Coronavirus Rates Trending In Wrong Direction: Patch PM

Happy Friday! Here's what Patch has been covering in Middlesex County and across Massachusetts.

The latest release of town-by-town coronavirus data from the state Department of Public Health shows the number of communities with concerning levels of coronavirus is starting to head in the wrong direction around Middlesex County. It's prompted municipal officials to crack down.

Malden stayed in the high-risk range this week with an average daily test rate of 11.4 cases per 100,000. It was the third consecutive week Malden was labeled high risk, or "red," by the state, meaning it will now roll back its reopening plan.

Somerville and Wakefield, meanwhile, marked their second week on the state's high-risk list. A third week would mean they'd go back to Phase 3, Step 1, which Somerville has already lingered on voluntarily.

Numbers are trending in the wrong direction in other communities as well. Medford and Arlington are on the brink of high risk and moderate risk designations, respectively, and Reading was upgraded from low to moderate risk based on the latest state data.

Elsewhere in Middlesex County

MA Senate Passes 'Laura's Law' After Death Outside Somerville ER

The Massachusetts Senate passed a bill Thursday that would require hospitals to ensure safe, easy access to emergency rooms 24 hours a day. The legislation is known as "Laura's Law" after Laura Levis, who died outside Somerville Hospital in 2016.

Details of Levis's death emerged in a 2018 Boston Globe Magazine story written by her husband, Peter DeMarco. Levis brought herself to the hospital in the midst of a severe asthma attack, found the door locked and called 911. She was found near the entrance to the ER about 10 minutes after placing the call and died seven days later.

Large Gas Leak Closes Lexington Street For Almost 12 Hours

Eversource repaired a gas leak on Woburn's Lexington Street late Thursday, allowing the street to be reopened around 11:30 p.m., the police department said.

The street was closed from Four Corners to Waltham Street for almost 12 hours as first responders dealt with a large gas leak. All traffic was asked to avoid the area and the immediate surroundings were evacuated.

Halloween Spirit

Earlier this month, Patch asked readers for their help putting together a tour of the area's best Halloween Yard displays. We also asked you to send in your pumpkins. On both counts, you delivered.

See both lists and plan your tour of the area's best Halloween decorations:

• Patch's 2020 Guide To The Area's Best Halloween Yards
• Middlesex County Patch Pumpkin Photo Gallery 2020

_{"The force is strong with this pumpkin," available for viewing at Whitelam Books in Reading. (Courtesy of Erin Reilly)}

GET YOUR DECORATIONS IN OUR ROUND-UPS: Both lists continue to grow. We LOVE reader submissions, so we'll be updating the list until Halloween.

• Got a spooky haunted yard? Tell us why your yard haunt is special and send your pictures to chris.huffaker@patch.com. (Read more about getting on the list.)
• Proud of your pumpkins? Send your best shots to alex.newman@patch.com. Make sure to include where the photo was taken and any other important info for the caption. Please only send photos you took yourself.

Across Massachusetts

Beverly Psychic Sees Signs Of Hope In the City

Summer Evans said that while clients have had trouble balancing their energy during the coronavirus crisis, better times are ahead.

MA Schools, Districts Report 202 New Coronavirus Cases

Over 100 schools and districts reported at least one coronavirus case from Oct. 15 to Oct. 11.

Massachusetts Suspends Youth Hockey For 2 Weeks

Indoor ice facilities are barred from hosting games or practice through Nov 6.

And finally today:
Saturday is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election. Thousands of voters have already returned their ballots whether through the mail or participating in early voting. Have you voted already?