Coronavirus In Newton: Cases Rise To 282

NEWTON, MA — The number of Newton residents who have tested positive for the new coronavirus rose to 282 Friday, according to the city. Twelve people have died in the city as of the last count, on Wednesday.

The increase comes as the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, leapt above 20,000 and the number of deaths reached 599.

Gov. Charlie Baker has said the state will see a surge in numbers in the next week and a half.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said that as testing becomes more widespread at facilities for older residents, she expects the reported number of Newton cases to increase.

Earlier this week, an assisted living community in the city announced five residents had died because of the coronavirus, putting a spotlight on how fast the virus spreads among such facilities. The City Health and Human Services staff is in regular contact with directors at each of the long-term care and assisted living locations in the city.

Echoing the health experts, Fuller implored residents to stay home as much as possible and to wear masks when going out for essential items.

"The more we are able to stay home, the more we lessen the spread, decrease the impact on our healthcare system and healthcare workers, and protect the vulnerable among us," said Fuller.

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