WILMINGTON, MA — At Monday night’s Board of Selectmen Meeting, Town Health Director Shelly Newhouse provided an update on the town’s COVID-19 response.
“It’s been a very busy, long weekend,” said Newhouse. “I posted an update earlier today that Wilmington has 17 positive cases and [an additional] 16 quarantined. Just during this meeting, I received notice of another positive, so we’re up to 18.”
Newhouse expects a surge in increases in Wilmington, in the state, and in the country over the next two weeks.
Newhouse noted that none of the town’s positive cases to date have been released yet. They must be in isolation for two weeks and be asymptotic prior to release.
Newhouse mentioned that she’s been getting a lot of complaints about large gatherings and people not respecting six-feet distances at places like Market Basket.
“I can’t be the social distancing police,” Newhouse cautioned. “I ask people to try to police themselves. Keep social distancing tips in mind.”
In response to a question from Selectman Jonathan Eaton, Newhouse said she will continue to report the number of positive and quarantined resident in town. Newhouse noted the state is asking municipalities not to put out those numbers, but she noted many Boards of Health aren’t happen with that recommendation.
“[That recommendation] lacks transparency,” said Newhouse. “As long as we just report the number, we’ll be OK with that. We’re not breaching anyone’s privacy by just reporting the case numbers.”
In response to a question from Selectman Kevin Caira, Newhouse said she would not be giving out individuals’ neighborhoods or ages. She did say, however, that the positive cases in Wilmington aren’t just the elderly, and a good number of those that tested positive are ages 30 to 45. She also noted that many of those in quarantine, but not positive, have positive family members.
Newhouse also clarified that her Health Department is conducting contract tracing when they receive word from the state that a Wilmington resident has tested positive. Anyone that recently spent time with the infected — less than 6 feet apart for greater than 15 minutes — will be notified. This has typically been household members and co-workers. The town tracks their positive cases and quarantined individuals through an electronic health reporting system called “Maven.”
Newhouse encourages the town to follow the Health Department on Facebook and visit the Health Department’s website for accurate information.
Selectman Greg Bendel noted he’s impressed by the community’s response to COVID-19. He cited the Wilmington CARES movement started by Christina Bentley and the ongoing Teddy Bear Hunt in town.
“I can go on and on with how this community has come together — without physically coming together,” said Bendel. “Residents and businesses are doing their part.”
Town Manager Jeff Hull singled out a couple of local businesses for recent donations to the Wilmington Senior Center. AJ’s Kitchen recently delivered nearly 70 breakfast sandwiches to be distributed to seniors, while Lucci’s donated toilet paper for care packages to seniors.
Wilmington Veterans Director Lou Cimaglia called in to thank the Board of Selectmen and Town Manager Jeff Hull for their leadership and communication during the COVID-19 response. He also reminded residents that his department is still functioning. Contact him at 978-694-2040 or veterans@wilmingtonma.gov if there’s a local veteran in need during these times.
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