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Combating isolation and loneliness
During this time of social distancing, consider creative ways to fight isolation and loneliness which can worsen some mental health symptoms. Some tips include:
• Find a pen pal! Write a letter to a friend or family member. Writing has been shown to help people feel less sad or upset. Don’t forget to wash your hands after you get back from dropping the letter in the mailbox!
• Schedule a virtual “hangout” with friends or loved ones using an online video system such as FaceTime or Google Hangout.
• Call a neighbor or friend to check-in on how they are doing.
• If you are healthy, offer to run an errand for an elderly or infirm neighbor. Helping others can help us feel connected and gives us a sense of purpose during this difficult time. Be mindful to wash your hands before and after the errand and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between you and the person you are helping. Even seemingly healthy people can transmit illnesses.
• Go for a walk and simply wave or greet others from a safe distance.
• Social media can help us maintain connections to others, especially family and friends who live far away. Too much exposure, however, can make anxiety or depression worse. Be mindful of how much time on social media helps you feel connected and less alone versus overwhelmed.

There is a dedicated section for Mental Health on the Health Department’s coronavirus page listing these resources. Please, stay well, both physically and mentally.

PLEASE REMEMBER! As cabin fever starts creeping in and the weather starts improving, please remember that social distancing and staying at least 6 feet away from others not in your household applies to both indoors and outdoors. If you cannot stay at least 6 feet apart, please wear a cloth face covering or mask to stop the spread of the virus.

Here are some tips on staying safe outside:

• Carry a cloth face covering or mask with you to put on when you may cross paths with another person.
• If you are walking on the sidewalk and see somebody up ahead, cross the street when it is safe.
• Avoid crowded areas, such as conservation areas or more densely populated sections of town.
• Walk, run or bike during less popular times. It can definitely be difficult these days when there is only about 1-2 hours a day of no rain. If you think it’s going to see others, bring a face covering or mask with you to put on.
• Please!! NO TEAM SPORTS. Being active may cause additional virus particles to be expelled and sports such as basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, football, rugby, and so many others do not allow for the necessary space between players to prevent possible contamination.

We are constantly learning more about the spread of this virus every day. What we do know is that there are many more asymptomatic people than originally thought and people may be contagious up to 2 days before showing symptoms. Even if you feel fine, you may still be a carrier and you must take precautions to not spread the virus to others.

April 28, 2020
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration extended the essential services emergency order to May 18th and launched a Reopening Advisory Board that will produce a plan to the Governor by May 18th. The Administration also announced that the Department of Public Health’s Stay At Home Advisory remains in effect and gatherings of 10 or more people remain prohibited until May 18th.

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-extends-non-essential-business-closures-to-may-18th-announces

The Mansfield Coronavirus webpage (https://www.mansfieldma.com/536/Coronavirus-Information ) has been updated to include a link to the COVID-19 Public Resources Map and the Massachusetts COVIS-19 Response Dashboard. The Public Resources Map shows the location of resources available to the public, such as food banks, houses of worship and Project Bread site locations. The Dashboard is continuously updated and captures information about current COVID 19 case counts, cases by age, cases by county, hospital status, hospital bed status, death tolls, and deaths by age.

April 21, 2020 Update:
This afternoon, the Baker-Polito Administration announced extending the closure of all public and private schools through the end of the school year, and the closure of all non-emergency child care programs until June 29, 2020.

The state has provided some helpful links in addressing emotional and mental health issues for parents and children.

Please see our full update for more information.

Mask wearing is new to most all of us and can generate some important questions. Masks must be worn properly to be effective. Forbes has some great questions and answers to help us navigate through this new tool to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The full article by Tara Haelle, Senior Contributor, can be found at https://www.forbes.com/sites/tarahaelle/2020/04/07/everything-you-need-to-know-about-wearing-masks-until-the-cdc-tells-us-more/#355e82ff4bdb

-What’s the most important thing to do when wearing masks?

There are actually three things. First, wash or sanitize your hands, clean your face with a warm damp face cloth, and allow your face to dry before applying your mask. Second, avoid touching your face. Third, always wash or sanitize your hands before and after applying and removing your mask. When you remove your mask, take it off only from the ear straps, as seen in this video from the WHO.

