COVID-19 status, Worthington:
To date, there have been no positive cases reported in Worthington by the Mass Department of Health.
Tests have been performed on 101 separate individuals. All have been negative. A small number of individuals (4) have tested negative two times. While we remain relatively safe, please be aware that cases are starting to rise again in Massachuetts as a whole as they are in the neighboring state of New York.
Reopening now at Phase III, Stage 1:
We are currently in Phase III, Stage 1, of reopening. Updated guidance for Phase III has been issued by the state:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-retail-businesses
–Masking, handwashing, and 6 ft. separation requirements are still in full effect.
–Self-quarantine:
All travelers arriving to Massachusetts – including Massachusetts residents returning home – are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, except that, beginning July 1, 2020, travelers from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and New Jersey arriving in Massachusetts are exempt. (Jul 2, 2020). The exempt states might change along with accelerating rates of infections in other states.
Outdoor occupancy limits/Conwell School Playground:
Outdoor occupancy limits are as follows: Outdoor enclosed spaces (e.g., with walls or fences), 8 people per 1000 sq. ft. with a maximum of 25 if able to sustain 6 ft. of distancing, masks must be worn where distancing isn’t possible (unless under age 2 or medically unable). Outdoor unenclosed spaces: up to 100 people total with distancing, masks, etc. The Conwell School Playground is open to the public with a maximum occupancy of 24 people and adult supervision of young children required. Mask-wearing (for those over 2 and medically able) and 6 ft-distancing among unrelated groups are also required. Handwashing or disinfecting of hands before andafter using the playground is highly recommended.
–Reusable bags now permitted in retail stores.
–FDA hand sanitizer warning:
The FDA has warned that certain hand sanitizers contain methanol and are considered potentially toxic to users. The list of identified sanitizers can be found at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-methanol