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Massachusetts Department of Public Health

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Algae Bloom Threatens Wildlife, Pets In Easthampton Pond Algae Bloom Threatens Wildlife, Pets In Easthampton Pond
Algae Bloom Threatens Wildlife, Pets In Easthampton Pond Officials in Hampshire County are telling residents to avoid the Rubber Thread Pond in Easthampton after a toxic algae bloom has taken over the water.  Easthampton leaders posted the warning on the city's Facebook page after tests showed possible signs of the toxic algae cyanobacteria.  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue to conduct tests until the bloom has gone. Until then, residents should avoid swimming, fishing, or touching the water.  Contact with the infected water can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, liver or ne…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Mosquitoes In Western Mass Test Positive For West Nile Virus; Here's How To Protect Yourself Mosquitoes In Western Mass Test Positive For West Nile Virus; Here's How To Protect Yourself
Mosquitoes In Western Mass Test Positive For West Nile Virus; Here's How To Protect Yourself Health officials in Massachusetts are urging people to take precautions after testing confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus. In Berkshire County, weekly samples of mosquitoes collected in Pittsfield found two instances of West Nile Virus, the state health department revealed Friday, Sept. 8. One positive sample was taken from the Pittsfield Cemetery, and the other came from the Pittsfield Airport. West Nile Virus is most commonly spread to humans through mosquito bites in the fall months when the insects are most active, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
West Nile Virus Detected In Worcester Mosquitos: Health Department West Nile Virus Detected In Worcester Mosquitos: Health Department
West Nile Virus Detected In Worcester Mosquitos: Health Department Health officials warned Worcester residents to take precautions after researchers discovered this West Nile Virus in a mosquito pool in the city.   The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will spray the affected areas, including West Boylston Street, Fales Street, Quinapoxet Lane, and East Mountain Street. Though, despite this, the virus could spread. Health officials ask residents to remain cautious and take precautions to protect themselves.  The best way to avoid contracting the West Nile Virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. Repellents, lo…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Rabid Fox Found In Central Mass Prompts Potential Health Warning From Police Rabid Fox Found In Central Mass Prompts Potential Health Warning From Police
Rabid Fox Found In Central Mass Prompts Potential Health Warning From Police Authorities in one Central Massachusetts town are urging any concerned residents to contact health officials after a rabid fox was captured this week. The fox, which tested positive for rabies, was found in the Lakewood Trail neighborhood of Sturbridge on Wednesday, April 19, according to Sturbridge Police on Facebook. ***PSA*** Notice from our Animal Control Officer. Posted by Sturbridge Police Department on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Police said the fox was first seen in the area on April 16, but could have been there longer.  Anyone who believes that they came into direct contact w…

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by David Cifarelli
News
These Are Most Common Monkeypox Symptoms These Are Most Common Monkeypox Symptoms
These Are Most Common Monkeypox Symptoms As more cases of monkeypox are being investigated in countries, including the US, where the disease is not typically found, the most common symptoms have been released.  According to the CDC, monkeypox presents as a flu-like illness accompanied by: Swelling of the lymph nodes Rashes and lesions on the face and body Fever Chills Muscle aches In addition, the World Health Organization named these other possible symptoms:  Headache Back pain Asthenia (profound weakness) The WHO said on Saturday, May 21 that "current evidence suggests that those who are most at risk are those who …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
World Health Organization Identifies Those Most At Risk Of Getting Monkeypox World Health Organization Identifies Those Most At Risk Of Getting Monkeypox
World Health Organization Identifies Those Most At Risk Of Getting Monkeypox Updated story: These Are Most Common Monkeypox Symptoms More cases of monkeypox are expected to be identified in the coming days as surveillance is expanded in countries where the disease is not typically found, said the World Health Organization, which identified those most at risk of being infected. "The situation is evolving and WHO expects there will be more cases of monkeypox identified as surveillance expands in non-endemic countries," the WHO said in a statement on Saturday, May 21.  "Immediate actions focus on informing those who may be most at risk for monkeypox infec…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Possible Monkeypox Case Under Investigation In New York Possible Monkeypox Case Under Investigation In New York
Possible Monkeypox Case Under Investigation In New York A possible case of monkeypox is now under investigation in New York. The patient is currently in being treated at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, according to a statement from the New York City Health Department. "All the appropriate isolation protocols are being followed," the department said on Thursday, May 19. "The Health Department’s Public Health Lab will conduct preliminary tests, which — if positive — will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmatory testing." The Department said its epidemiologists will follow up with any individual who may have …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
First US Case Of Monkeypox This Year Reported In New England First US Case Of Monkeypox This Year Reported In New England
First US Case Of Monkeypox This Year Reported In New England Health officials in New England have confirmed the first case of monkeypox in the United States this year. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Wednesday, May 18, that it has confirmed a  single monkeypox virus infection in the state.  The man who tested positive for monkeypox had recently traveled to Canada, health officials said. DPH said it is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the patient's health care providers to identify those who may have been in close contact with the man. "This contact tracing approach is the mos…

