Swampscott Coronavirus: Town Records First Three Deaths

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Three Swampscott residents died of the new coronavirus in a 24-hour period, Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald said Friday in a message to residents.

"Over the next few weeks, there will likely be more. Now, these losses have really hit home," Fitzgerald said. "These losses remind us all how essential it is to continue our efforts and work to protect each other during this outbreak."

Don't miss updates about precautions in your area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Swampscott has also seen a "significant increase" in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases as the state increases testing, Fitzgerald said. As of Friday, there were 77 cases in Swampscott, up from 60 on April 15.

In addition to the three residents who died, a worker at the Swampscott Whole Foods died of coronavirus on April 15. Members of the Massachusetts National Guard were in Swampscott Friday to conduct testing at a nursing home.

More Coronavirus Coverage On Massachusetts Patch:

• Local Budgets In Limbo Until State, Feds Act
• Coronavirus Case Counts For Every Massachusetts Town
• 80,000 New Unemployment Claims In Latest Report
• When Will MA Relax Coronavirus Social Distancing Measures?

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).