Governor Baker Releases Additional Community-Level COVID-19 Data

Taunton Among Communities at Moderate Risk

BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration released additional data on community level spread of COVID-19 in order to target additional resources and implement community specific strategies to stop the spread of the virus.

While Massachusetts has seen an overall decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations since May, there has been a slight uptick in certain communities in recent days. Based on the average daily cases per 100,000 residents, each city or town has been designated as a higher risk, moderate risk, or lower risk community. 33 communities have been designated as higher risk or moderate risk. Taunton has been designated as a moderate risk community. Any city or town designated higher risk or moderate risk is considered to have a higher level of COVID infection and will receive additional support from the Commonwealth to address the spread of the virus.

State Representative Carol Doherty (D-Taunton) is advising residents to stay vigilant. “Now is not the time for people to let down their guard when it comes to the virus. We will get through this pandemic by listening to the public health experts and each doing our part to stop the spread of the virus,” said Representative Doherty.

Last week, Governor Baker announced a targeted cross-agency COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team that will be responsible for ramping up enforcement statewide and coordinating intervention efforts at the local level in these higher risk COVID-19 communities. Member agencies include the Executive Office and Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), who will serve as coordinators of the team, the Command Center, the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), the Department of Labor Standards (DLS), the Division of Professional Licensure (DPL), the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Division of Local Services (DLS), the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) and the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS).

Statewide enforcement and intervention supports will include:

• Increased enforcement (including fines and cease-and-desist orders) of sector guidance for businesses and organizations to ensure that they are aware of and are following COVID-19 orders;
• Targeted public messaging to alert residents of higher risk COVID communities (road signs, PSAs, reverse 911, etc.);
• Technical support to local government officials to support enhanced local COVID-19 prevention efforts, such as assistance in accessing CARES Act funding;
• Potential restrictions or shutdowns for parks, playgrounds, businesses, or other entities and locations believed to be contributing to the COVID-19 spread in higher risk COVID-19 communities;
• Additional public health support such as testing, tracing, and quarantining.

Governor Baker indicated that, based on the contact tracing data, large private gatherings have become a significant problem. He reminded residents of his updated order around gatherings, which went into effect today. The order:

• Reduces the limit on outdoor gatherings from 100 to 50 people (indoor gatherings limit will remain at 25 people);
• Applies these limits to all types of gatherings, on both public and private property;
• Requires face coverings where more than 10 people from different households will be mixing.

“Continue to follow the guidelines we have been following all along: wear a mask, wash your hands, socially distance. As we reopen, respect the Governor’s orders on gatherings and other matters. Together we will get through this.” Doherty said.

Going forward, this information will be updated and included in the Department of Public Health’s weekly public health dashboard, which is published each Wednesday.