Marblehead Coronavirus: Town Sees Big Jump In Deaths

MARBLEHEAD, MA — There were eight reported coronavirus-related deaths in Marblehead as of May 4, up from just one in the report for the week ended April 27.

The big jump in reported deaths was offset by news that the town had just 10 new confirmed cases, bringing the town's total to 127. Of those cases, 51 people are no longer in isolation, up from 41 the previous week.

In the prior week's report, new cases jumped from 36 to 117.

"The increase in COVID-19 cases is largely attributable to the long term care facilities in town that have experienced clusters of positive COVID-19 diagnoses," the town said in a message to residents on Friday, before the new numbers were released. "The Board of Health has been working closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the nursing homes to protect the health and well-being of the residents and employees of the nursing homes which continues to be a top priority."

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers daily updates of confirmed case counts at the state's nursing homes. Monday's report listed the following long term care facilities in Marblehead:

• Alliance Health at Devereux: 64 beds, more than 30 cases
• Lafayette Rehab & Skilled Nursing: 65 beds, 10-30 cases

The Marblehead Board of Health is requiring the use of face coverings inside public buildings and is advising residents to wear them at all times, mirroring an order issued last week by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker.

"While we are grateful to the vast majority of residents who are adhering to social distancing guidelines we still are receiving reports that people are not social distancing in certain areas of town – in particular at Castle Rock and Crocker Park," the town said in Friday's message. "Please – for your own safety and those that you are passing by – continue social distancing and walking, biking and jogging in your own neighborhood. When outside, you must keep your dog on a leash at all times."

More Coronavirus Coverage On Massachusetts Patch:

• Sympathy Cards Are The Latest Hot Commodity In The Coronavirus Pandemic
• State Modifies MCAS Graduation Requirement
• Complaints Spikes With Mask Order, Nice Weather
• Coronavirus Case Counts For Every Massachusetts Town (Updated April 29)

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).