Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, May 22, 2020 The Coronavirus count Confirmed Saugus COVID-19 cases increase to 480; town receives news of four more virus-related deaths By Mark E. Vogler T here were 48 new cases of Saugus residents testing positive for COVID-19 over the past week, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 480 – about an 11 percent increase, according to new data released late Wednesday afternoon by the state Department of Public Health. Meanwhile, the DPH notified the town that its death total from the virus had risen to 27 – an increase of four over the same period. No information was available on the Saugus residents who died from the virus. As of Wednesday, DPH officials reported 6,066 deaths statewide linked to COVID-19. Of those, 817 have been reported in Essex County. The DPH has been releasing numbers of COVID-19 cases for all 351 municipalities, broken down by city and town, every Wednesday. The agency on its website will post the number of cases of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of cases per 100,000. The 480 cases reported for Saugus averages out to a rate of 1,688.63 per 100,000 – which is above the state average of 1,277.06 per 100,000 and is the 21st highest rate among communities, according to the data released Wednesday. But officials believe the numbers in most communities are substantially underreported because of the lack of aggressive testing for the virus. “The Saugus Health Departwww.reverealuminumwindow.com ment strongly believes that additional unrecognized cases DO exist in Saugus,” the town advised in a press release updated on May 19. “Due to the fact that they are undetected, some of these infected individuals may not be properly isolated or quarantined, which is why the [state] continues to strongly request that everyone stay at home unless it is essential, wear a cloth face cover over their face when around others, practice social distancing, avoid gatherings, and to follow the CDC and MDPH guidance. The Saugus Health Department expects those numbers to continue as does every other community in Massachusetts. Thank you to all the first responders, healthcare workers, and all other essential workers who are working hard to keep our community safe and healthy. RIGHT BY YOU “Again, this is a reminder that as the CDC and MDPH has provided guidance to everyone regarding preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Commonwealth.” This is the eighth consecutive week since the first case of the deadly virus was reported in Saugus on March 19, that the number of town residents testing positive for the killer virus has increased significantly. How Saugus compares to neighboring communities As of press time yesterday, town officials were unaware of any additional deaths of Saugus residents infected with the virus since the four deaths reported earlier in the week. Meanwhile, town residents 419 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 • 617-387-1110 771 Salem St, Lynnfield, MA 01940 • 781-776-4444 www.everettbank.com Member FDIC Member DIF are able to compare the number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Saugus to those in neighboring cities and towns as well as communities of similar size by going to the Massachusetts DPH website at https:// www.mass.gov/info-details/ covid-19-response-reporting, Then click on COVID-19 cases by city/town. Here’s how nine other area communities compare to Saugus: Lynn: 3,117 cases, 3,089.10 per 100,000. Revere: 1,506 cases, 2,472.24 per 100,000. Everett: 1,474 cases, 3,036.90 per 100,000. Malden: 1,053 cases, 1,455.27 per 100,000. Peabody: 877 cases, 1,572.65 per 100,000. Saugus: 480 cases, 1,688.63 per 100,000. Wakefield: 286 cases, 1,059.07 per 100,000. Melrose: 216 cases, 746.83 per 100,000. Reading: 270 cases, 982.39 per 100,000. Lynnfield: 87 cases, 746.84 per 100,000. Statewide totals: 88,970 cases, 1,277.06 per 100,000. (Data compiled by Massachusetts DPH and made public as of May 20, 2020, count and rate [per 100,000] of confirmed COVID-10 Cases in Massachusetts by city/town, January 1, 2020– May 20, 2020.) On its website, the DPH noted that the rate specifying the number of cases per 100,000 “provides a standardized way to compare the burden of disease in cities and towns regardless of the size of their population.” The DPH stressed “these are reported cases only.” Town of Saugus recommendation “Please follow CDC and MDPH guidance to prevent COVID-19 illness by: “• Clean your hands often for at least: 20 seconds “• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth “• Stay at least 6 feet between yourself and others “• Stay home as much as possible – only leave for essential reasons “• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others “Please stay healthy and please call us with any needs. We are her [sic] for you. For more information, contact the Saugus Health Department at (781) 231-4117 and/or the Town Manager’s office at 781231-4111. Advocate Newspapers Free Every Week Everett, Malden, Revere and Saugus Call for Great Advertising Rates 781-233-4446
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