As of April 7, Massachusetts had 15,202 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease, including 356 deaths statewide, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
While the Department of Public Health has chosen not to release town-by-town statistics, instead releasing statistics by county, many municipalities are updating the public on their local numbers. Local communities are also reacting in a number of ways to the current pandemic, including restricting travel or municipal services, or even relaxing local bylaws and regulations to ensure businesses are minimally affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
LYNN
Cases: 344
Deaths: 4
*Data updated April 8
The city of Lynn has 317 of Essex County’s 1,841 cases of COVID-19. Echoing the recommendations of Gov. Charlie Baker, Lynn is asking its residents to stay home as much as possible, wear masks or cover the face with cloth when in public, and wash hands for at least 20 seconds as often as possible. Lynn has also partnered with nearby Beverly and Salem to start a new homeless shelter at the old Salem High School Field House to isolate homeless people during the outbreak.
Construction sites are also expected to have sanitizers available for workers, and construction workers in Lynn are required to check in at the beginning of each work shift with their supervisors to certify that they have not had any COVID-19 symptoms, which are similar to influenza, or have had any known contact with a COVID-19 patient.
Furthermore, while city parks are open, Lynn has closed the parking lots at Great Woods Road and Pennybrook Road to curb the number of people in Lynn Woods Reservation. Parking along Lynn Shore Drive has been banned due to a state order from Gov. Baker.
Lynn has also partnered with North Shore Community Action Programs and the Medical
Reserve Corps to offer a Lynn Health Line, where trained Medical Reserve Corps volunteers
are available to answer questions and share information concerning COVID-19. Lynn
residents can call the Lynn Health Line at (978) 548-5798 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.
LYNNFIELD
Cases: 31
Deaths: 4
*Data updated April 8
Lynnfield has created a town website, coronavirus-response-lynnfield-ma-dgl-ssu.hub.arcgis.com, to update the public on the current status of COVID-19 in Lynnfield. In line with statewide recommendations, Lynnfield is recommending people stay home as much as possible, especially if sick, and has banned gatherings of 10 people and more.
MARBLEHEAD
Cases: 26
Deaths: 0
*Latest update April 6
Marblehead and its Council on Aging has begun a volunteer corps to enlist people to help the more vulnerable with getting necessary supplies, including food and medication. If in need of assistance, or to volunteer to be a part of this program, visit https://mhdproud.com/.
NAHANT
Cases: 6
Deaths: 1
*Latest update April 7
Nahant is offering free meals for students. Meal orders may be placed online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1y2llABgaHLz5GZhcsqI7oz-jnVf8gDKojYOOShrZpyfyaw/viewform. In addition, a Nahant COVID-19 has been set up at (781) 771-2121 for residents with questions about the current outbreak and town response. The hotline is available from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Resources and information on COVID-19 in Nahant is available at nahantcovid19.com/.
Parking along Lynn Shore Drive has been banned due to a state order from Gov. Baker.
PEABODY
Cases: 14
Deaths: 0
*Latest update March 27
Peabody has launched Peabody United, a website with resources on how residents may best protect themselves from COVID-19, and is giving updates on the city’s response to the pandemic. Peabody United is viewable at www.peabody-ma.gov/United.html.
Furthermore, the city is emphasizing the statewide restrictions of gatherings of 10 people or more, and residents who must see other people out of the house are urged to stay at least 6 feet apart.
REVERE
Cases: 307
Deaths: 9
*Latest update April 8
All commercial construction in Revere is on hold until construction managers can enlist third-party inspectors to come in and ensure proper COVID-19 safety recommendations are being followed, including checking workers to ensure they do not have COVID-19 symptoms. Revere is allowing its restaurants to offer to-go orders for wine and beer. All parks and playgrounds in the city are closed until further notice.
Revere Public Schools’ grab-and-go meal services are available to all students and families at all eight school sites. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to any child that needs it on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Resources are also available to help Revere businesses deal with the lack of business during the outbreak at www.revere.org/departments/public-health-division/coronavirus/resources-for-businesses-workers-impacted-by-covid-19.
SAUGUS
Cases: 24
Deaths: 0
*Latest update April 1
Saugus announced a new “safety for all” policy addressing construction projects effective April 8. All construction and Department of Public Works projects in town with 10 or more employees must establish a Hazard Analysis and Compliance plan, and designate a compliance officer to gain approval from the town’s Department of Public Health in order to resume the project. Job sites must be equipped with hand sanitizers and wash stations.
For more information on the order, visit www.saugus-ma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/town-announces-new-safety-policy-all%C2%A0construction-projects-along-its-workers.
SWAMPSCOTT
Cases: 36
Deaths: 0
*Latest update April 7
The town of Swampscott has issued a stay-at-home order, making the statewide stay-at-home advisory mandatory. Residents are only allowed to leave their houses for sanctioned activities, including exercise, picking up food or necessary supplies, doctors appointments, and as state-designated essential workers. Residents who do not comply may be fined up to $1,000 per violation, and the Swampscott Police Department has the authority to enforce the order.
The King’s Beach walkway has been modified to only allow one-way traffic for pedestrians. Also, the town has initiated a volunteer service so that residents may sew and receive face masks. To sign up for this service, visit docs.google.com/forms/d/1rxD1Kizsf08aiMB1xo9VWxxzLYHj4T8Qz93dMrLtFFE/viewform?edit_requested=true.
Furthermore, all residents may pick up free meals at the Swampscott High School between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays.
Parking along Lynn Shore Drive has been banned due to a state order from Gov. Baker.
