Medford Coronavirus Update: Cases Surpass 70
MEDFORD, MA — The number of positive coronavirus cases in Medford stood at 72 as of Wednesday night, according to the latest data from the city. The case count grew by nearly 20 over two days. Medford previously reported 61 cases on Tuesday and 53 on Monday.
Gov. Charlie Baker has extended the closure of nonessential businesses to May 4. The governor's order also extends to the stay-at-home advisory and the 10-person cap on social gatherings, which will also run until at least May 4.
The number of cases across Massachusetts rose to 7,738 on Wednesday, including 122 deaths. More than half of the Massachusetts residents who have died from the coronavirus succumbed in the past two days, as state health officials reported 33 new deaths for the second straight day Wednesday.
Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn signed two emergency orders this week, which went into effect Wednesday at noon:
Prohibiting visitors inside of properties maintained by the Medford Housing Authority. Due to the ongoing public health crisis and the city's efforts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, as of 12 p.m. April 1, visitors will not be permitted to enter any building maintained by the Medford Housing Authority. Visitors, including those delivering food or other items, may greet residents outside of the building as long as social distancing measures are followed. This order does not apply to home health aides, visiting nurses, public safety personnel, or other essential medical services.
Prohibiting in-person showings of homes or apartments. As of 12 p.m. April 1, all in-person showings of units and homes for rental or sale are prohibited. Property owners, managers, landlords, and real estate brokers and agents are encouraged to use online resources during this time.
Previous Updates and Reminders
Water, real estate bills due May 1: the treasurer/collector will be mailing 4th quarter real estate and tax bills on April 1. Bills are due to the city by May 1. Under current state and federal regulations, there have been no amendments to deadlines for real estate or tax bills. Bills can be paid online at www.medfordma.org, by mail to City Hall, 85 George P. Hassett Dr., or by dropping check payments in the drop box outside of City Hall. If you have any questions, please call the Treasurer/Collector Office at 781-393-2550.
Street Sweeping Starts April 1: Weekly street sweeping on main streets in Medford will begin April 1. Street sweeping is conducted Monday through Friday between 12:01 a.m. and 7 a.m. A full schedule of streets can be found at medfordma.org.
White goods, bulk item pickup restored: As of March 30, the city's trash and recycling contractor, Waste Management, will restore service for pickups of white goods and bulk items. Those operations had been temporarily suspended while Waste Management set up its remote constituent service center.
Ways You Can Help
Donate: Looking for ways to volunteer, or places to donate goods and services? The state has set up a database to receive and track donations as well as goods and services for sale that could help health care professionals in treating patients with COVID-19. Visit mass.gov/covid19 for information on how you can donate things like masks, gloves, and other necessary items. Donating through the database ensures that all donations are sorted and shipped to where they are most needed.
Give blood: The American Red Cross is in need of donations. It has set up clean, secure sites with protocols for proper social distancing. These sites will remain open as "essential services." For more information visit www.redcross.org.
Social distancing is the most important tool at our disposal. Stay home as much as you can, and if you do need to go out for a walk, to the grocery store or pharmacy, keep six feet between yourself and others. Limit activities at City parks to passive use only (going for walks or hikes, no group activities or pick up games).
This article originally appeared on the Medford Patch
