Medford Coronavirus Update: 900+ Cases, What's Open, Closed

MEDFORD, MA – There have been more than 900 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Medford. As of Saturday, the case count stood at 923, according to the latest numbers from the city.

City officials said Medford will generally follow the state's timeline for phased reopening of businesses; however, the mayor and Board of Health will examine local health data to determine if it needs to be adjusted.

Business Reopening Plan

On Monday, May 25, the following businesses and services opened in Medford. Businesses must follow health, safety and social distancing requirements, complete and post the self-attestation forms required by the state, and submit them to the Medford Board of Health prior to reopening:

• Hair salons
• Barber shops
• Pet grooming services
• Curbside retail and/or remote fulfillment (NO customers will be permitted to shop inside any establishment at this time)
• Car washes

Attestations can be uploaded directly to the Board of Health here: https://tinyurl.com/BOHform.

As of Monday, May 18, construction sites, houses of worship and manufacturing facilities have been able to operate within the city, as long as each sector adheres to health and safety guidelines and occupancy limits as established by the state's Reopening Advisory Board. All establishments should submit a health and safety checklist to the Medford Board of Health and post the attestation within the workplace by Monday, May 25.

Failure of any business to adhere to these guidelines may result in enforcement as follows:

• 1st offense: verbal warning
• 2nd offense: written warning
• 3rd – 5th offenses: fines up to $300 for each offense
• Final notice: cease & desist letter

In addition to posting health and safety standards, employees must also wear face coverings over their nose and mouth, practice social distancing when possible, and use good hygiene methods such as washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Employees who are ill should not report to work. Operating guidelines for houses of worship are currently under review by the Board of Health.

All businesses and organizations will be required to adhere to health and safety regulations issued by the state and will be monitored by the Board of Health and its agents. These full regulations are available on the state website, www.mass.gov/reopening. Again, to submit attestations to the Board of Health, visit https://tinyurl.com/BOHform.

City Hall Reopening Plan

Medford City Hall remains closed to the public for walk-in business, however all transactions can be completed either online or by calling City Hall during business hours at 781-396-5500. During Phase 1 of City Hall reopening, which will begin on Monday, June 1, offices will be staffed at 25 percent of the total normal staffing level. All other staff will continue to work remotely, and services will continue as usual.

City Hall offices and their staff will adhere to all health and safety regulations under the State’s Reopening Plan, including installation of plexiglass dividers in public-facing offices, social distancing regulations, and regular cleaning and disinfecting of common surfaces. Additional plans and phases will be announced as available.

Other coronavirus updates in Medford:

• Housing Resources: The City of Medford and its partner agencies providing housing resources and supports have several programs and opportunities available to Medford residents during the COVID-19 health crisis. Services include but are not limited to assistance with rent payments, free legal services, and guidance about your rights as a tenant during and after the public health emergency. Visit www.medfordma.org/covid-19-housing-resources for more information.

• Business Loans: The City recently announced a Small Business and Microenterprise Relief Grant Program, which is now open for applicants. These programs will assist Medford businesses with challenges around their ability to remain open (or re-open as permitted) and with employee retention in the wake of the global health crisis. Program funds may be used to cover commercial rent or mortgage, employee wages, resources to establish a business’s presence online, and other operating expenses. Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2020. To apply for grants for a Microenterprise, visit https://tinyurl.com/MedfordMicroLoan. To apply for grants for small businesses, visit https://tinyurl.com/MedfordSmallBusinessLoan. Questions? Contact our Office of Community Development at 781-393-2480 or ocd@medford-ma.gov.

• Social distancing, wearing face coverings still critical. While you're enjoying the warmer weather, please remember that it’s essential we continue to practice social distancing. Gatherings of over 10 people are prohibited, including gatherings at private residences, and group activities. Park use is limited to passive use only and play structures and dog parks are closed. Additionally, whenever you're inside an essential business or outside and cannot appropriately social distance, you are required to wear a face covering over your nose and mouth for your protection as well as for those around you.