City Cancels Halloween Events As Risk Level Rises: Patch PM

It's Friday, Oct. 16. Here's what Patch has been covering in Middlesex County and across Massachusetts today.

Somerville Cancels Halloween Events After Being Labeled High Risk

Mayor Joseph Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health are discouraging residents from traditional Halloween activities like trick-or-treating this year. The city has also canceled all sponsored and permitted events, such as the annual Haunted Hall and block parties.

The state labeled Somerville a high-risk, or "red," community on its weekly color-coded map Wednesday.

The limits on gatherings and all other pandemic safety orders in Somerville apply to planned private or commercial Halloween activities. No more than 10 people may gather at a time in Somerville, regardless of whether they are indoors or outdoors.

Read more here.

Elsewhere in Middlesex County

MA 5 Debate: Where Clark, Colarusso Stand On National Issues

In their first debate for the 5th Congressional District in Massachusetts, U.S. Representative Katherine Clark and her challenger, Stoneham Selectwoman Caroline Colarusso, talked the pandemic, police reform, reproductive rights and climate change Tuesday. Here is where the candidates stand on five key issues.

Wakefield's COVID-19 Policies Won't Change, Cluster 'Contained'

Health officials in Wakefield decided not to adjust the town's COVID-19 policies, despite jumping from a low-risk community to a high-risk community under state metrics this week. The state labeled Wakefield a high-risk, or "red," community on its weekly color-coded map. Officials attributed the change to a cluster of cases at one location, saying without it, the town would have gone from low-risk, or "green," to moderate-risk, or "yellow," this week.

Malden School Staffer Tests Positive For Coronavirus

A staff member at a Malden public school has tested positive for the coronavirus, Superintendent John Oteri said. In a letter to families late Thursday, Oteri said an employee of the Linden STEAM Academy tested positive.

"The staff member followed protocol and informed us of their status so that we could take the proper precautions," Oteri wrote. "Out of an abundance of caution, we will be canceling in-person classes today at the Linden STEAM Academy."

2 Melrose Students Test Positive; No Staff Cases Reported

There have been two confirmed coronavirus cases among Melrose Public Schools students who attend in-person class, according to state data released for Oct. 8-14. No cases among staff were reported. The cases are the district's first reported since the state started releasing weekly data beginning with Sept. 24.

Across Massachusetts

Needham Shop Owner Faces Uncertainty As Eviction Ban Expires

Maria Mavrogiannis, 76, hadn't missed a rent payment in 30 years before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Local News Anchor Fired For Appearing In Sandler's Salem Comedy

Alaina Pinto, formerly of WHDH News, said she was fired for violating her contract after a brief appearance in Netflix's "Hubie Halloween."

WATCH: Great White Shark Chows Down On Seal Off Cape Cod

Beach season may be over on Cape Cod, but great white sharks are still swimming and hunting for blubbery snacks in the region's waters.

Braintree Police Help DEA With Massive Fentanyl, Cocaine Bust

According to police, $20,000 worth of fentanyl and $7,000 worth of cocaine were seized.

Andover Superintendent Resigns, Will Remain Until End Of December

The School Committee announced Superintendent Sheldon Berman's resignation Thursday evening.