City of Revere Activates Emergency Response Plans -Supporting Strategic Containment Efforts for COVID-19
March 11, 2020
Mayor Arrigo Announces Proactive Steps to Stem the Spread of the Virus and Prepare for Further Cases
Focus on Health and Wellbeing of Vulnerable Populations
March 11, 2020 – The City of Revere is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts and Mayor Brian Arrigo today announced a number of proactive steps to support containment efforts and prepare for further spread of the disease. While there are no presumed or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the City of Revere as of today, March 11, 2020, the City expects this to change.
Revere city officials are participating in daily briefings with state and federal officials and will share updates for Revere residents regularly at Revere.org and via social media. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dianne Kelly is in regular communication with Revere Public Schools staff, students and families. Those updates can be found at RevereK12.org.
“Our City is prepared to respond to emergency situations. We are taking a proactive approach to the coronavirus outbreak and are activating our standard preparedness protocols and procedures,” said Mayor Arrigo. “We believe that regular sharing of information will be key in supporting our community as this outbreak evolves. We’re asking everyone to do their part to prevent the spread of illness and follow the guidance being issued by state and federal officials.”
Actions for All Revere Residents to Take
The Centers for Disease Control has advised the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus, and has provided a number of basic steps all citizens can take to protect themselves, including: washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact the city 24/7 simply by dialing 311, or via email.
Health & Wellbeing of Vulnerable Populations
Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. To that end, the City is taking the following measures:
- The Revere Senior Center will be closed for 30 days, effective Thursday, March 12 - however, services will continue.
- Elderly Services is initiating daily breakfast deliveries, home visits and phone check-ins for seniors.
- We have reached out to local pharmacies to request increased deliveries to prevent the need for in-person pickup.
- We are in close contact with leadership at senior housing and nursing facilities throughout the City, including Friendly Garden, Jack Satter House and Hyman Towers, to offer additional support as needed. We are reinforcing guidance issued from the state for nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the City.
- Fitness classes regularly provided at the Senior Center will be made available on RevereTV starting March 16.
Revere Emergency Preparedness
City of Revere public safety and health teams are participating in regular briefings with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Authority (MEMA) and are prepared to dispatch emergency volunteers within the city as needed. As of right now, City business continues as usual and the public will be updated of any changes. The City is encouraging residents to take advantage of online services to conduct city business and will be following the lead of state officials regarding the cancellation of large public events. All event cancellations will be made available at Revere.org/coronavirus.
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