The Massachusetts Department of Public Health [DPH] has revised its Public Health Advisory on Monday, May 18, aimed at encouraging residents to stay at home as businesses start a phased reopening across the state.
The Safer-at-Home Advisory urges residents at elevated risk for COVID-19, those over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions, to continue to stay at home except for grocery shopping and attending to healthcare needs.
The advisory urges all residents to only leave home for healthcare, worship, working at businesses permitted to reopen, shopping and outdoor activities.
Patients using prescription drugs should seek 90-day supplies for medications and use mail-order services when allowed, according to the DPH.
The advisory also reinforces the requirement for all residents to cover their face when unable to maintain six feet of social distance.
The DPH also urges residents to:
- Refraining from close contact activities like sports.
- Parents to limit play dates for children.
- Refrain from visiting nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, or other residential care settings.
- Use remote modes of communication like phone or video chat instead of visiting friends or family who are high risk for COVID-19.
- Remain vigilant, monitor for symptoms and stay home if you feel sick.
