Medford Voter Told Poll Worker Of Positive COVID-19 Test

MEDFORD, MA — A voter who submitted a ballot in person in Ward 7, Precinct 2 Tuesday tested positive for COVID-19, according to an alert sent out to residents in that precinct. The person told a poll worker they had tested positive for the virus after voting at the McGlynn School.

Poll workers immediately paused operations, asking voters in line to remain outside the building while they disinfected all surfaces, the alert stated. After about 30 minutes, poll workers directed voters to return to the building.

Periodic disinfecting was ongoing at the school throughout the morning. All COVID-19 precautions were in place, including poll workers wearing masks and sitting behind plexiglass barriers and social distancing measures for voters in line and at voting booths, the city said.

"The voter in question practiced social distancing while inside of the polling place, was wearing a mask, and was in the building for less than 10 minutes," according to a statement from the city. "While the incident has been referred to the Medford Police Department for follow up, we do not have evidence to believe that there were any close contacts while this person was at the polling location, nor do we believe there is any threat to either the general public or to the poll workers at the McGlynn School."

The incident has been reported to the Secretary of State's office.