Coronavirus Cases Rise At Arlington Senior Living Homes

ARLINGTON, MA — The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus has risen in Arlington, including at its senior living facilities. As of Monday, the town's case count stood at 240, with the death toll rising to 25.

The number of cases reported at Arlington's senior care facilities is now at 91, up from 78 reported last week. There have been 1,803 fabric masks given out to seniors, according to the latest numbers from the town.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Massachusetts saw its smallest day-to-day increase in nearly a month Monday as the positive test rate continued to decline.

State health officials said there were 1,000 new cases, the lowest number since April 5 and 824 fewer than were reported Sunday. There were 9,622 test performed, meaning the positive test rate dipped to 10.3 percent; that's the lowest since late March. There have now been 69,087 positive tests.

There were 86 new deaths reported, a day after 157 were reported. The total fatalities is now at 4,090, more than half of which have occurred at long-term care facilities.

Gov. Charlie Baker issued an order requiring face masks or cloth face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Exceptions include children under the age of 2 and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition.

Violation on the order may result in a fine of up to $300 per violation. Read the order and Mass DPH Advisories at mass.gov/coveryourface.

Arlington's Board of Health will meet May 6 to review Baker's executive order. The town continues to ask residents to wear face coverings in public to help slow the transmission of this virus. Learn how to make your own cloth face covering.