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by Nicole Valinote
Lifestyle
'Lost Puppy' Rescued By New England Family Turns Out To Be Baby Coyote 'Lost Puppy' Rescued By New England Family Turns Out To Be Baby Coyote
'Lost Puppy' Rescued By New England Family Turns Out To Be Baby Coyote A family of Good Samaritans in Massachusetts bit off a bit more than they realized when they brought home what they thought was a lost puppy. The New England Wildlife Center shared the story of a Cape Cod family who rescued a pup that was found wandering on the side of a busy road that ultimately turned out to be an Eastern Coyote. “The Eastern Coyote pup was separated from his family last week and was found wandering and distressed by the side of a busy road,” the organization posted on social media. “He was then accidentally taken home by a local family after they mistakenly identified hi…

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by Zak Failla
News
Dog Treats Recall Issued Due To Salmonella Threat Dog Treats Recall Issued Due To Salmonella Threat
Dog Treats Recall Issued Due To Salmonella Threat The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is cautioning pet owners to be aware of a dog treat recall that has been linked to several cases of Salmonella in humans. Three cases of salmonellosis - infection with the Salmonella bacteria - have been tied to Essex County-based Dog Gone Dog Treats, which are made in Georgetown, which impacted a child and two adults in their 70s. According to the Department of Public Health, one open bag from a customer and several unopened bags purchased last week all tested positive for Salmonella at the State Public Health Laboratory. D…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Massachusetts Sees Largest Surge In Cases Since January COVID-19: Massachusetts Sees Largest Surge In Cases Since January
Covid-19: Massachusetts Sees Largest Surge In Cases Since January Massachusetts is in the midst of a new surge of COVID-19 infections that has not been seen in nearly a year. In the latest update from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Commonwealth was reporting 4,838 new laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus, as the average seven-day positivity rate of those tested for COVID-19 rose to 5.14 percent. The number of new cases is the highest single-day total since late January, during the previous winter spike of infections. Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts during the last two weeks, according to the Department of Health: 0-4: …

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by Zak Failla
News
Two New West Nile Cases Confirmed In Massachusetts Two New West Nile Cases Confirmed In Massachusetts
Two New West Nile Cases Confirmed In Massachusetts Two new cases of West Nile Virus have been identified in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Thursday, Sept. 9 today the new cases were found in a man and a woman in Middlesex County. According to DPH, the two people are a man in his 50s and a man in his 70s. In addition, on Wednesday, Sept. 8, DPH announced the first human case of the virus identified in Massachusetts this year was also likely exposed in Middlesex County.   There have been no deaths this year associated with the virus, the department said. The department said the risk leve…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
COVID-19: Cape Cod Cluster Cases Nearly Double COVID-19: Cape Cod Cluster Cases Nearly Double
Covid-19: Cape Cod Cluster Cases Nearly Double Click here for an updated story - COVID-19: Cape Cod Cluster Among Vaccinated Led To Mask Shift; CDC Says 'The War Has Changed' Masks will now be required in a Cape Cod community after the number of new COVID-19 cases linked to the Delta variant nearly doubled in just days. Hundreds of new COVID-19 cases were reported in Provincetown, as the number of confirmed infections rose to 833 as of Wednesday, July 28, according to Town Manager Alex Morse. Earlier story - COVID-19: Cape Cod Cluster Linked To Delta Variant Grows To 430 Cases Of those cases, 501 are Massachusetts residents,…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Cape Cod Cluster Linked To Delta Variant Grows To 430 Cases COVID-19: Cape Cod Cluster Linked To Delta Variant Grows To 430 Cases
Covid-19: Cape Cod Cluster Linked To Delta Variant Grows To 430 Cases Click here for an updated story - COVID-19: Cape Cod Cluster Among Vaccinated Led To Mask Shift; CDC Says 'The War Has Changed' The highly contagious Delta variant has become a major cause of concern in a Cape Cod community following a recent breakout of new COVID-19 infections. There are now more than 430 active cases of COVID-19 in Provincetown as of Tuesday, July 27, more than triple the cases reported last week, most of which have been linked to the variant. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, genetic sequencing of initial samples associated with the recent …

