Health & Fitness

Wakefield Sees First Coronavirus-Related Death

Town Administrator Stephen Maio has announced Wakefield's first coronavirus-related death.

WAKEFIELD, MA — Wakefield Town Administrator Stephen Maio announced the town's first death from the coronavirus Friday. The person was in their eights and had underlying health conditions, Maio said.

"I know that our neighbors in Lynnfield experienced a loss this week, as well," Maio said in a statement. "My thoughts are with these families, and all of those who are struggling with this illness."

In a letter to the Wakefield community, Maio highlighted the work being done by the Food Pantry, Council on Aging and residents and families making masks for healthcare workers and decorating their driveways and windows to spread cheer.

Find out what's happening in Wakefieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The number of cases in Massachusetts stood at 4,955 as of Sunday night, including 981 in Middlesex County. Across the state, some 48 people have died due to COVID-19. Health officials say the public can expect the number of positive cases to rise as more testing becomes available.

The town said it will no longer report its individual cases and instead promote countywide numbers under guidance from the Massachusetts Command Center. Maio urged residents to continue to practice social distancing and maintain six feet of space between each other.

Find out what's happening in Wakefieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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