Coronavirus Virtual Forum

The Joint Committee on Public Health's March 4th Oversight Hearing on Coronavirus Response Efforts in the Commonwealth. You can read the report here.

As you know, mitigation efforts with regard to COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, are underway at a state and local level here in Massachusetts. Please tune in tonight at 6:00pm for Lexington's Coronavirus Virtual Forum hosted by the Lexington Office of Public Health and the Lexington Public Schools to discuss what we know and how we are responding to this continuing global public health concern.

Questions can be submitted through the website or twitter (#LexTalkHealth) and will be live streamed through LexMedia. 
 
You can also visit my webpage on local resources on Coronavirus response. Below you will find additional information and resources relative to efforts underway in the Commonwealth.
 
Today, I have been in constant contact with state and local officials as we discuss our response to the pandemic. Actions such as cancellations are being taken as preventative measures aimed at slowing the spread of the virus and ensuring safety in our communities. This is not a time for fear, but rather one for us all to take steps to lessen our risk of spreading disease.

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water (20 seconds of scrubbing) or use alcohol-based hand cleaners (cover all surfaces and rub until dry).
 
2. Cough/sneeze into a tissue (Dispose of used tissues immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands.)
 
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, which speeds the spread of infections.
 
4. Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
 
5. Stay home if you are sick. (See Attorney General Healey's guidance on sick time in several languages here.)

It is also important that, while we are being vigilant about hygiene, we remain compassionate and caring for our community. Earlier today, the Asian American Caucus hosted a press conference to respond to the many instances of unfounded bigotry toward the Asian American community in response to the Coronavirus. We must all be allies in our collective goal of mitigating the spread of this disease, and words of hate and division serve no purpose in that effort. COVID-19 does not discriminate based on skin color, and neither should people. If you witness someone being harassed due to their race or ethnicity, stand up, be an ally, and be there for your neighbor. We are all in this together.
 
Stay safe, and please don't hesitate to contact me if I can help.

More information

• Learn more about what the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is doing in response to COVID-19.​
• Information on Coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Learn more about best practices for your business from the CDC
• Learn more about what the City of Woburn has been doing in response to COVID-19.
• Learn more about what the Town of Lexington has been doing in response to COVID-19.
• Guidance from the CDC on preparing your household for pandemic flu.
• Statement on the start of testing by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory for COVID-19.