Rochester following state protocols for coronavirus

Mar 14, 2020

ROCHESTER — There have been no cases of coronavirus in Rochester, but Selectman Paul Ciaburri said that town officials have been “keeping a close watch on it.” 

The Rochester Senior Center has canceled its programming, though it is still open for individual questions. This came out of a desire to keep seniors safe, Ciaburri said. 

Rochester Memorial School and Old Colony Regional Vocational High School will both be closed for at lease a week. Ciaburri said after that point it would be up to superintendents to decide what to do with their schools. 

The town is following Department of Health and Center for Disease Control guidelines for coronavirus prevention. Ciaburri praised the work of the town’s health department and public health nurse. 

The library, for example is following protocol as far as disinfecting hand rails and doorknobs.

If someone were to be diagnosed in Rochester, the response would depend on the severity of the case. 

Ciaburri said his impulse would be to initially self-quarantine and monitor the infected “you really don't want these people in the hospital. All you are going to do is spread it.”