Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting a new positive test for Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Massachusetts.
The State Public Health Laboratory completed the test of specimens from a Norfolk County woman in her 20’s on the evening of March 2. The woman recently traveled to Italy with a school group and is symptomatic. She is recovering at home.
The diagnosis is considered presumptive until those specimens are tested and the diagnosis confirmed by the Center of Disease Control (CDC).
If confirmed, this would be the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts public health officials have tested 12 residents for COVID-19 since January. The first confirmed case, a Boston man in his 20’s who had recently returned from Wuhan, China, was announced on Feb. 1.
As of last Wednesday, Feb. 26, 608 people have been subject to self quarantine in Massachusetts due to COVID-19 and 377 have completed monitoring. The remaining 231 are currently quarantined. State officials will be updating this information each Wednesday.
Individuals who are in voluntary self-quarantine are monitored by local boards of health.
There have been more than 60 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the US. Today the CDC reported four deaths related to the virus, making the US total now six. All six died in the state of Washington.
DPH reports that the risk of COVID-19 to Massachusetts residents remains low. However, the risk of the flu is high and the steps to prevention are the same. Their recommendations:
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes and face.
- Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and counter tops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Stay home when feeling sick.
- Get a flu shot.
More information from DPH is available at mass.gov/2019coronavirus.