-How do I manage using my cell phone while wearing my mask?

A 2018 survey shows people use their phones up to 52 times per day and that phones are 10 times dirtier than a public toilet—you don’t want to put the phone up against your mask. It will take a lot of effort to avoid reaching for your cell phone when it rings, so when you are out in public, such as visiting a grocery store, consider silencing your phone completely to avoid grabbing for it if it rings. You won’t be able to speak on it right away if your face is covered by the mask because it will sound muffled.
Be careful how you interact with your mask and your phone. Putting a contaminated phone up to your mask contaminates the mask. Pulling your mask down beneath your chin potentially contaminates your mask. Gently wiping down your phone with a 70% isopropyl alcohol or a disinfectant wipe is enough to remove the virus. Be careful not to set your phone down on surfaces and then apply it directly to your face.

-Should I be wearing a mask everywhere, including my home?

While the CDC recommends wearing a mask while out in public, for your safety, DO NOT wear the mask while driving if it inhibits your sight. The CDC has not made recommendations about wearing masks at home if no one has symptoms of COVID-19. If someone has cold symptoms in your home, they should wear masks in combination with social distancing, hand hygiene, and cough and sneeze etiquette.

You do not need to sleep in your mask. Your mask should be removed by the ear straps only, never by the front of the mask. The CDC has not specified whether it’s necessary to wear masks while taking walks or in public parks where there are few people or you are much more than six feet away.

-If I need to take my mask off in public, where do I put it until I can put it back on? What if I need to eat or drink something while wearing a mask?

There is limited research in this area, but think of your mask as a part of your face: Wash your hands before touching the mask and gently remove it only by the ear straps. For storing it, have a designated brown paper bag with you that you can place it in when not using it so you don’t set it down. If you are in public daily and will be wearing the mask for hours, change your brown paper bag daily.

When you use the bag, label one side “outside” for the outer side of the mask (the side that faces the public), and label the other “inside” for the inner part of the mask (the side near your mouth). Always put the mask in the bag with the inside part corresponding to the side marked “inside” so that you don’t contaminate it with what is on the outer-facing part of the mask.

-My mask is getting wet from condensation from my breath. Do I need to change it out?

In healthcare, using disposable masks helps with this problem, but if you are using a cloth mask and find that this happens often, determine if the cloth you have is breathable or too thick. The CDC suggests using a T-shirt, likely cotton, for DIY masks. However, this NBC story notes a study finding other fabrics may work better—this is an example of an area where more research is essential.

Sweat absorbable or moisture-wicking fabrics similar to Dryfit have not been tested, but they may help absorb moisture from breathing. Avoid waterproof materials. If fluid can’t travel through them then it may be challenging to breathe through them. A study that looked at the effectiveness of cloth masks notes the moisture inside of the masks as an issue and risk for germ transmission.

-How often do I wash my mask? Do I need more than one?

These questions deserve further scientific investigation and direction by the CDC, but until we have that guidance, these are my recommendations based on my experience and expertise. Ideally, masks should be changed after every wear, but this may not be possible for most people. Assuming no one in your home is sick, it depends on how many times you leave your home each day and each week how often you change it.

Try to have two masks for when the other is being laundered. How often you change it also depends on how long you’re wearing it and where you go in public. Everyone should be practicing social distancing, but in places like grocery stores, you might engage with people in closer proximity.

To avoid potential contamination from the mask, I suggest laundering it when you get home, especially if you don’t know the next time you’ll need it. This prevents you from having a potentially contaminated mask lingering around your home.

-What detergents should I use to wash my mask?

This question also deserves CDC research and guidance, but until then, we can only rely on limited evidence from studies about irritation from contact dermatitis. Many detergents can cause rashes, and most detergents have fragrance and enzyme ingredients that can cause pore-clogging or breakouts, so the best option is to use detergents free of fragrance and enzymes.

If you launder your masks with the rest of your laundry, rinse it for extra time in plain water to ensure fragrances are removed. You can also spray it with a 5% bleach solution and let it dry, but test this first to be sure it doesn’t irritate your skin. Treat your mask as if it is your face with the same sensitivity as your skin.

-Are there any chemicals, such as fabric softener or bleach, I shouldn’t use in sterilizing or washing my mask?

