Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

The coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) is a contagious disease that is infecting people across the United States. This webpage will provide Brewster residents with information about Town activities related to the coronavirus, as well as trustworthy sources of additional information.

What is Coronavirus and How Does It Spread?
Coronavirus is a respiratory infection that can be spread from one person to another. It appears to spread between people who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Coronavirus Symptoms
This coronavirus (COVID-19) causes respiratory (lung) infection. Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• In more serious case, pneumonia (a lung infection) may develop

Coronavirus Prevention
There are actions you and your family can take to protect yourselves from the coronavirus:

• Wear a mask or face covering in any public setting (indoors or outdoors) and when in the presence of others other than your household family members.
• Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration of at least 60%
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Put distance between yourself and others if we experience coronavirus in our community – especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick. Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions are at higher risk.
• If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve.
• Routinely clean hard surfaces and areas where germs may collect.

Coronavirus Treatment
There are no treatments or vaccine for COVID-19. Patients can receive treatment to relieve symptoms - for example, medications for cough and fever.

Coronavirus Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready
Review this CDC guidance so your home is prepared. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/checklist-household-ready.html

Travel from Out of State and High Risk Areas

• If you recently returned from travel to out-of-state areas or overseas, the Center for Disease Control and MA Dept. of Public Health request that you self-quarantine for a period of fourteen (14) days from the date you entered back into Massachusetts.

Coronavirus Information Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH): https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
• World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center (includes statistics on confirmed cases around the world): https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

A Caution About Untrustworthy Coronavirus Information
Make sure you get your information from trusted sources, and that you follow guidance from the CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Brewster Health Department.

Self-Quarantine
In some cases, people may be directed to “self-quarantine” if they are suspected of having the coronavirus or recently traveled to a country with many cases.

• Self-quarantine (or home isolation) means you:
  • Stay at home except for getting medical care.
  • Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, and taxis.
  • Stay away from other people and pets in your home and use a separate bathroom if possible.
  • No visitors should come to your home.
  • If you need medical care, call ahead for guidance unless it is an emergency.
  • Avoid sharing household items.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Wear a facemask if around other people.
  • Cover your sneezes and coughs with a tissue.
  • Monitor for any symptoms, or worsening symptoms.
  • Discontinue self-quarantine only in consultation with a health care provided.

The Brewster Health Department

• If you have questions about the coronavirus, contact the Brewster Health Department at (508) 896-3701 ext. 1120 or by email.

Amy von Hone, Health Director
avonhone@brewster-ma.gov

Sherrie McCullough, Assistant Health Director
smccullough@brewster-ma.gov

Tammi Mason, Senior Department Assistant
tmason@brewster-ma.gov