Single presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Bristol County is in Easton according to town officials

EASTON — Emergency Management Director Kevin Partridge, Director of Health and Community Services Kristin Kennedy and Town Administrator Connor Read report that the Town of Easton has received notification from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health of a single presumptive positive case of COVID-19, the illness associated with the novel coronavirus, in Easton.

Earlier in the day it had been revealed that one case had been confirmed in Bristol County.

Easton Health Department officials were notified by Mass. Department of Public Health (DPH) of the presumptive positive test result and have been in contact with the resident. According to the town, the resident, who is presumptive positive, and all household members, who are not currently symptomatic, are adhering to DPH orders for isolation and quarantine to limit the risk of spread and will be monitored by Easton Health officials on a daily basis.

On Friday, March 13, before this first presumptive positive case, out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to proactively promote best public health practices of social distancing, the Easton Emergency Management Association (EEMA) decided to close the Town Offices and Frothingham Hall to the public for one week, from March 16-20. Easton Public Schools will be closed for two weeks, from March 16-27.

“It was not an easy decision, nor one made lightly by Town and School leaders, to proactively close public schools and major public buildings before Easton had its first presumptive positive case, but this notice from DPH underscores how important it is that we all take proactive and preventive steps now to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, the Commonwealth and the nation,” Town Administrator Read said. “Easton officials are working around the clock and in close coordination with DPH officials to closely monitor the situation locally, regionally and nationally and will continue to share information with the community as it becomes available. I strongly encourage everyone to follow the guidance of health officials to observe social distancing, avoid unnecessary gatherings, and practice good hygiene to do their part as we all work together to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”