Coronavirus In Chelmsford: 88 People Test Positive

CHELMSFORD, MA — Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, 88 people in town have tested positive, but there are only 70 active cases current, the town announced Friday. The release of the numbers marks the first time in several weeks that the town has disclosed the number of cases.

It's not clear if 18 people have recovered, or if there were any deaths.

After announcing in March it would no longer make public the number of people who tested positive or died in town because of the new coronavirus, Chelmsford officials announced Friday night the town will now release the number of cases.

"In consultation with town officials, neighboring communities, and MDPH, the Chelmsford Board of Health is posting COVID -19 numbers on our website," officials said in a statement. "Due to privacy laws, no personally identifying information will be released."

Officials stressed they were only releasing the number of people who had tested positive and did not reflect the number of people who had been potentially exposed or sought medical attention, or were awaiting results.

State health officials say it's likely there are many more undiagnosed cases in communities across the commonwealth.

Local and state officials ask that residents stay at home as much as possible, practice social distancing, wash hands often, clean commonly touched areas often with disinfectant and abide by the state advisory.

"The Town of Chelmsford is prepared to handle the progression of this pandemic," officials said.

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