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1. What are the reopening plans for Dartmouth businesses and organizations?

Dartmouth is closely following all guidance from the Commonwealth and is reopening as allowable through Gov. Baker's phased reopening plan. To find more information visit the reopening Massachusetts Government page.

View the Reopening Massachusetts COVID-19 FAQs (PDF).

2. Who are at greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness?

• Adults aged 65 yrs and older
• People with chronic underlying medical conditions, particularly those that are not well controlled
  • Cancer treatment
  • Smoking
  • Bone marrow or organ transplantation
  • Immune deficiencies
  • Poorly controlled HIV or AIDS
  • Prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune-weakening medications
  • Severe obesity (BMI > 40)
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic Kidney disease undergoing dialysis
  • Liver disease

3. What should I do if I feel sick?

If you are experiencing symptoms that may indicate any life-threatening event such as a heart attack, stroke, traumatic fall or injury, or abnormal mental status, call 911 or go to your local ED. During this pandemic, hospitals remain ready and able to treat these life-threatening emergencies.

Emergency Symptoms of COVID-19 - Call Immediately for Medical Help (911)

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face
• Inform 911 of suspected COVID-19 symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

Stay home if not life-threatening:

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illnesses and are able to recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Call your primary care physician (or local hospital or urgent care if you do not have a primary care physician):

Your doctor will advise you on how to manage symptoms and will decide if it is appropriate for you to get tested

Massachusetts residents can visit the buoy website to get advice from an online health assistant safely at home, for free.

4. When can my business reopen?

Visit the Reopening Massachusetts page to find the most up-to-date information about business reopenings in MA.

5. What are my rights as an employee during COVID-19?

The federal government passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on April 1, 2020, which provides expanded criteria for paid sick leave and time off. Visit the U.S. Labor Department's website to learn more.

• Visit the MA DPH website for FAQs about sick leave and time off during COVID-19.
• Visit the Massachusetts Resources During COVID-19 - Your rights as an employee page.
• File a work complaint.

If you are an employee who believes you are working under unsafe conditions or are not essential and are being told to come into work - email the Division of Labor Standards.

6. Where can I get help for unemployment?

Call the Unemployment Assitance Line at 617-626-6338.

7. How are Governor Baker’s orders, home isolation, & social distancing guidelines being enforced in the Town of Dartmouth?

Dartmouth’s dedicated COVID-19 Taskforce has implemented multiple measures for increased compliance with these directives including increased signage of social distancing guidelines at all public parks and trails, compliance checks and education visits with local businesses and public recreation areas, and continued monitoring of self-isolation and quarantine

8. What’s the difference between self-isolation and self-quarantine?

• Self-isolation practices are for individuals who test positive for COVID-19
• Self-quarantine practices are for individuals who are in close contact with individuals who test positive for COVID-19

Self-Isolation

• Self-isolation includes separating yourself from the public as well as other people within your home
• Specify a "sick room" and bathroom if possible in which only the sick person will use
• Stay away from other people in your home
• Avoid sharing personal household items
  • Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, utensils, towels, or bedding with others
  • Wash all of these items thoroughly with soap and water or put them in the dishwasher/washing machine
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food
• Clean all "high touch" surfaces in your isolation area every day
  • Let a caregiver clean and disinfect other areas of the home
  • High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables
• Do not leave your home unless for necessary medical care related to your COVID-19 symptoms
  • If you must leave your home, wear a facemask if available. The CDC notes that you may need to improvise a facemask using a scarf or bandana
• Restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people.
  • Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the new coronavirus

Self-Quarantine

• Self-quarantine involves separating yourself from the public and remaining within your home
• Do not leave your home unless for necessary medical care
• You may continue to be with others within your household but continue to practice good hygiene and cleaning practices
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food

When does self-isolation or quarantine end?

Isolation or quarantine ends once a public health nurse has deemed it possible following strict CDC guidelines that are based on time and symptoms

9. What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 / am in close contact of someone who tests positive?

• If a person tests positive, their doctor will upload his/her information to a secured state database which then alerts Dartmouth’s Board of Health of a positive case
• Dartmouth public health nurses will then follow up with that person to monitor symptoms and track self-isolation implementation
• Dartmouth public health nurses will begin close contact tracing of the positive case which includes those living with the person and anyone who has been in contact with the person for a period of 15 minutes or longer and within a 6-foot distance - both criteria must be met. Those who meet this criteria will then be asked to self-quarantine 
• Due to HIPPA law, names, locations, and other personal information cannot be shared with the public about any confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19. 
  • The Dartmouth Board of Health is continuously monitoring the situation in Dartmouth, Bristol County, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and will continue to inform the public with any new and pertinent information