Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Page
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News & Updates
As of January 6, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a third dose for certain groups of people with weakened immune systems who received either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster is available to anyone ages 18 and older. The Pfizer booster is available to anyone ages 12 and older. You’re eligible for a booster if:
Moderna: It’s been at least 5 months since your second dose
Pfizer: It’s been at least 5 months since your second dose
Johnson & Johnson: It’s been at least 2 months since your first dose
You can mix and match vaccines. You do not need to get the same brand for your booster as your original COVID-19 vaccination. If you are ages 12-17, you can only get a Pfizer booster.
As of November 4, 2021, Governor Baker announced an outline of how families can access Pfizer COVID-19 pediatric vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 in Massachusetts. Children ages 5 to 11 will be able to receive the Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine from more than 500 locations, ranging from retail pharmacies, primary care practices, regional collaboratives, local boards of health, hospital systems, state-supported vaccination sites and mobile clinics. Visit www.mass.gov/covidvaccinekids for more information.
How to find a Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine appointment:
1. Parents who prefer to have their child vaccinated by their primary care provider should call their provider’s office directly.
2. Visit the VaxFinder tool at www.vaxfinder.mass.gov for a full list of hundreds of available locations. Residents will be able to narrow results to search for locations that are offering the Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.
3. For individuals who are unable to use VaxFinder, or have difficulty accessing the internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM through 2:00 PM) is still available by calling 2-1-1. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.
As of October 22, 2021, Governor Baker announced how eligible Massachusetts residents can access Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots. In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Moderna COVID-19 booster is now available to individuals 65 years or age and older, and individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings who received their second shot of Moderna vaccine at least 6 months prior. The Johnson & Johnson booster is now available to all individuals who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 single dose at least two months ago. CDC recommendations now allow for mixing and matching of different COVID-19 booster doses. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine the receive as a booster dose.
As of September 24, 2021, Governor Baker announced how eligible Massachusetts residents initially can access Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots. In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pfizer COVID-19 Booster is now available to individuals 65 years of age and older, individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions, and individuals 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings who have previously received the Pfizer vaccine. These residents are eligible to receive their Pfizer booster shot at least 6 month after their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
As of July 30, 2021, the Commonwealth’s Department of Public Health (DPH) released updated guidance regarding the use of face coverings and cloth masks by individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. In light of information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in order to maximize protection of vulnerable individuals from the Delta variant, the DPH recommends that a fully vaccinated person wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home) if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your house has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is an unvaccinated adult.
As of June 15, 2021, Governor Bake announced MassNotify, which is a new voluntary tool to enhance COVID-19 exposure awareness. Developed in conjunction with Apple and Google, MassNotify is a free smartphone service that people in Massachusetts can voluntarily use to let others know that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. MassNotify alerts provide valuable awareness for both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents to help prevent future COVID-19 transmission and keep Massachusetts open and residents safe from COVID-19. The technology works anonymously and does not use track users or divulge personal information.
As of May 24, 2021 The Tyngsborough Council on Aging is currently open to the public, Monday thru Friday, 9 to 3. At this time, the following programs are running: Bingo, Wii Bowling, Chair Yoga, Bone Strength, Bone Builders and Knitting. Beginning June 1st, masks will no longer be required. Additional programs, such as Cribbage, Zumba and Texas Hold’em will be returning in June. Please stay tuned as more programs come back to the center. We continue to deliver meals on wheels, provide transportation for medical and shopping and outreach services.
As of May 29, 2021, all remaining COVID-19 industry specific standards and the current mask mandate will be lifted by the Commonwealth. Learn more here.
As of February 19, 2021, the Town of Tyngsborough has 26 active COVID-19 cases and has seen a total of 895 cases since the start of the pandemic.
Governor Baker announced a new 2-1-1 Mass Vaccine Scheduling Resource line for seniors age 75+ who need help scheduling vaccine appointments but are unable to access the state’s website to access state sites that are convenient to them. 2-1-1 is a dedicated virtual call center and will be open Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00 pm, will be staffed with over 500 representatives. Translation services are available for callers who need them. Learn more here.
As of Friday, January 22, 2021, the Town of Tyngsborough has 75 active COVID-19 cases with a total cumulative case count of 855.
On Thursday, January 21, 2021, Governor Baker announced modifications to the Commonwealth’s current restrictions related to the COVID-19. Read the announcement here.
As of Friday, January 15, 2021, Tyngsborough has a total of 74 active COVID-19 cases and has seen 811 cumulative confirmed cases since the outbreak started.
On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Governor Baker announced a three week period of additional measures intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Learn more here.
As of Friday, December 18, 2020, there are currently 135 Active COVID-19 cases in Tyngsborough, and 596 total cases. To learn about all aspects of the Massachusetts COVID-19 response, visit mass.gov/covid19
As of Friday, December 11, 2020, the Town of Tyngsborough has 130 active COVID-19 cases with a cumulative total of 513 confirmed cases.
