Lynn Prepares for Potential Coronavirus Impacts

Mayor Thomas M. McGee, Public Health Director Michele Desmarais and the City’s Office of Emergency Management of Lynn are in communication and working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health concerning COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus. The Emergency Management team, which includes representatives from the Mayor’s Office, City Council, Public Health Department, Office of Emergency Management, Police & Fire Departments, Law Department and the School Department, is meeting regularly and in contact with local, state and federal health organizations to ensure the city is taking the proper precautions to prepare for this evolving situation. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced that the risk within Massachusetts remains LOW.

“The Health Department is continuing to monitor the evolving situation and I would emphasize that the risk level is low in Massachusetts,” said Public Health Director Michele Desmarais. “It is important to continue to wash your hands frequently and follow recommended precautionary steps.”

All city departments including the Lynn Public Schools are taking a variety of proactive steps to limit the possible spread of the illness. Dispatcher procedures are being updated to include questions about recent international travel before relaying that information to first responders, and first responders are preparing for additional precautions to limit any potential exposure.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within 2-14 days of exposure. The DPH reports that symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia in severe cases. At this time, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is not recommending people wear masks in public as the risk to the public remains low.

Residents should take the following common precautions to prevent any spread:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
2. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue and dispose of any used materials. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Stay home if you are sick.

“The city is taking the necessary precautionary measures to limit any potential spread of the coronavirus,” said Mayor Thomas M. McGee. “I want to thank the Public Health Department and the members of the Emergency Management team for acting quickly to ensure the city is prepared for any potential developments.”

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) released new recommendations for recent travelers from the following countries: China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. Anyone who has traveled to or from one of these countries is advised to self-quarantine for 14 days since they left the affected area. Please see the recommended steps below from the CDC to take if you are self-quarantined.

1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
2. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
3. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
4. Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
5. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

The City of Lynn will continue to monitor this evolving situation and provide regular updates on the City website, social media, and the Smart 911 emergency notification system when necessary.  We encourage all residents to visit the City of Lynn website to sign up for the Smart 911 updates at https://smart911.com/.

Please visit the City of Lynn Website which for a “Coronavirus Resources” page on the Health Department’s website at http://www.lynnma.gov/coronavirus. This page will include fact sheets and links from the Center for Disease Control website. For further inquiries please call 781-598-4000.