COVID-19 Center

All official information about the novel coronavirus COVID-19 published by the Town of Wendell will appear here.

Rise In Covid-19 Cases: This morning the CDC reported a 7% increase in COVID-19 cases across the country. This is reflected locally by a surge in cases among towns in the North Quabbin area, including Athol and Orange. As of yesterday, 33 new cases were reported in Orange over the previous six days. The majority of cases were among the 25-49 age group, but there were cases among all ages in adults and children.

There appear to be a number of factors contributing to this increase. "COVID fatigue" is causing less compliance with safety protocols. Easing of restrictions by state government has allowed more interaction among people from different households and led to more gatherings and events. The highly contagious B variants are now spreading in communities. People are also traveling more.

To date, Wendell cases are still at 11 total, but to maintain our current good health status, we must maintain adherence to the protocols that have kept us safe so far. While more people are being vaccinated, we are far from "herd immunity" vaccination levels. We must also remember that no vaccine is 100% effective, and science is still determining whether those fully vaccinated are capable of transmitting the disease. We must not let a false sense of security lead us into abandoning the safety strategies that have proven so effective:

  • Wear a multilayered mask in public and with non-vaccinated people.

  • Keep 6 feet away from non-household members.

  • Wash hands frequently.

  • Limit gatherings to people you live with as much as possible.

  • Avoid unnecessary travel and eating indoors in restaurants.

We must all do our part to stop the spread and prevent a return to more restrictive conditions.

Campylobacteriosis Alert: The BOH received a report that this infection was identified in Wendell. Caused by the Campylobacter bacterium, it infects the bowel of people and animals. While not usually serious, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the blood, and can be dangerous to those with other medical conditions.

To cause disease, this germ must be swallowed. This happens most often from consuming raw unpasteurized milk from cows and goats, from contaminated hands after working with or cleaning up after animals, from improperly washing hands after using the bathroom, and from uncooked food products from animals. It can spread among people from contaminated hands.

For more information on symptoms, treatment, and prevention measures, visit the following websites:

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/campylobacter
https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/

Barbara Cradock for the Wendell Board of Health

The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program MVP Resiliency Plan document is available for public view here: Wendell MVP Report

Order Wendell Flag Logo Products from Silverscreen Designs.

Hoodies and other styles in both adult and children's sizes, as well as tote bags, can be ordered through their website. To avoid shipping charges, orders can be picked up at Silverscreen in Greenfield. Adult long sleeve t-shirts can also be purchased at the Wendell Country Store, or by calling Mez Ziemba (978) 544-3177. There isn't an option to purchase a Wendell flag for flying as yet, but that option should be available in the future.

SALES OF THESE ITEMS ARE A FUNDRAISER BY AND FOR THE FRIENDS OF THE WENDELL FREE LIBRARY.

Wendell residents can purchase an Earth Machine backyard compost bin at a subsidized price of $25. The subsidized compost bin can be purchased at the WRATS or at the Solid Waste District office. Visit The District's Composting page for information on backyard composting and the District’s office location. The town encourages all residents to remove organic material from the trash and bring it to the transfer station collection program and/or use a backyard compost bin. Approximately 25% of household trash is organic material that can be diverted to a compost collection or compost bin.

There is a new way to submit payments for Wendell taxes. This online service is available for the recently released 2018 Motor Vehicle excise tax bills and will be an option for all Motor Vehicle, Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills going forward. Bills will be available for online payment as soon as the paper versions of the bills have been mailed out. The online payment option is only available through the due date.