4 February, 2020
Dear Residents of Hopkinton:
The Health Department would like to formally address the community's concern about
the risk of novel Coronavirus in the Town of Hopkinton. We acknowledge that outbreaks
of new virus infections among people are always of public health concern and are
working to make sure you are updated with information as it is released from the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH).
Even with the identification of a Coronavirus case in Boston, the CDC and MDPH
consider the transmission risk of 2019-nCoV in Hopkinton to be low at this time.
Current research indicates that the novel Coronavirus is spread by droplets produced
when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. Risk of transmission of this virus is
directly related to contact with an individual currently infected. Flights from China are no
longer permitted to land at Logan International Airport. As of 5:00 p.m. on 2/2/2020,
under newly imposed Federal restrictions, passengers that have visited the Hubei
province will be screened for contact with sick individuals and then quarantined for 14
days at a designated military installation. Information about this new Federal restriction is
rapidly changing and will be updated on the MDPH web-site dedicated to this event and
provided below. Infected individuals are not permitted to circulate amongst the general
public.
The Hopkinton Health Department is in daily contact with the MDPH and updated with
evolving information concerning 2019-nCoV by the CDC. Any diagnosis and/or suspicion
of a communicable disease is immediately shared amongst the attending physician, the
Hopkinton Health Department and the MDPH. The Department is pushing this
information and updates to the physicians and physician practices in Hopkinton. At this
time, there are no confirmed cases or persons under investigation for 2019-nCoV in
Hopkinton.
There are preventative measures you can implement to protect yourself and your family.
As with any outbreak of respiratory illness, frequent hand washing with soap and warm
water for at least 20 seconds is your first line of defense. Avoid touching your face or
eyes and cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing.
The Hopkinton Health Department is committed to keep the community informed and to
reduce risk for exposure to any communicable disease. The Health Department is
available to answer any questions or concerns and can be reached at (508) 497-9725.
MDPH Coronavirus Web-site:
For More Information about Corona Virus.
