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ASHLAND – The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has added Ashland to its list of high-risk or red communities for the coronavirus, this week.
This is the first week the Town of Ashland has been a red community, since the state began categorizing communities.
The Commonwealth said Ashland has averaged 11.0 new cases per 100,000 people over the last 14 days. The threshold for red community is 8.0.
Thirty-four individuals have tested positive for the virus in Ashland over the last two weeks.
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“Town of Ashland recorded COVID-19 cases rising, which moves our community from “Yellow” to “Red,” per the Department of Public Health’s reporting standards. This information is fluid. Our community currently reports 29 open cases; however, of these 29 cases, 13 of the cases resulted from a single “cluster.” This cluster was quickly identified and isolated, in order to prevent a further spread. Also, all close contacts were also identified and quarantined,” said Ashland Town Manager Michael Herbert.
“This is a prime example of why we need to follow CDC guidelines and be vigilant. If we do so, we can keep our community safe. The red zone is a reminder to be mindful of our actions,” said Herbert.
Ashland joins the City of Framingham which has been red for 8 consecutive weeks. Other red communities in MetroWest include City of Marlborough and the Town of Hopkinton.
Ashland tested 1,537 people over the last two weeks, with a positive rate of 2.21% for Covid over the last 14 days.
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The Town Manager reminded residents:
- Do not leave your home if you feel sick
- Do not send your child to school with any symptoms
- If you feel unwell, please, get tested
- Keep maintaining social distancing standards
- Remain 6 feet away from others
- Wear a face covering/mask
MetroWest Medical Center