FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2020
Good evening Fitchburg Residents,
I am pleased to report that UMassMemorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital has opened a testing tent for drive-through screening of COVID-19 on their Leominster Campus. The drive-up tent will only test patients who have a doctor’s order to be tested. The tent will be open between 10am and 2pm, Monday through Friday. Patients must call 978-466-2627 to register.
Our Health Director, Steven Curry, announced today that Fitchburg has experienced its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The individual has been released from the hospital is feeling better and at home resting and recovering. The individual is under isolation regulations as determined by the Mass. Department of Public Health, and one household contact will be ordered quarantined.
A confirmed COVID-19 shows that residents still need to protect themselves:
Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
Per Order of the Commissioner of Public Works (DPW) all City playgrounds and dog parks are hereby closed to the public until the COVID-19 State of Emergency is lifted.
Parks, fields, courts, and tracks continue to be open but the public is ordered to avoid large gatherings. Please exercise social distancing and avoid touching common surfaces.
As a reminder we implemented a COVID-19 resource page on our website, found on our homepage. I encourage you all to sign-up under the “Notify Me” link under this resource page. When updates are made available you will be notified by text or email.
Our Health Director is still looking for volunteer nurses to answer COVID-19 related questions from our residents. If you are interested, please email Health Director Steven Curry at scurry@fitchburgma.gov.
Over the coming weekend, our Health Department, Public Safety Personnel, and I will continue to meet and make updates to the public, as necessary.
This week has been one of the most challenging times for our city. With the teamwork and leadership of our Department Heads, we have been able to make several decisions to continue services to the public, while protecting our employees. I would also like to thank our non-profit and area organizations for stepping up to the plate, combining resources, and continue to provide essential services to populations most in need. Finally, our municipal staff and personnel are by far the most dedicated group of individuals. We have several more weeks ahead of us that will push our city to the limits – I have faith that these individuals will continue to make us all proud.
Please have a safe and healthy weekend,
Mayor Stephen L. DiNatale.