Data
- DPH is reporting that the 7-day statewide average of confirmed COVID-19 cases has declined substantially, from to 839 on February 27 to 648 on March 6.
- Statewide hospitalizations have fallen, from 445 on February 25 to 319 on March 4.
- The latest data show the Hingham case count is declining. DPH reported a 14-day daily incidence rate of 27 cases in Hingham through February 24. On March 3, DPH reported a 14-day daily incidence rate of 17 cases in Hingham.
- It is important to note that many residents are now taking home-based testing which is most often not reported and therefore not in these statistics. As a result we are assuming that the actual number of positive cases is higher than these statistics show.
COVID-19 Test kit distribution
- The Town of Hingham has received over 8,000 rapid antigen test kits from Plymouth County
- The Town conducted two successful distribution days for Hingham residents, and is now making additional tests available for pickup, at the following locations:
- Hingham Police Station, 212 Central St.
- Hingham Fire Station, 339 Main St.
- Hingham Recreation office, Hingham Town Hall and Hingham Health Department, 210 Central St.
- Hingham Farmers Market at Wompatuck State Park Visitors Center, 204 Union St.
- Hingham Senior Center, 224 Central St.
Hingham Schools’ Pediatric Vaccination Clinic
- On March 5, HPS conducted a vaccination clinic at Hingham Middle School, administering vaccinations to 26 Hingham residents.
Masking Policy
- On March 4, I announced my lifting of the masking policy, effective Monday, March 7, 2022 reversing the policy I instituted on September 7, 2021
- The decision to lift the policy was made based on the reduction of the number of reported COVID-19 cases in Hingham, high vaccination rates among Hingham residents, and statewide hospitalization trends.
- On Feb. 28, Hingham Public Schools implemented a mask-optional policy in its buildings and on its busses.
- On March 3, the Hingham Board of Health lifted its mask advisory.
- Taken together, these decisions leave masking an individual’s option in all town-owned buildings.
COVID Command Group
- Effective today this group, led by Fire Chief Steve Murphy, decided to shift to bi-weekly meetings. This group will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and coordinate Town actions as needed. I will also be reducing the frequency of these COVID-19 reports. Of course, as new news occurs, I will report as appropriate.
- Chief Murphy is organizing input from Town departments, to assemble a Town wide After Action review. This project will capture “lessons learned”, to strengthen Town operations and resilience.
Public Health Protocols
- Please continue to take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. As we all know, vaccination, wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, and frequently washing hands, among other measures, help protect us all from COVID-19.
- The CDC and the Massachusetts DPH guidance on face coverings can be found on their respective websites.
- The Board of Health recommends the use of an N-95, KN-95, or a (non-woven, multi-ply) surgical mask. Woven cloth masks, gators, and bandanas provide significantly less protection against this airborne respiratory virus. Also remember that any face covering should be fitted closely to one’s skin to prevent unwanted gaps and leaks.