LYNN — A city resident has died from COVID-19, Mayor Thomas McGee announced Wednesday.
The city has not released identifying information about the resident.
“My heart goes out to the family of the resident that died as a result of contracting COVID-19, as this global pandemic continues to hit home, for all of us, in such a terrible way,” McGee said.
There are now 106 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lynn, according to McGee, up from 28 on March 27. Patients have been quarantined, and are monitored by the Lynn Department of Public Health, which is also conducting an investigation to find out who has been contacted by someone with a confirmed case. Those who have come in contact with a person infected with COVID-19 will be notified by their respective board of health and told to quarantine.
Lynn Public Health Director Michele Desmarais said people should be diligent about washing their hands and avoiding others to prevent the spread of the virus, and only go out for essential supplies.
According to McGee, “social distancing” practices, including staying home, not gathering in groups, and staying at least 6 feet away from other people while out, are especially important because the state expects to see a “surge” in the number of COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks.
“We strongly urge you to stay home and help save lives,” McGee said.
Lynn parks and the Lynn Woods Reservation will remain open for now, according to McGee, but the parking lots on Great Woods Road and Pennybrook Road will be closed as of Thursday to curb the number of people in the area. Those who use public areas should stay away from others, keep dogs on leashes and away from others, and pick up their trash. Additionally the Parkland Avenue Dog Park will be closed until further notice. In following Governor Baker’s Essential Services Order, all golf courses, including Gannon Municipal Golf
Course, are closed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes that can land in mouths or be inhaled into the lungs.
The city will provide updates on COVID-19 at www.lynnma.gov. Residents may also sign up for mobile updates via the “Smart 911” service by visiting www.smart911.com.
