New state measures implemented as covid-19 cases spike

Nov 10, 2020

According to the state’s weekly report, released Nov. 6, Wareham has seen 32 new cases in the last two weeks, bringing the town’s total number of cases during the duration of the pandemic to 313.

Wareham also has an average daily incidence rate of 9.5 cases per 100,000 people, in the last 14 days. Given Wareham’s population, this means there were about 2 new cases each day over the last two weeks.

In the last 14 days, Wareham has conducted 1,221 covid-19 tests with a positivity rate of 3.36 percent, according to the state’s report.

On the evening of Nov. 10, there were 8 people hospitalized who had tested positive for covid-19 at Tobey Hospital, according to Shawn Badgley, the public information officer for Southcoast Health.

“We are definitely approaching the fall and winter as if there will be another peak, another surge in cases,” Badgley said. “In fact, the trends we’re seeing now would indicate that we’re amid that next surge.”

He said Southcoast Health is “recommending with great urgency” that people in Wareham and elsewhere take the virus seriously. He emphasized the importance of practices such as wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding indoor gatherings whenever possible.

In response to spikes in covid-19 around the state, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a new set of covid-19 safety measures. The new orders took effect on Friday, Nov. 6.

The measures included a new curfew, updated mask order and new restrictions for some businesses. Under the new guidelines, Baker asked residents to be in their homes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily and wear face-coverings in all public places, even when it is possible to maintain a 6 foot distance from others. 

The new guidelines also require some businesses and activities to shut down early. Restaurants are required to stop table service at 9:30 p.m., although they can continue to offer carry out after that time. Liquor stores must stop selling alcohol sales at 9:30 p.m. and some other businesses including golf courses, movie theaters, zoos and museums are also affected by the 9:30 early closure rule. 

More information about the new orders can be found on the governor’s website.