprecedented times.”
The statement went on to offer the following advice: “Protect yourself by following public health advice about keeping your hands clean, and covering coughs and sneezes; stay home if you are sick. Protect others who are most at risk of COVID-19 by keeping your distance from people (as least six feet), especially those who are older, and people living with chronic health conditions; if you are outside avoid crowds; don’t shake hands or hug; stay connected to friends and loved ones by phone or through other technology; get information from trusted sources.”
Vodal said people could get the latest news from www.mass.gov. Residents can also receive alerts on their smart phones or email by texting “COVIDMA” to 888-777. Local updates are posted to the town’s website, www.athol-ma.gov.
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.