Again, treat your mask as if it has the same sensitivity as your skin since it will be up against your skin for long periods. It’s best to avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and any ingredients that might cause an allergic reaction, rashes or other symptoms, including fragrances that can cause headaches with long exposure. In addition, do not spray down masks with products such as Lysols and other disinfectants since their labels state that they may irritate the skin.

-Should I dry my mask in the dryer or air-dry it?

You can dry your mask in the dryer, but avoid using dryer sheets. For air drying it, hang it on a coat hanger, clothing line, or laundry drying rack.

-What does it mean to “fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face” against my face?

You should not see redness or deep lines in your face as a result of wearing your mask. Some people bruise more easily than others, but if you see an imprint in your skin, you should loosen your mask. There should be a full cupping around the nose and chin area with minimal space or opening on the side. If the mask makes it hard to breathe because it is pushing against your nose, loosen your mask. Skin breakdown and pressure sores can occur if the straps or mask is too tight. Furthermore materials such as rubber bands create tension.

-Will the mask catch all the droplets when I cough and sneeze?

No—you should still be coughing and sneezing into your elbow. Because the fabric has to be porous for you to breathe, droplets can still travel through. The mask helps decrease the amount of droplets that would travel from your mouth or nose if your face were uncovered. It may also help reduce droplets that would travel from others to your face, though the existing evidence for preventing infection this way is weak unless someone is directly coughing into your face.

-Who should not wear a mask?

The CDC currently recommends against masks for children under 2 and “anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.”

-What should I do if someone sneezes or coughs on the outside of my mask?

Immediately turn away from the person and remove the mask by the straps. If you are in public, discard the mask immediately to avoid transmitting potential germs on the outside of the mask to yourself or others. Throw it away if it’s disposable or you can make another. If it’s a cloth mask you need to keep, place it in your paper bag. Wash your hands immediately after removal. Remember to continue social distancing while wearing your mask.

Update April 15, 2020:
In the time of coronavirus, people are unsure about what the best way to shop is. Here are a couple articles to help you navigate through the process in the safest way.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/04/12/832269202/no-you-dont-need-to-disinfect-your-groceries-but-here-s-to-shop-safely?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20200413&utm_term=4518981&utm_campaign=the-new-normal&utm_id=51511347&orgid=330

https://www.npr.org/2020/04/10/832131832/keeping-safe-while-grocery-shopping-during-the-pandemic

And if you enjoy podcasts, check out this one:
https://www.npr.org/transcripts/833676510

4/13/2020 Update:
The Board of Health had a virtual meeting last week to discuss the COVID19 pandemic response. It can be viewed on Mansfield Cable Access via this link.

With spring approaching, along with some warmer weather, please remember the importance of social distancing. Follow the link below to hear a public service announcement from a few of our community members in the battle against COVID-19. We think you will recognize a few of these faces. Stay home. Stay safe.

Links available in full article.

Update April 6, 2020:
Over the weekend, the CDC came out with new guidance on steps that we can all take to stop the spread of the coronavirus: Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
It is now believed that there could be up to 25% of people infected with coronavirus who have no symptoms. And it also appears that people may be shedding the virus up to 48 hours before symptoms. If you are an unknowing carrier of the virus, wearing a cloth face covering will help stop the transmission of virus from you to others. If we all wear cloth face coverings, the chance of spread will be greatly reduced.
There are other benefits to wearing face coverings. A cloth face covering acts as a reminder to you, the wearer, to not touch your face directly without washing your hands thoroughly. It is also a reminder to people who see you wearing the face cover that it is essential we all keep our distance of at least 6 feet from each other during this pandemic.
Please know that wearing a cloth face covering is an additional tool we have to slow the spread of the virus. This does not replace the messages you have heard over and over again:
• Wash and/or sanitize your hands often
• Don’t touch your face
• Practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
• (New) Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

Please see full update for links...

