2 'Significant' Coronavirus Clusters Found In Medford

MEDFORD, MA — Health officials are tracking two "separate and significant" clusters of COVID-19 cases in Medford, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced Thursday. The clusters stemmed from a "potentially oversized" gathering at Raso's Grille and a large Thanksgiving gathering at a private home, Lungo-Koehn said.

Raso's Grille closed Tuesday after a customer reported testing positive for the virus.

"Out of an abundance of caution we have decided to shut down for an indeterminate amount of time," a statement on the restaurant's Facebook page reads. "This is for the safety of all our patrons and employees, which is our primary concern."

The Raso's team emphasized they have been following all COVID-19 guidelines and will continue to work with the Board of Health.

Lungo-Koehn said anyone who ate at or ordered takeout from Raso's between Monday, Nov. 23 and Monday, Nov. 30 should contact the Medford Board of Health Resource Line at 781-475-5644, as there are "several dates where employees and patrons may have been exposed."

The city reported 54 positive cases Wednesday, its third-highest daily case rate since the start of the pandemic. Lungo-Koehn said Medford, along with the rest of the state, is experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases. Residents are urged to practice health and safety guidelines, especially regarding masks and gathering limits.

"While the vast majority are doing the right thing and following the rules, I am incredibly sad, disappointed, and angry that others continue to be irresponsible and put people at risk," Lungo-Koehn said. "People have sacrificed so much in these last 10 months. We have worked hard to get kids back in school, to keep our businesses open, and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed. The blatant disregard for following the guidelines and orders from the state, including gathering sizes, and from what I am seeing, people not wearing masks, is putting our community at risk."

Medford may start issuing fines to people or businesses that violate COVID-19 regulations, the mayor said.