NAHANT — Nahant Town Hall was closed Monday and Tuesday after two employees tested positive for COVID-19.
A post on the town’s Facebook page stated that cleaning crews were dispatched Monday to conduct a thorough sanitization of the building, which will likely remain closed through the rest of the week pending the test results of 19 additional employees.
“We’ve advised all employees to get tested, which they’re in the process of doing now, and we’re waiting for the results of that before we reopen,” said Nahant Public Health Nurse Deb Murphy, who added that the town was notified Friday of the positive test results of the first two employees.
According to the Facebook post, the two employees were not determined to have had close contact with each other at any point, and residents were assured there was no reason to believe anyone who entered the town hall in the days prior would be at increased risk for transmission, primarily thanks to safety precautions put in place throughout the building.
“Nahant, like every other community, is seeing a little surge in numbers,” Murphy said as she implored residents to remain diligent when taking precautions against the virus. “Limit your in-house gatherings, try to socialize with your own household, be cautious about socializing with people outside your household, and keep your mask on.”
Although she acknowledged many people may feel restless after several months of being on high-alert, Murphy said observing safety guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and other public health agencies is still the best way to prevent the virus’ spread.
“I think people have quarantine fatigue and they’re just tired of trying to do these things when, in fact, that’s the most important thing to do,” she said.
Town Administrator Antonio Barletta also warned that many cases are asymptomatic and make for harder detection.
“As an individual, you almost have to assume you’re at risk of transmitting it always, no matter where you are or who you’re with,” he said. “It’s so hard to know, so the best thing you can do is get tested frequently and protect yourself by wearing a mask and washing your hands constantly.”
As of yesterday, Nahant had reported 13 positive cases of COVID-19 since November 1, bringing the town’s total to 83, including six deaths.
Residents deemed to be a close contact of someone who tests positive for the virus will be contacted by the town’s public health nurse.
Officials throughout the Commonwealth are encouraging anyone experiencing symptoms to get tested, and a list of test site locations based on zip code is available online at http://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing.
Testing at the First Church on 40 Monument Ave. in Swampscott is free for Nahant residents and is now available six days a week, Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. No appointment required.
Elyse Carmosino can be reached at [email protected].