April 2, 2020 Update:
At last night’s Select Board meeting, the Town Health Agent and Fire Chief reported on the actions being taken in Mansfield to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. You can watch it here:

3/31/2020 Update
The message from both the state and federal government is clear, cases of COVID-19 are increasing and we all must do our part to stop the spread: stay home as much as possible and follow social distancing guidelines. Distance is our single biggest weapon in battling COVID19.
COVID-19 Task Force understands what is being asked can be anywhere from inconvenient to extremely difficult. At the local level, enforcement actions are being taken by the task force to slow the spread of the coronavirus to protect the residents and employees of the Town of Mansfield and in turn the entire public. We have worked hard to educate residents on why these measures are essential both in our alert messages and on our webpage. Please know if you have any questions, the Health Department is available to answer them.
In accordance with the extended timeline announced at Governor Baker’s press conference held today, March 31st, the town of Mansfield will continue with the following actions until no sooner than May 4th.
Municipal buildings are closed to the public.
Mansfield Public Schools are closed but continue to provide Grab-and-Go breakfast and lunch for students on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 10am-11am. Please see their website here for more information.
The library offers online services only. Please check out their website here for more information.
The COA is closed but continues to deliver Meals on Wheels using best practices.
Mansfield Recycling and Composting Green is closed. Homeowners can purchase compostable brown bags locally and store leaves and brush at their home until the Green is able to open. When it is safe to open the Green, the staff is committed to extending the days and hours as necessary to accommodate any additional volume.
Municipal playgrounds and fields remain closed for any group and team sports and gatherings for more than 10 people. The fields are open for walking, running, or biking but people must practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from others nearby.
Municipal employees will continue to provide essential services while working remotely as best as possible. At this point, to protect both the residents and the employees from any kind of virus spread, only emergency inspections for the building, conservation and public health departments will be conducted.
The COVID-19 Task Force continues to enforce the Governor’s Order for non-essential businesses to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. Curbside pickup is not allowed.
This is the most essential time to work together to do our part in flattening the curve. April will be a month of sacrifice for everybody, some more than others. But with all these efforts, we can literally save lives. The entire COVID-19 Task Force thanks you all for your understanding and assistance in stopping the spread of this deadly virus.

3/30/2020 Update
Over the weekend, the White House extended its social distancing guidelines through April 30th. This continues the request for people to avoid social gatherings involving groups of 10 or more, stay away from public spaces, avoid discretionary travel and practice increased hygiene.
Here in MA, Governor Baker has ordered a Stay-at-Home Advisory recommending all residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary activities including travel. Residents should be actively practicing social distancing at all times. Governor Baker has also issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. Please note if a business is not essential as defined by the Massachusetts government, there should not be any employees in the building. Any questions can be directed to the Health Department about any of the Governor’s orders at 508-261-7366 or Health@mansfieldma.com.
We understand these are unprecedented times that are requiring strict action by government at every level. Everyone in Massachusetts has an important role to play to slow the transmission of this virus. Every instance of potential exposure that can be eliminated is an important step for that individual and for our community. Thank you all for your cooperation.

Update March 30, 2020
Over the weekend, the White House extended its social distancing guidelines through April 30th. This continues the request for people to avoid social gatherings involving groups of 10 or more, stay away from public spaces, avoid discretionary travel and practice increased hygiene.

Here in MA, Governor Baker has ordered a Stay-at-Home Advisory recommending all residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary activities including travel. Residents should be actively practicing social distancing at all times. Governor Baker has also issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. Please note if a business is not essential as defined by the Massachusetts government, there should not be any employees in the building. Any questions can be directed to the Health Department about any of the Governor’s orders at 508-261-7366 or Health@mansfieldma.com.

We understand these are unprecedented times that are requiring strict action by government at every level. Everyone in Massachusetts has an important role to play to slow the transmission of this virus. Every instance of potential exposure that can be eliminated is an important step for that individual and for our community. Thank you all for your cooperation.

Update March 27, 2020:

The COVID-19 Task Force continues to promote and emphasize the best public health practices to slow the spread of the coronavirus by residents and town employees alike: wash your hands often, avoid close contact, work from home if you can, stay home when you’re sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wear a facemask if you are sick and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

At the Governor’s Press conference today, the governor called on all travelers arriving in Massachusetts to self-quarantine for 14 days. There will be information about this request at the major transportation hubs, such as Logan International Airport, South Station and Worcester Airport. There will be messages displayed on roadside message boards and fliers will be available at rest stops on the Mass Pike.

