News Flash

COVID-19 Data

• According to public health data from the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) released last week, the Town’s designation remains “yellow,” indicating a “medium risk” of spread in the community. 
• There have been 88 new cases of COVID-19 in Hingham over the past 14 days, and a total of 1,611 cases in Hingham since the start of the pandemic.
• The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Hingham was 26.2 per 100,000 residents, and our percent positivity rate was 2.46% for the previous 14 days.
• As of today, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts totaled 559,975.
• Public health metrics have been trending in a positive direction statewide, including drops in average daily COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates. 
• However, we are seeing a slight uptick in cases following February school vacation, so please continue to exercise caution.   

Vaccine Rollout

• According to DPH’s daily COVID-19 vaccine report, over 758,000 people in Massachusetts have been fully vaccinated as of today.  86% of the total doses shipped to our state have been reported as administered. 
• At this time, all Phase 1 priority groups as well as the first two priority groups in Phase 2 are eligible to receive the vaccine in Massachusetts.  Eligible Phase 2 individuals include people age 65+, individuals with two or more certain medical conditions, and residents and staff of low-income and affordable senior housing. 
• In addition, beginning this Thursday, March 11^th, K-12 and early childhood educators, child care workers, and K-12 school staff will become eligible to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments. 
• The state recently updated its travel guidance with respect to individuals who have been fully vaccinated as follows:
  1. If you have gotten two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines or one dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms, you do not need to have a negative test before traveling to Massachusetts or quarantine when you arrive.  If asked, you must show documentation of your vaccination, including the date(s) given.
  2. If you are vaccinated and have symptoms of COVID-19, you must continue to follow the Governor’s Travel Order and related testing and quarantine requirements.
• In addition, if you were fully vaccinated more than 14 days ago, you are not required to quarantine if you are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19.  However, you should continue to wear a mask.  
• While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from others.

Reopening Plans

• The Town continues to closely monitor public health data and assess our plans to reopen public buildings.  We are working on plans to gradually reopen municipal facilities, including Town Hall and Town offices, the Hingham Public Library, expanded Recreation programs, and the Senior Center. 
• Our top priority remains the health and safety of our residents, Town employees, and business owners, and we will continue to keep the public informed of our plans as they progress.