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HALLOWEEN GUIDANCE DURING COVID
Learn more about the Town of Brookline's Halloween Guidance here.
MDPH Halloween Guidance During COVID
Q&A: BU CONTACT TRACING SYSTEM EXPLAINED
Read the full article here, regarding the contact tracing protocols that the University has implemented. The article explains how contact tracing works, what it means for classroom time, and what happens when an individual is identified as a close contact.
A MESSAGE FROM THE BROOKLINE PARK RANGERS:
The Brookline Park Rangers proactively and respectfully approach individuals and groups blatantly ignoring the mask order – typically larger gatherings, individuals in crowded playgrounds, or folks playing interactive sports/activities on the fields. We focus on awareness and education rather than ticketing or involving police or other enforcement officials. The Brookline Parks and Open Space Division is aware of these issues and is doing everything in their power to identify problem areas and reach out to groups and individuals. The park rangers patrol all 40+ parks by vehicle and foot to speak with park patrons, emphasize the public safety guidelines and encourage safe usage of the parks.
The Town of Brookline now requires individuals to wear either a mask or a face shield
“Beginning on Sept. 10, those who are medically excluded from wearing a face mask or covering will be required to wear a plastic face shield in lieu of a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth. “ Face shields are available on Amazon; google “Safety Face Shields.” Locally, contact “team@brooklinemakery.com” for information about obtaining a face shield. |
COVID-19 TESTING SITES
"The Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of free COVID-19 testing sites in eight communities from July 10 to August 14 to help stop the spread of COVID-19"
Stop the Spread: Baker-Polito Administration Launches Targeted, Free COVID-19 Testing Sites. ""While these sites are being launched in certain communities, the sites are open to all residents of the Commonwealth. MA residents may visit www.mass.gov/stopthespread to find testing locations & schedule an appointment."
COVID SAFE PRACTICES CONCERN FORM
You should submit this form if you would like to report possible concerns about non-compliance with the Commonwealth’s travel advisory quarantine, face covering, gathering, or other public health rules. Thank you for taking the time to complete this form.
COVID Safe Practices Concern Form
Source: Mass.gov
HEALTH ALERT: MARIJUANA, VAPING & COVID-19
With Phase 1 of Massachusetts’ reopening of businesses and services, recreational marijuana stores are being allowed to open. This could mean greater access for teens, who may not realize that even occasional marijuana smoking and vaping can compromise lungs and increase susceptibility and complications from COVID. Vaping has been especially problematic during the closure, which has caused an upswing in black market cartridges, which can be especially dangerous due to unregulated chemicals. At least one Brookline teen has gone to the hospital with a very severe reaction from vaping.
CNN has done a recent informative piece - https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/10/health/smoking-weed-coronavirus-wellness/index.html
PLEASE VISIT BROOKLINECOVID19.COM
FLU CLINICS
October 24, 2020 | Larz Anderson Park
DRIVE-THRU ONLY - 25 NEWTON STREET
November 7, 2020 | Pierce School
DRIVE-THRU & WALK-IN - 50 SCHOOL STREET
ENTER FROM WASHINGTON ST. BY MAIN LIBRARY
ENTER FROM HARVARD ST, ACROSS FROM BROOKLINE SPA
November 15, 2020 | Pierce School
DRIVE-THRU & WALK-IN - 50 SCHOOL STREET
ENTER FROM WASHINGTON ST. BY MAIN LIBRARY
ENTER FROM HARVARD ST, ACROSS FROM BROOKLINE SPA
2020 Brookline Flu Clinic Flyer (PDF)
Registration Form (Injectable) (PDF) | Injectable Information Sheet (PDF)
Registration Form (Flu Mist) (PDF) | Flu Mist Information Sheet (PDF)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Clinic by appointment only
Stay home if you feel ill
Come only at appointed time
Face mask(s) required
Families welcome
Wear loose-sleeved clothing for arm access
Limited Flu Mist available
Bring a form of ID
No high-dose (senior vaccine)
Bring all health insurance cards
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
"Disasters Don't Wait. Make Your Plan Today."
MAKE A PLAN
Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.
Click here to make a plan today!
BUILD A KIT
Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.
Click here to start building your kit.
PREPARE FOR DISASTERS
Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family. Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.
Learn more about how you can prepare.
TEACH YOUTH ABOUT PREPAREDNESSTalk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved. Learn more about Ready Kids!
PHASE REOPENING GUIDES
CURRENT STATE: PHASE III, STEP 2 (as of October 5, 2020)
On May 18, the Baker-Polito Administration released a four-phased plan to reopen the economy based on sustained improvements in public health data.
Last month, the Administration began releasing data on the average daily COVID cases per 100,000 residents, average percent positivity, and total case counts, for all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns.
Lower risk communities are defined as cities and towns that have not been a “red” community in any of the last three weekly Department of Public Health (DPH) weekly reports.
Effective October 5, a limited number of sectors will be eligible to reopen, with restrictions, in Step II of Phase III for lower risk communities only:
- Indoor performance venues will be permitted to open with 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people.
- Outdoor performance venue capacity will increase to 50% with a max of 250 people.
- For arcades and indoor and outdoor recreation businesses, additional Step II activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks and laser tag will also be permitted to open and capacity will increase to 50%.
- Fitting rooms will be permitted to open in all types of retail stores.
- Gyms, museums, libraries and driving and flight schools will also be permitted to increase their capacity to 50%.
Revised Gatherings Order:
- The limit for indoor gatherings remains at a maximum of 25 people for all communities.
- Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 50 people for all communities.
- Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will have a limit of 50 people in Step I communities, and a limit of 100 people in lower risk, Step II communities.
Source:mass.gov
Phase III Step I Revised Restaurant Notice (PDF)
Town of Brookline Phase 1-4 Business Reopening Packet (PDF)
Town of Brookline Business Reopening Packet for Restaurants (PDF)
Town of Brookline Business Reopening Packet for Restaurants (Step 2) (PDF)
Population Health
Greetings!
I’ve been asked many times what population health is. Wikipedia defines it as “the health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group." It is in essence, a strategic plan to improve the health of the entire population.
Health is a dynamic state of complete physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. (WHO, 1998) Public Health is “What we, as a society, do collectively to assure the conditions in which people can be healthy." (IOM 1988).
Public Health
- Prevents epidemics and the spread of disease
- Prevents injuries
- Promotes and encourages healthy behavior
- Responds to disasters
- Assures the quality and accessibility of Health Services
“Population health is public health”
- A medical model saves lives one person at a time
- Public Health saves lives millions at a time.
Through public health achievements life expectancy in the United States has increased from 47.3 years in 1900 to 78.1 years in 1996. That’s a 25+ years of life improvement.
Additional Information
Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Commissioner of Public Health, asks that you contact the Brookline Health Department at 617-730-2300 with any questions or requests for additional information.