Selectmen Promise to Disclose Coronavirus Cases

There are now nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rehoboth, according to a new report posted to the town website by the town’s COVID-19 Task Force.

 “To ensure accurate and consistent reporting, the Selectmen will include the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, as provided by the Town Nurse, at the beginning of each selectmen meeting and figures will be posted to the town’s Coronavirus page on the town website every Tuesday morning,” the report noted.

Selectmen Chairman Gerry Schwall noted that the Health Agent (Karl Drown) informed the Selectmen’s office that the Board of Health would not be reporting the number of confirmed cases in Rehoboth. “Given the nature of the virus, it is essential we focus more attention on prevention protocols than a lagging number of confirmed cases,” Schwall said at Monday’s meeting.

“Some people with the virus never develop symptoms and others present very minor symptoms. Providing a number does not improve the safety of the public,” Schwall continued. “In fact, it could very well have the opposite effect. There is no true scientific way to know the exact number of people infected with the COVID-19 virus in any municipality, city, or state.”

The report added: “On Monday, the Board of Health Chair (Rachel Smith) stated she was unaware of (the) decision (not to report the number of cases) and believed the numbers should be reported. This obvious disconnect is of concern. As a result, the Board of Selectmen will be increasing their oversight of the Health Agent and the Board of Health. This oversight will remain in effect until such time as we are confident the lines of communication are functioning as they are intended.”