SAUGUS — COVID-19 is not pulling any punches headed into the fall.
With the Delta variant increasing the number of cases across the commonwealth and the country, Saugus is falling victim to breakthrough COVID-19 cases, or in other words, cases in which an individual is vaccinated but still manages to contract the virus.
During August 17th’s Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Manager Scott Crabtree gave an update on the COVID-19 situation in the town and informed the public that Saugus is currently dealing with these breakthrough cases.
From Monday Aug. 9 to the following Monday, the town acquired 57 new cases.
“The Delta (variant) is surging in Middlesex and Essex counties. The health department and the town is watching it closely,” said Crabtree.
The town manager would then go on to say that they are still verifying the numbers, but Saugus has had breakthrough cases of COVID-19.
Debra Panetta told the Daily Item that residents should take precautions when they can. She also mentioned that her entire family has been vaccinated against COVID-19. Still, the Board of Selectmen mentioned that there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to the Delta variant.
“I don’t think any of us know what this Delta variant really means,” said Panetta. “Some people are getting their booster shots now when they qualify. I do know people that have gotten their booster shot so far.”
While Panetta mentioned that she isn’t the biggest fan of wearing masks, she added that is ready to put her mask on if she needs to.
“We need to do whatever we can to keep not only ourselves, but our neighbors healthy,” she said. “We need to do everything we can to keep ourselves, our families, (and) our neighbors healthy. If that requires going back and wearing masks, so be it.”
Sam Minton can be reached at [email protected].
