City of Revere Response to COVID-19: July 16, 2020 Update
July 16, 2020
Emergency Management Team Urges Vigilance as Confirmed Cases in Revere Trend Toward Younger Adults
Federal, State and Local Health Officials Continue to Cite Mask Wearing as Best Defense Against COVID-19
July 16, 2020 – The City of Revere’s Emergency Response Team continues to monitor impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and develop policies and procedures to maintain public health and safety for all in Revere. As of July 16, the Revere Board of Health has been notified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health of 1,899 positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Revere.
The City has a 7-day case average of 5.9, and today saw single day cases reach double digits for the first time since June 11. The Revere Emergency Response Team is closely tracking today's spike as well as recent data that indicates a trend toward an increased share of confirmed COVID-19 cases among Revere residents aged 20-39. Month over month, the share of positive cases among this age group has increased by 15%, up from approximately 35% of all confirmed cases to 50% of all confirmed cases. The Revere Board of Health continues to manage city-specific data, conduct research into data trends and identify potential risks to residents.
“We're watching the numbers closely so we can keep our residents informed and take swift action as necessary. While today's jump to double-digit new cases does not mark a trend, we hope it will serve as a strong reminder that our fight against this virus is not over," Mayor Arrigo said. "We need everyone -- no matter their age or perceived level of risk -- to do their part in following guidance from public health experts to help contain the spread. We're asking people not to get complacent, wear a mask, practice social distancing and remember we are still safer at home."
“The increased share of positive cases among younger adults is particularly concerning given that they are also more likely to be asymptomatic with the potential to spread the virus to others without ever knowing they themselves were carrying the virus,” said Dr. Nathalee Kong, Revere Board of Health Chair of MGH Revere. “Data and science continues to show us that we can protect ourselves by taking commonsense measures like wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, practicing social distancing and minimizing trips outside the home.”
Federal, state and local officials have continued to urge the public of the critical importance of following safety precautions such as wearing a facial covering, washing hands, socially distancing, and staying home when possible. In an interview with the Journal of the American Medical Association, CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield suggested that rigorous mask-wearing will help decrease positive case numbers in the U.S. in coming weeks. “The most powerful weapons we have against this virus are face coverings and washing our hands,” he said. Governor Charlie Baker reiterated this message in his press briefing today, stressing the importance of mask-wearing as the Commonwealth’s primary defense against the virus.
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