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by Zak Failla
News
Listeria Found In Food Product Sold In Massachusetts, New York Listeria Found In Food Product Sold In Massachusetts, New York
Listeria Found In Food Product Sold In Massachusetts, New York Mushrooms sold in Massachusetts and New York have been linked to a listeria outbreak that has been plaguing parts of the nation. Testing conducted by disease investigators at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has led to the expansion of a national recall of Enoki mushrooms after two packages investigators purchased tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. California-based Guan’s Mushroom Co. announced over the weekend that it was recalling all packages of its Enoki mushrooms and suspending national distribution after tests conducted at the Massachusetts State Publi…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: This Western Mass County Last In Commonwealth For Vaccinations COVID-19: This Western Mass County Last In Commonwealth For Vaccinations
Covid-19: This Western Mass County Last In Commonwealth For Vaccinations A county in Western Massachusetts is lagging behind some of the others in distributing and administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Hampden County is in last place for first COVID-19 vaccinations, and has the fewest residents to complete the series in Massachusetts, though its vaccines per capita is among the highest in the region. As of Thursday, April 29, in Western Massachusetts, Hampden County was reporting 26 percent of residents were fully vaccinated, behind Berkshire (37 percent), Franklin (36 percent), and Hampshire (32 percent) counties. According to officials, Massachusetts received 3…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: These Five Western Mass Communities At High Risk For Spread, DPH Says COVID-19: These Five Western Mass Communities At High Risk For Spread, DPH Says
Covid-19: These Five Western Mass Communities At High Risk For Spread, DPH Says Five communities in western Massachusetts are in the COVID-19 “red zone,” while nearly two dozen more have also seen an uptick in cases and have been placed into “yellow zones.” The Massachusetts Department of Public Health released its weekly COVID-19 health report on Thursday, March 25, highlighting the areas of the state that have seen an increase in new cases in relation to the area's population. Under the state’s new criteria, the Department of Public Health is taking population size into account when determining which are deemed “high-risk,” “medium-risk,” or “low-risk.” In the lates…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Massachusetts Expands Vaccine Eligibility COVID-19: Massachusetts Expands Vaccine Eligibility
Covid-19: Massachusetts Expands Vaccine Eligibility New groups are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts. The state expanded its eligibility on Monday, March 22 to include residents 60 and over, as well as a new group of essential workers. Essential workers now eligible include: Grocery store employees; Retail and foodservice workers; Convenience store workers; Transit workers; Public works and sanitation workers; Utility workers; Funeral workers; People in public health; Court staff; Food pantry workers and volunteers; Vaccine development workers; Medical supply chain volunteers. The eligibility for the vaccine i…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Two Western Mass Communities Placed In Red Zone; New Rundown Of 20 High-Risk Areas COVID-19: Two Western Mass Communities Placed In Red Zone; New Rundown Of 20 High-Risk Areas
Covid-19: Two Western Mass Communities Placed In Red Zone; New Rundown Of 20 High-Risk Areas Two communities in western Massachusetts are in the COVID-19 “red zone,” while nearly two dozen more have also seen an uptick in cases and have been placed into “yellow zones.” The Massachusetts Department of Public Health released its weekly COVID-19 health report on Thursday, March 18, highlighting the areas of the state that have seen an increase in new cases in relation to the area's population. Under the state’s new criteria, the Department of Public Health is taking population size into account when determining which are deemed “high-risk,” “medium-risk,” or “low-risk.” In the late…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: New Cases Plummet In Central Mass Cities - Local Rates, Trends COVID-19: New Cases Plummet In Central Mass Cities - Local Rates, Trends
Covid-19: New Cases Plummet In Central Mass Cities - Local Rates, Trends Among Worcester County’s five largest communities, only one is “red” - the state’s highest risk category for the spread of COVID-19. Although it might still technically be risky, Leominster’s daily average COVID-19 new case rate per 100,000 people has plummeted since last week. During the week of Feb. 3, Leominster’s COVID-19 rate was 115.9. As of, Feb. 11, Leominster’s rate is 46.7. On Thursday, Feb. 11, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released the weekly town-by-town COVID-19 rate report. The numbers showed declining cases in all of Worcester County’s five largest cities -…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: Cases Skyrocket In Amherst As UMass Reigns In Partying, Shuts Down Campus COVID-19: Cases Skyrocket In Amherst As UMass Reigns In Partying, Shuts Down Campus
Covid-19: Cases Skyrocket In Amherst As UMass Reigns In Partying, Shuts Down Campus The COVID-19 incident rate shot up dramatically in Amherst where UMass is attempting to tamp down on the virus’s spread. The daily average COVID-19 rate in Amherst per 100,000 people was 26.6 last week, Feb. 4. As of Thursday, Feb. 11, Amherst’s COVID-19 rate is 78.8. The uptick in infections comes on the heels of the University of Massachusetts Amherst shutting down its campus to stop the virus’ spread. The roughly 13,000-member student body has been asked to self-quarantine. A spike in COVID-19 cases in Amherst has been linked to one or more “massive” frat parties thrown over the Feb. 6 w…

