Amherst’s COVID-19 Risk Downgraded to Moderate

Source: amherstma.gov

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has downgraded the risk level in Amherst to moderate, or yellow, which indicates the Town has between 4 and 8 daily cases per 100,000 population.  

On October 7 Amherst was designated as Red, signifying a higher-risk community due to having exceeded the state’s daily incidence threshold rate of 8 cases per 100,000 people. But by October 21, the daily incidence rate in Amherst had dropped to 4.8.

Acting Health Director Jennifer Brown, said, “I am pleased to see our rate go down. It indicates the cluster of cases has been contained. We must redouble our efforts at adhering to established public health protocols and best practices.” 

These best practices include:  

• Avoid gathering in groups of any size  
• Maintain six feet from people outside your household  
• Do not shake hands or hug  
• Wash your hands often  

• Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over age 65 or with underlying health conditions should stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands  
• Wear a mask or face covering  
• Face coverings should:  
  • Cover the nose and mouth  
  • Fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face 
  • Be secured with either ties or ear loops
  • Permit breathing without difficulty  
  • Be able to be washed and machine dried without damage.
  • Face masks should be washed regularly depending on the amount of use.  

The mask order in Downtown Amherst and surrounding streets remains in effect.   

You can find updated case counts and COVID resources for Amherst at www.amherstcovid19.org

If you have non-emergency COVID-19 related questions or concerns, please contact covidconcerns@amherstma.gov or (413) 259-2425.