Worcester County Health Department (WCHD) has surveillance in place for all reportable diseases including new infections or suspected cases of COVID-19. Medical facilities know what to report, how to report and how to reach us. We have provided current guidance documents from the state health department related to COVID-19 to these facilities.
WCHD has an on-call service available for 24/7 response to public health needs.
Systems are in place for rapid testing for any potential cases. Isolation and quarantine plans are in place if necessary.
We have planning experience with pandemic flu preparation including the robust public health response to H1N1.
Public health has access to additional resources that can include items needed for a response such as medical masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) and other health care needs if a health emergency is declared and if the Strategic National Stockpile is requested.
