Laurie, a Board of Health staff member, reported COVID-19 testing data and seasonal vector concerns at the Templeton Board of Health meeting on July 28. "We had 7 individuals test for COVID 19. Out of those tests, 2 were positive," Laurie said, noting the case data were available only through June 28 and that she would update the board in the weekly report through July 31.

The board discussed mosquito-borne disease risk after Laurie said the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (Mass DPH) reported Templeton remained at "low risk for both Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus" through July 25. Laurie told the board there were no positive mosquito samples in Templeton but that nearby towns, including Ware, Belchertown, Pelham and Granby, had reported instances.

Board members and staff urged residents to reduce standing water on their properties and to clean bird feeders periodically to prevent mosquito larvae from developing. Members also raised concerns about ticks. One board member said the town has seen "lots and lots of ticks" this season; another said commercial repellent stickers they use appear effective. Laurie offered to provide product information to the board.

No formal actions or votes were taken on public-health orders or new local regulations at the meeting. The board asked staff to include updated COVID figures and any new vector surveillance in the next weekly report and to share tick-prevention product details with members.

The report summarized existing state surveillance and local observations; it did not include new public-health mandates or budgetary actions. The board scheduled its next meeting for Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.