Dear Merrimac residents,
On behalf of all of us, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your families.
This holiday, please protect your family and your coworkers by being safe at work and at home.
We know that safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we must all do our part for the collective good. To do that during these times, we must adhere to the public health guidelines that have advised against large holiday gatherings and crowds.
We recognize this is a difficult request, but COVID-19 rates continue to spike across the region, and we must forgo holiday gatherings outside of our immediate families or homes.
As such, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Avoid crowds.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Wear masks.
- Don’t travel.
- Limit your gatherings to only those you live with and see everyday.
Remember, a recent negative test doesn’t mean that you aren’t carrying the virus, and if you are unknowingly infected, you could pass it on to someone tomorrow. Even small gatherings of 10 people or less have a high likelihood of including someone who is infectious with COVID-19. And infectious people may have no symptoms at all.
In a small gathering where people are close, indoors, and not wearing masks, the virus spreads quickly.
The following is the story of an actual outbreak that recently occurred in a holiday gathering of four related households. Almost everyone at the gathering ended up getting infected, and two people ended up in the hospital:
Eight people from four households gathered at home to eat a family dinner. The virus jumped from one household to the other during the gathering. Seven of eight family members were infected. Two people had to be admitted to the hospital.
During the holidays we normally enjoy the cheer and warmth of gathering with our families and friends. This year, however, the best way to show our love is to stay apart. Make a phone call to check in or video chat through your phone or computer, if it’s an option.
For all those who have lost loved ones to the COVID-19 pandemic, or who may have loved ones fighting the virus right now, you are in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Many of you have healthcare workers and first responders in your family who are on the frontlines combatting the impact of this virus, and we are all grateful for their service and sacrifices. Let’s all keep them in mind with the choices we make this winter.
COVID-19 is real. It has made a profound impact on our nation, on our profession, and it is once again straining the capacity of area hospitals.
As hard as it can be to stay apart from extended family, we must continue to be vigilant and use every best practice at our disposal to keep our communities and our families safe.
The Merrimac Fire Department, together with area public safety and public health leaders across the region, has worked with supportive industry partners to make COVID-19 safety a clear part of our day-to-day work and safety practices. We have reduced the risk of spread at work, but it is still actively spreading in our community and our workplace.
Hope is important, especially in these times. The vaccine is coming to first responders in early 2021, and we’ll soon be on the road back to normality.
For more information about how to stay safe at home from COVID-19 during the holiday, visit www.mass.gov/holidays-during-covid-19-in-massachusetts.
Thank you, best wishes, and STAY SAFE,
Your Merrimac First Responders