Coronavirus: Medford Cases Rise, Construction Paused

MEDFORD, MA — The number of positive cases of the coronavirus in Medford rose to 88 Thursday, according to the latest numbers from the city. Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced updated directives for construction projects in the city during the public health crisis.

Projects must temporarily pause operations until a safety plan is approved by the city that details the company's plans to ensure work site safety. Following the city's approval, any projects found to be in violation of their plans will be required to stop operations immediately.

Lungo-Koehn was one of seven community leaders that petitioned Gov. Baker to revise his order around essential businesses, which at that point allowed construction projects to continue across the state.

On April 2, Baker and MassDOT issued revised guidance giving cities and towns the authority to require safety plans and enforce adherence to those plans accordingly.

"I want to thank Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for their willingness to review and revise their standing orders and allow cities and towns to ensure the health and safety of our residents," Mayor Lungo-Koehn said in a statement. "It's absolutely critical that we work together to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19, and the best tool at our disposal is to practice physical distancing. It flies in the face of all that we’re asking of our residents and businesses during this time by allowing hundreds of employees to continue operations on construction sites, particularly when those employees also continue to frequent local stores and public places."

The Public Health and Building Departments will enforce this order effective immediately.