Reading Coronavirus Update: 200+ Cases, 28 Deaths

READING, MA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Reading has risen above 200, according to the latest numbers from the town. As of April 30, the case count stood at 239. Twenty-eight people have died, and 71 patients have recovered.

Last week, Reading started requiring employees and customers of essential businesses to wear a facial covering when inside the building. The covering does not have to be a surgical mask or N-95 respirator and can be a fabric mask, scarf or bandana. The only requirement is it must cover the nose and mouth.

Gov. Charlie Baker issued an order requiring face masks or cloth face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces starting Wednesday, May 6. Exceptions include children under the age of 2 and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition.

Violation on the order may result in a fine of up to $300 per violation. Read the order and Mass DPH Advisories at mass.gov/coveryourface.

The town will hold a mask distribution event for residents ages 60 and over and medically fragile individuals Wednesday. Masks will be given out two per person and up to six per vehicle from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the parking lot behind the Reading Memorial High School Field House.

Residents should enter the High School property from Oakland Road and follow the directions from police officers on site. Residents should stay in their vehicles for mask distribution.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across Massachusetts saw its smallest day-to-day increase in nearly a month Monday as the positive test rate continued to decline.

State health officials said there were 1,000 new cases, the lowest number since April 5 and 824 fewer than were reported Sunday. There were 9,622 test performed, meaning the positive test rate dipped to 10.3 percent; that's the lowest since late March. There have now been 69,087 positive tests.

There were 86 new deaths reported, a day after 157 were reported. The total fatalities is now at 4,090, more than half of which have occurred at long-term care facilities.