On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Governor Charles D. Baker announced a series of new restrictions in response to a second surge of COVID-19 Cases in Tyngsborough. Most notably, Governor Baker announced that all communities would roll back to Phase III, Step 1 of the Phased-Reopening Plan. Additional restrictions reduce indoor capacity in most industries to 40%, limit outdoor gathering sizes to 50 people, and require that patrons in restaurants wear a mask at all times when not actively eating or drinking. A summary of the changes can be found here. Full text of Governor Baker’s Order #58 announcing these changes can be found here. These changes go into effect at 12:01 AM on Sunday, December 13, 2020.
As of 12/4/2020, there are 101 active COVID-19 cases in Tyngsborough. Tyngsborough continues to be designated a “higher-risk” community. If you are feeling sick or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, visit https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing to find a test near you.
On December 4, 2020, the Commonwealth issued this guidance to employers as we enter the Holiday season and amid what appears to be a second surge.
On November 23, 2020, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts launched the #GetBackMass campaigned aimed at reminding residents that the Commonwealth has come far since the start of the pandemic but has some work to do before things go back to any sense of normal. Learn more here.
As of 11/20/2020, there are 46 active COVID-19 cases in Tyngsborough. Tyngsborough has been designated a “high risk” community. View the Friday, November 20, 2020 Dashboard Data by clicking here.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has put together a comprehensive resource for residents as we enter the holiday season. Please visit www.mass.gov/thanksgiving2020 to learn more about current executive orders and best practices.
Beginning Monday, November 16, 2020, Town Hall will switch to an appointment only basis. Walk-ins will no longer be permitted. Residents looking to make an appointment with a specific department should contact that department directly at 978-649-2300.
Beginning Monday, November 16, 2020, the Tyngsborough Public Library will switch to a curbside pick up model only. In-person services have been suspended. Visit www.tynglib.org to learn more.
Beginning Monday, November 16, 2020, the Highway Department and the Council on Aging will close to the public. The Council on Aging will continue to operate the Meals on Wheels Program and staff will continue to work to provide social services to seniors.
Please be aware of the possibility of mold and Legionella when water systems are used after reopening a building that has been closed down. Read more here.
On May 14, the state released its reopening report and provided guidance for businesses on reopening timelines.
Please note, you may receive a phone call from a contact tracer trying to identify if you have been in contact with a confirmed patient. Please answer the phone. Learn more here.
On April 29, the Governor ordered that masks are required when in public areas where social distancing is not possible. Read the Governor’s order here.
On April 28, the Governor announced a two-week extension of the non-essential closures to May 18, 2020. Town buildings will also be closed through this date.
On April 27, we posted additional information about the recent reopening of the Paycheck Protection Program on our Business Resource page.
On April 24, the Town announced the Memorial Day parade would be canceled. More information about honoring our veterans will be provided at a later date.
On April 21, the Governor announced that schools in Massachusetts would stay closed for the remainder of the school year.
Older News
April 18, 2020: Visit www.frontlinema.org, a site launched by the Attorney General of Massachusetts, to collect for resources for first responders and health care workers. It also provides information for residents on how to help these individuals.
On April 17, the Town published additional information to support small businesses in Tyngsborough and circulated a list of hospitality-related businesses that remain open to the public in some capacity.
On April 15, the Town announced that restrictions on certain signs were relaxed through July 1, 2020 to help businesses advertise availability.
On April 10, we began updating residents on the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases (on this page).
On April 6, the Selectmen voted to postpone the Town Election and Town Meeting to a later date yet to be determined.
On April 6, the Town published additional Frequently Asked Questions to help residents and businesses navigate essential services in this uncertain time.
On April 4, the CDC began recommending wearing non-medical masks when in public. Learn more on how to make a mask here.
On March 29/31, documents that list Resources for those needing help and ways you can help those in Tyngsborough were posted.
On March 28, FAQs and summaries of the Coronavirus Act, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act were posted.
On March 26, 2020, it was announced that Bulky Item pickup was suspended.
On March 23, 2020, the Governor closed all non-essential businesses across the state. Town Offices will be closed at least through April 6, 2020.
On March, 16, 2020, the Town of Tyngsborough announced all Town buildings would be closed to the public.
On March 15, 2020, Governor Baker announced further measures closing all schools for three weeks, limiting gatherings to 25 individuals and closing on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants. Additional details here.
Update on March 15, 2020: Town offices, senior center and library will be closed to the public but will be staffed.
On March 13, 2020, Tyngsborough Public Schools announced a 2-week closure (through 3/27). Notre Dame Academy has closed through 3/27/2020.
On March 12, 2020, Tyngsborough issued a statement canceling all non-essential town-hosted events.
On March 4, 2020, the CDC released updated guidelines on travelers returning to the US from certain countries. Read about the guidelines:
Business Resources & Open Business List
View resources to assist small businesses during this time, and also a list of open hospitality-related businesses in Tyngsborough.
