Peabody Coronavirus: City Has First Confirmed Case

PEABODY, MA —Peabody officials said Friday a resident has tested positive for the COVID-19.

"I know the thoughts of our entire community are with the affected individual and their family, and that the City of Peabody will come together to support each other through this trying time," said Mayor Ted Bettencourt.

It was the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Peabody. The Peabody Health Department is in frequent contact with the patient, who is following isolation protocols. The department is also tracing the person's movements and contacting people who may have had contact with the patient.

The person's identity was not released because of health privacy rules.

"COVID-19 is an evolving situation," said Health Director Sharon Cameron. "The Peabody Health Department and other key City departments have been preparing for this threat for some time. The risk level throughout Massachusetts is rising and we now know that COVID-19 is in our community."