With so many people making sacrifices, we cannot emphasize enough the need for everybody to practice social distancing. Please note, all public parks and fields are closed to team or group sports or gatherings of 10 or more people. If there are less than 10 people, they still must practice social distancing leaving 6 feet between each other. Local law enforcement has reported throughout the week that youth are gathering at local fields at which point they are informed that they cannot be there. It is unacceptable that public safety resources are being used to enforce this. The official Public Notice stating the closure can be found on the Coronavirus webpage.

With the influx of pertinent information, the Coronavirus webpage was revamped to be more user-friendly with designated tabs. This includes town business during coronavirus, food establishments offering takeout or drive-through service, state-designated essential services, task force updates, COVID-19 testing guidelines, and information about social distancing, mental health services, hand washing and general information about coronavirus with links and videos from the CDC.

Finally, thank you to all the residents who are doing their best to adhere to public health recommendations. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread of this disease and flattening the curve. We really appreciate the sacrifices you are making for the public’s health.

Update 3/25/2020

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 are on the rise as testing becomes more readily available and the coronavirus spreads. In Mansfield, there are now 5 confirmed case of COVID-19 and 24 residents self-quarantining.
Social Distancing

Social distancing continues to be an extremely important tool we have to reduce the spread. At Governor Baker’s press conference held this afternoon, March 25, 2020, at 3:30pm, it was announced that all public and private elementary and secondary schools and all non-emergency childcare programs will remain closed no sooner than Monday, May 4th. The Coronavirus webpage now contains additional information about social distancing and ways to practice it. Although sit down meals are prohibited in food establishments, there is also a list of local restaurants that continue to remain open, offered for takeout or delivery. Please share your ideas on how to practice social distancing responsibly at Health@mansfieldma.com and we can add them to our list.

Finally, Massachusetts COVID-19 text alerts can be sent directly to your phone by texting COVIDMA to 888-777

Update March 23, 2020:

MUNICIPAL BUSINESS
Please note that to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public, Mansfield Town Government is working remotely to continue to provide services to the town. Town Departments can be reached through email and by leaving voicemail messages. All non-emergency inspections, including building, electrical, plumbing and gas fitting, septic, and housing, have been put on hold through April 7th at which time it will be re-evaluated. Please contact the appropriate inspectional department through email or voicemail for more information. We understand that this will be disruptive and we appreciate your patience as we work through this unprecedented event.

GOVERNOR BAKER ISSUES NEW ORDERS
This morning, to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 Governor Baker issued the “Order Assuring Continued Operation of Essential Services in the Commonwealth, Closing Certain Workplaces, and Prohibiting Gatherings of More than 10 People.” This will be effective Tuesday, March 24, at noon and will run until April 7, 2020. All non-essential businesses will have to close their physical workspaces and facilities to customers and the public. Please see the attached links: (Please see our website link below)

March 23, 2020 Essential Services And Revised Gatherings Order

COVID-19 Essential Services

March 23 Assemblage Guidance

If you operate a business and believe you are an essential service, please confirm so with the list of COVID-19 Essential Services list linked above. If you are unsure, please contact the Health Department at 508-261-7366 or Health@mansfieldma.com. The Health Department is working remotely but is connected to email and phones during regular business hours.

Update March 23, 2020: Notice of current state of municipal business due to COVID-19

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic and in efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus by limiting personal interactions, Mansfield Town Government is working remotely to continue to provide services to the town. Town Departments can be reached through email and by leaving voicemail messages.

3/20/2020 Update:
Please visit our website for an update on resources for those released from quarantine, information on managing anxiety and stress, and information on a helpline for those with questions.

Update: March 18, 2020
Please visit our website for an update on Closed Municipal Fields and updated information on Travelers from Countries with Widespread Sustained (Ongoing) Transmission Arriving in the United States.

Update: March 17, 2020
Please visit our website for an update on gatherings of children and adolescents, testing guidelines, and new important web links.

Update: March 16, 2020
The COVID-19 Task Force would like to provide you with an update of the most recent information as of 3/16/2020 as we continue to monitor this situation closely. Furthermore, we understand how difficult this time is for everyone as this virus has caused a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety. However, we want you to know that we remain vigilant as we work on a path forward.

Please see the Public Health Department's Coronovirus Information Page for the full update.

Update: March 13, 2020
The following link contains the official Town response to Coronavirus: