2 Test Positive For Coronavirus After Event At Assembly Row Hotel

SOMERVILLE, MA — Two people who attended an expo for wedding and party vendors at The Row Hotel in Somerville have tested positive for COVID-19, the illness associated with the coronavirus, Boston 25 reported. They were among 330 guests at B-LIST, an event at the Assembly Row hotel March 4, according to the network.

"We have been informed by the organizer of an event hosted at the hotel that two guests of the event have tested positive for COVID-19," a spokesperson for The Row Hotel wrote in an email to Patch. "We are working with the local health authorities and have taken additional steps to perform enhanced cleaning and sanitization of the hotel. We are also following all precautionary measures as recommended by the CDC as the wellbeing of our guests, associates and community is of paramount importance."

Natalie Pinney, co-founder and creative director of Whim Events, which organized the B-LIST, said her company immediately notified the event's attendees by email upon learning of the positive tests. Whim Events has been in contact with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and provided attendees with information on steps to take if they are concerned for their health, according to Pinney.

"It was a priority for us to follow the safety and communication protocol we have been given by the CDC and the Department of Public Health for the well-being of all involved," Pinney wrote in an email to Patch. "We continue to support our partners, attendees, and colleagues through this challenging time and encourage everyone to take the necessary safety precautions as recommended by the CDC and Department of Public Health. "

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As of Tuesday, March 10, 12 people have self-quarantined for the coronavirus in Somerville, according to the city. None have experienced symptoms but had close contact with someone who had tested positive for the virus. Four people remained in self-quarantine Tuesday.

Somerville announced "social distancing" measures on Wednesday, designed to limit opportunities for the virus to spread. These include postponing or limiting the size of events:

• City- and school-sponsored public events and permitted public events scheduled through April 30, 2020, and which are projected to have 50 or more attendees in one location, will be canceled or postponed until a later date.
• City- and school-sponsored public events and permitted public cultural events with 49 or fewer attendees will implement social distancing guidelines AND all such private events are strongly advised to comply with the following protocols as well:
  • The event must be held in a space large enough to prevent crowding for the expected attendees. Social distancing for attendees must be possible (six feet apart or more).
  • If food is served:
    • do not serve foods where multiple hands will touch the food (e.g., buffet style) (again, served food by staff trained in food handling could be substituted);
    • ensure hand-washing facilities are accessible and supplied with adequate soap and paper towels;
    • if available, provide hand sanitizer for attendees for in-between handwashing opportunities.
  • All commonly touched surfaces will be cleaned before and after events (doorknobs, railings, sink handles, etc.).
  • All attendees should be reminded not to attend if they are feeling unwell, coughing, or sneezing.
  • All attendees should be reminded to avoid social touching (handshaking and social hugs/kissing should be avoided).
  • Wherever possible, events will be recorded and cablecast by the City’s Somerville City CableTV and Educational Access channels.
• City- and School-sponsored public sports events and City-permitted sports events will follow these social distancing guidelines:
  • Only athletes, staff, and coaches will be allowed to attend these events. Spectators will not be allowed.
  • Guidelines have been established for cleaning all commonly touched surfaces and equipment before and after the event (doorknobs, locker knobs, sports equipment, railings, sink handles, etc.)
  • Wherever possible, events will be recorded and cablecast by the City’s Somerville City CableTV and Educational Access channels.