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by Kristin Palpini
Schools
COVID-19 Cases Spike In 2 School Districts; See District-By-District Incident Rates COVID-19 Cases Spike In 2 School Districts; See District-By-District Incident Rates
Covid-19 Cases Spike In 2 School Districts; See District-By-District Incident Rates Two local school districts experienced COVID-19 flare-ups over the last week, according to the most recent state data. On Thursday, Jan. 28, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released how many COVID-19 incidents were reported by students and staff from Jan. 21-27. Most of the Central and Western Massachusetts, as well as the Berkshires, had school districts where no COVID-19 incidents were reported that week. However, Shrewsbury and Hampden-Wilbraham school districts each reported 12-15 students and faculty that had become il…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: Advocates Win More Vaccines, New Vaccination Sites For Central, Western MA COVID-19: Advocates Win More Vaccines, New Vaccination Sites For Central, Western MA
Covid-19: Advocates Win More Vaccines, New Vaccination Sites For Central, Western MA In a turn of events, Central and Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires will be receiving thousands of more COVID-19 vaccine doses - and establishing more vaccination sites -  than previously scheduled. On Thursday, Jan. 28, Sen. Jo Comerford and Rep. Mindy Domb said in a joint statement that Western Massachusetts would be receiving 3,000 additional COVID-19 vaccines per week starting Feb. 1. In a Jan. 21 report of vaccination distribution, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health doled out COVID-19 vaccines to counties in the following amounts: Worcester - 69,825 Hampden - 34…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: See If Infections Went Up Or Down In Your County COVID-19: See If Infections Went Up Or Down In Your County
Covid-19: See If Infections Went Up Or Down In Your County In an encouraging sign, over the last 14 days, COVID-19 incident rates per 100,000 people have dropped in most of Massachusetts. Statewide, the average COVID-19 incident rate is 59.4, according to weekly, county-level data released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Central and Western Massachusetts counties are showing improved rates as well, though Hampden County’s rate is significantly higher than the state average. LOCAL RATES Below is a list of the current 14-day average COVID-19 incident rates per 100,000 per county (as of Jan. 27) as well as the…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: Where Are The Hot Spots? Infection Rates Down In Most Central/Western MA Big Cities COVID-19: Where Are The Hot Spots? Infection Rates Down In Most Central/Western MA Big Cities
Covid-19: Where Are The Hot Spots? Infection Rates Down In Most Central/Western MA Big Cities COVID-19 rates went down in 7 out of 10 of Massachusetts’ largest cities west of I-495. The COVID-19 infection rates per 100,000 people went down in Worcester, Springfield, Chicopee, Leominster, Fitchburg, Amherst, and Shrewsbury, according to town-level data released by Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health on Thursday, Jan. 21. All of these communities, except for Amherst, are in the “red” - meaning they are at the highest risk for the spread of the virus. Amherst is in the yellow category. Massachusetts's color-coded risk system has four levels. They are, from most to least risk, …