Recent Documents
Resources & Assistance
CARES Act Summary
Front Line Initiative (Mental Health & Substance Abuse support)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Links & Resources
Do it online
Check out the vast online resources already in place at the Town of Tyngsborough. View our department directory to call — it might save you a trip!
Please note: as of Thursday, March 12, 2020, all non-essential Town-hosted events, including those at the public library and senior center, have been canceled indefinitely. Check the news page for the latest Tyngsborough-related information and the CDC regarding the Coronavirus.
Online Payments
Visit Tyngsborough's UniPay payment portal to pay Excise, Personal Property and Real Estate taxes online. Other fees (Sewer, Health and Tyngsborough Water District) are also available on this site if you click "More from Tyngsborough"
Online Permitting and Building Rental
Visit Tyngsborough's ViewPoint Cloud site to apply for Building, Gas, Plumbing, Electrical and Food/Tobacco permits as well as rent Tyngsborough's Old Town Hall and newly renovated First Parish Meeting House.
Mapping & GIS resources
Visit Tyngsborough's MapGeo site to look up property boundaries, find layers featuring water, sewer, flood plain, open space, zoning and much more!
COVID-19 Documents & Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Background and Information - from CDC
Updated: 3/26/2020 – Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html
Background
CDC is responding to a pandemic of respiratory disease spreading from person-to-person caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The disease has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). This situation poses a serious public health risk. The federal government is working closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, as well as public health partners, to respond to this situation. COVID-19 can cause mild to severe illness; most severe illness occurs in older adults.
Situation in U.S.
Different parts of the country are seeing different levels of COVID-19 activity. The United States nationally is in the acceleration phase of the pandemic. The duration and severity of each pandemic phase can vary depending on the characteristics of the virus and the public health response.
- CDC and state and local public health laboratories are testing for the virus that causes COVID-19. View CDC’s Public Health Laboratory Testing map.
- All 50 states have reported cases of COVID-19 to CDC.
- U.S. COVID-19 cases include:
- Imported cases in travelers
- Cases among close contacts of a known case
- Community-acquired cases where the source of the infection is unknown.
- Most U.S. states are reporting some community spread of COVID-19.
- View latest case counts, deaths, and a map of states with reported cases.
CDC Recommends
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- On March 16, the White House announced a program called “COVID-19 Information,” which is a nationwide effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 through the implementation of social distancing at all levels of society.
- Older people and people with severe chronic conditions should take special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.
- If you are a healthcare provider, use your judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested. Factors to consider in addition to clinical symptoms may include:
- Does the patient have recent travel from an affected area?
- Has the patient been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or with patients with pneumonia of unknown cause?
- Does the patient reside in an area where there has been community spread of COVID-19?
- If you are a healthcare provider or a public health responder caring for a COVID-19 patient, please take care of yourself and follow recommended infection control procedures.
- People who get a fever or cough should consider whether they might have COVID-19, depending on where they live, their travel history or other exposures. More than half of the U.S. is seeing some level of community spread of COVID-19. Testing for COVID-19 may be accessed through medical providers or public health departments, but there is no treatment for this virus. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care.
- For people who are ill with COVID-19, but are not sick enough to be hospitalized, please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness.
- If you have been in China or another affected area or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face some limitations on your movement and activity. Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow spread of this virus.Everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat:
COVID-19 Emergence
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and now with this new virus (named SARS-CoV-2).
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. All three of these viruses have their origins in bats. The sequences from U.S. patients are similar to the one that China initially posted, suggesting a likely single, recent emergence of this virus from an animal reservoir.
Early on, many of the patients at the epicenter of the outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China had some link to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. Later, a growing number of patients reportedly did not have exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread. Person-to-person spread was subsequently reported outside Hubei and in countries outside China, including in the United States. Some international destinations now have ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19, as do some parts of the United States. Community spread means some people have been infected and it is not known how or where they became exposed. Learn more about the spread of this newly emerged coronavirus.
Risk Assessment
Risk depends on characteristics of the virus, including how well it spreads between people; the severity of resulting illness; and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus (for example, vaccines or medications that can treat the illness) and the relative success of these. In the absence of vaccine or treatment medications, nonpharmaceutical interventions become the most important response strategy. These are community interventions that can reduce the impact of disease.
The risk from COVID-19 to Americans can be broken down into risk of exposure versus risk of serious illness and death.
Risk of exposure:
- The immediate risk of being exposed to this virus is still low for most Americans, but as the outbreak expands, that risk will increase. Cases of COVID-19 and instances of community spread are being reported in a growing number of states.
- People in places where ongoing community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated risk of exposure, with the level of risk dependent on the location.
- Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
- Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
- Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure, with level of risk dependent on where they traveled.
Risk of Severe Illness:
Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:
- Older adults, with risk increasing by age.
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
CDC has developed guidance to help in the risk assessment and management of people with potential exposures to COVID-19.