Important Message from the Town Manager

TOWN OF HULL

Town Manager’s Office

To All Residents:



The coronavirus’ impact across the Globe is causing illness, anxiety and disruption to daily life on a level that has not been experienced in recent memory.  As the effects of the virus impact the United States federal, state and local agencies are working together to coordinate an appropriate response to provide information and protection for the public.



The Mass Department of Public Health is the main agency charged with coordinating the state’s response with the federal government and to assist local board’s of health with any necessary actions on a local level. 



In Hull we have convened a working group to ensure that if the virus impacts Hull we will be prepared.  The team includes, Public Health Director Joyce Sullivan, Public Health Nurse Joan Taverna of the Board of Health, Police Chief Dunn, Fire Chief Russo, Superintendent of Schools Kuehn, Council on Aging Director Lawlor, Town Counsel Lampke, Deputy Fire Chief Frazier, Deputy Police Chief Reilly, School Facilities Manager DeGennaro and Town Manager Lemnios.



The Mass Department of Public Health is the conduit that will provide us with information regarding any resident that may present a risk, either by travelling from an area that has already been impacted or by coming into contact with someone who may have tested positive for the virus.  In the event we are notified of such a set of circumstances that individual will be assessed by our Board of Health staff to determine the appropriate action; most commonly a voluntary quarantine.  Federal and State law is clear that at no time can we release any information regarding the person that may be advised to self quarantine.  Public health response is not designed to shun individuals but rather to create strategies to protect and effectively implement practices that can shorten the impact of any public health risk.



Federal, state and local public health professionals are actively monitoring the situation and seeking to identify any person that may present a risk.  The appropriate medical response for each person that is at risk will be unique to that person’s situation. 



If there is a risk level that requires broader measures, for instance limits on public meetings or adjustments to public programs, sporting events, etc the public will be advised as expediently as possible consistent with the level of risk. 

The best protection for everyone at this point is still to take great personal care by following some simple yet effective steps:

·          Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·          Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

·          Stay home when you are sick.

·          Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

·          Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

·          Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

On behalf of our Team, Thank you,

Phil Lemnios

Town Manager