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: Weekly Incident Rates Jump Up 25 Percent Or More - See How Your County Did COVID-19: Weekly Incident Rates Jump Up 25 Percent Or More - See How Your County Did
Covid-19: Weekly Incident Rates Jump Up 25 Percent Or More - See How Your County Did COVID-19 incident rates shot up across Central and Western Massachusetts counties by 25 percent to 50 percent when compared to last week, according to new county-level data. Out of the five counties, Worcester County saw the smallest week-to-week increase - the incident rate went up by about 25 percent, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's weekly county-level COVID-19 tracker.  Worcester County was better able to slow the spread of COVID-19 than the state this week as the overall incident rate for Massachusetts increased by 28 percent between the weeks of Jan. 6…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: Holiday Spike Hits - See What's Happening In Your County COVID-19: Holiday Spike Hits - See What's Happening In Your County
Covid-19: Holiday Spike Hits - See What's Happening In Your County Locally, we’re beginning to see the predicted Christmas-New Year spike in new COVID-19 cases. Worcester and Hampshire counties as well as the Berkshires, have all recently experienced a day with the most new-cases reported in the county since the start of the pandemic, according to daily county-level data provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for Tuesday, Jan. 5. In Worcester County, reporting new, daily COVID-19 cases in the triple digits became standard around late October and hasn’t backed down since. The county’s recently experienced its day with the most new-cases r…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: New Town-By-Town Rates, Trends - Worcester County - Rates Drop COVID-19: New Town-By-Town Rates, Trends - Worcester County - Rates Drop
Covid-19: New Town-By-Town Rates, Trends - Worcester County - Rates Drop Good news! The COVID-19 rate in most Worcester County cities and towns has gone down, according to the most recent information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Worcester County now has 4 “green” communities as well - a term for communities with a low risk for the spread of the virus. They are Harvard, Holland, Hubbardston, and Millville, according to the Massachusetts weekly community-level report, Dec. 31. SCROLL TO THE END OF THE ARTICLE FOR A LIST OF TOWN STATS Other Worcester County communities where the risk is low include New Braintree, Hardwick, Berlin, Chester, a…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: 300-Plus New Incidents Reported In Worcester Area COVID-19: 300-Plus New Incidents Reported In Worcester Area
Covid-19: 300-Plus New Incidents Reported In Worcester Area Another 335 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Worcester area on Monday, Dec. 21. According to the most recent state data, with the added 335 cases, Worcester County has experienced 36,764 COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began. There were 5 COVID-19 related deaths on Monday in Worcester County, bringing the total number of people lost to the disease locally to 1,411. Below are the latest COVID-19 numbers per county as well as a recounting of new cases reported over the last three days per county. NEW CASES, DEATHS Berkshire 37 new cases of COVID-19 infection reported - for a…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: 9 New Central, Western Mass Communities Turn 'Red' - Local Data COVID-19: 9 New Central, Western Mass Communities Turn 'Red' - Local Data
Covid-19: 9 New Central, Western Mass Communities Turn 'Red' - Local Data Nine more Central and Western Massachusetts communities have been added to the state’s COVID-19 “red” list as infection rates climb across the state and nation. This week, Nov. 27, there are 31 Central and Western Massachusetts communities in the red - meaning that they are at the highest risk to spread the virus. Last week, Nov. 19, there were 21. The week before that, Nov. 12, there were 9. This week, the Massachusetts average daily COVID-19 rate per 100,000 people was 34.9. Newly added to the red list are Belchertown, East Longmeadow, Leicester, Millbury, Monson, Paxton, Rutland, Sutt…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
Thanksgiving Cancelled? Tips For A Safer Celebration During COVID-19 Thanksgiving Cancelled? Tips For A Safer Celebration During COVID-19
Thanksgiving Cancelled? Tips For A Safer Celebration During Covid-19 Thanksgiving can carry on this year, despite a surge in COVID-19 infections, but for celebrations to be safe, Massachusetts and the Centers for Disease Control have some suggestions. For starters, the CDC would prefer if everyone stayed home this Thanksgiving and had virtual feasts via Zoom with friends and family. But recognizing many people are going to see their loved ones on Thanksgiving, the CDC offered advice. In a new public information blast, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reminded Bay State residents that: - No more than 10 people can attend a private indoor party,…

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by Kristin Palpini