Westford Health Director Gives Update on COVID-19

Video by Patty Stocker

Total cases in Westford: 131
Active Cases: 74

Total Recovered: 52

Total cases in Middlesex County: 18,683

Source: westfordma.gov as of May 16, 2020

Westford Health Director, Jeff Stephens, gives a local update on COVID-19, touching on the number of active cases in the town, county and state as well as on what to expect from Governor Charlie Baker on Monday, May 18.

“So on Monday, the current stay-at-home order is still in effect,” said Stephens. “On Monday we are going to find out from the governor what we are going to be able to open and we are also going to be told how the enforcement of this plan will take place. It will be a multi-faceted approach. It will be data driven.”

Stephens talked about a new disease associated with the novel coronavirus which predominately attacks people under the age of 21. It’s called Pediatric Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome; it’s aggressive, but rare, Stephens said.

Even if we’re not in the office, we are still doing inspections, Stephens said of the Health Department. “If there’s a job you need us to look at or there is a situation you need advice on, whether we’re working remotely or not, we are still available,” said Stephens.

The health director also reminded people who are feeling isolated or who are dealing with mental health issues during the stay-at-home order, there are a lot of options available for help such as See a New Sun (SANS). The local suicide prevention group is spearheaded by Westford residents Nancy Cook and Tim Whitcomb; the website is 4sans.org.

Joyce Pellino Crane contributed to this story.