Medford Coronavirus: 2 New Cases Confirmed

MEDFORD, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed two new positive cases of COVID-19, the illness associated with the coronavirus, in Medford, health officials announced Friday. Medford has had four total cases of the coronavirus.

The two most recent cases are currently in isolation and are being monitored by the Board of Health. The two residents who previously tested positive have completed quarantine and have since recovered.

Social Distancing and Gathering Reminders

As a reminder, under the Governor’s orders, any public or social gathering of over 25 people is prohibited. This includes gatherings in parks and playgrounds, within businesses,

weddings or parties, funerals, and any other large gathering. This order also applies to construction sites and other related activities.

President Trump issued further guidance that public gatherings should not exceed 10 people.

Closures, Restrictions and Service Impacts as of Wednesday, March 18

• Public buildings and schools remain closed until at least April 7, 2020.
  • The City’s Legal and IT Departments are currently reviewing alternate options for public meetings, including virtual meetings. Information will be shared to medfordma.org when it is available.
  • City Council meetings have been canceled for the week of March 23.
• Public playgrounds with play structures are closed to all users.
  • Public parks and fields are closed to the public except for passive activities, like taking a brief walk or activities with your children or family. Social distancing measures should be followed at all times, and no gathering of more than 10 people in any one location is permitted, per regulations issued by the President on March 16, 2020. No organized or pick-up games, such as basketball, tennis, or group soccer games, are permitted.
• Food service establishments may operate with take-out and/or delivery options ONLY, until at least April 6, 2020, per order of Governor Baker on March 15, 2020.
• Non-essential personal service businesses and entities including but not limited to hair salons, nail salons, gyms and health clubs, tattoo parlors and massage parlors must be closed to the public beginning Saturday, March 21, until at least April 6, 2020. For more information see the Mayor’s order issued March 18, 2020, at medforda.org.
• Waste Management, the City’s trash collection contractor, has temporarily suspended bulk item and white goods pickup. Trash and recycling collection will continue as usual.
• The MBTA announced impacts to service, including local bus lines. For more information visit mbta.com/coronavirus.

Community Services and Supports

Food Access

The City of Medford, in partnership with local businesses, organizations, and volunteers, has a number of options for residents in need to access food. A comprehensive list is available at www.medfordma.org/food-resources-in-medford, and is updated regularly. If you do not have access to the internet or have any questions, please call City Hall at 781-396-5500.

Business Support Resources

The Small Business Administration approved Governor Baker’s request for a Disaster Declaration for Massachusetts businesses and non-profits. Information and resources are available at www.mass.gov, or www.medfordma.gov/coronavirus-information.

Resources for Individuals Experiencing Domestic Violence or Substance Abuse

There are a number of community resources available at any time to anyone needing immediate assistance with domestic violence or substance abuse. If you are in need of urgent care for any emergency, always call 9-1-1. Additional resources, advocates and support services are available in a variety of locations, including:

· 24 hour Safelink hotline: 877-785-2020

· Portal to Hope: 781-338-7678

· National Domestic Violence hotline: 800-799-7233 (SAFE)

· Online recovery meetings: www.virtual-na.org

· 24/7 online streaming speakers: www.naspeaker.com

· Facebook: @AlysiaRecoveringMedford

Consumer Affairs Issues

The Medford Consumer Affairs Advisory Commission is also open and available for any local business or organizations with questions. Visit www.medfordma.org/boards/consumer-advisory-board for more information.