By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – On Dec. 14, 77 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Shrewsbury, bringing the cumulative caseload to 1,132. Residents had already received an alert Dec. 11 that the state had designated the town as a “high risk (Red) community.”
As such, Dec. 14, all municipal buildings will be closed to the public including no in-building appointments. The library will allow for pick up services and public safety buildings will be open for emergency services.
Last week, Town Manager Kevin Mizikar shared with the Selectmen at their Dec. 8 meeting that the number of positive COVID-19 cases have seen a dramatic up tick since October, with 526 new cases bringing the total to 958. Since then, 174 additional cases have been reported – they are reported each weekday.
The daily incidence per 100,000 people in the population as of Dec. 8 was reported as 37.98 and the positivity rate of those being tested was 5.39 percent which qualifies Shrewsbury to be moved into the highest risk category. New information will be released on Thursday, Dec. 17.
Information provided by the town website said, “Town departments have the ability to work remotely and will do so to the greatest extent possible and will continue to work in the building on a rotating schedule. Please be advised that because of this, response times may be delayed. In-person appointments will resume when conditions allow us to do so. To reach a specific department, visit the staff directory at https://shrewsburyma.gov/Directory.aspx. More information on reopening can be found at www.shrewsburyma.gov/reopening.”
According to a press release issued Dec. 14 by Mizikar’s office, “We are seeing community spread. We are not seeing spread in our schools or congregate type settings. We are urging residents to consider their own responsibility to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.”
Residents are reminded to wear a mask, wash their hands, keep their distance, clean and disinfect touched surfaces frequently, stay home if sick or if a household member is sick and waiting for test results and to get tested.
For more information, visit www.shrewsburyma.gov or call 508-841-8508.
