THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, Fabruary 4, 2022 Page 3 COVID-19 cases in Malden continue to plummet for the third-straight week Positivity rate stays well below state average rate; COVID-19 case numbers lowest of year in schools By Steve Freker he numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in Malden and the region continue to plummet, according to the latest reports, continuing a steady decline following a post-holiday spike in early January. Included in this rapid drop in positive COVID-19 cases is the lowest number of reported “positives” of the academic year in the Malden Public Schools. The number of cases reported in the schools, whose population is close to 6,300 citywide, with nearly 500 staff, is down to single digits or slightly above that number in all schools. Last week there were 46 COVID-19 cases districtwide – total – which represents less than 1% of the entire district population. Citywide, there were 203 posiT lished reports, which represents a third of 1% of all 65,300 residents. This is one of the lowest percentages per total population number of cases in the state. Malden’s positivity rate, among those being tested, is also among the lowest in the region and state: 2.02%. In comparison, Everett had 144 new COVID-19 cases in the past week (2.04% positive); Lynn had 388 new cases (3.17% positive); Medford had 169 cases (2.89% positive); and Saugus had 111 cases, 2.78% positive). While COVID-19 cases were tive COVID-19 cases in Malden in the past week, according to pubdropping, Malden’s vaccination numbers were rising as, according to reports, close to 70% of its residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. With the highly contagious omicron variant still present, there have been a number of “breakthrough” cases, meaning those vaccinated are still testing positive, but the severity of the illness for most of those breakthrough cases is minimal. The city has taken a number of proactive steps since the anticipated – then acknowledged – spike in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant, which came almost immediately after the December-January 1 holiday period. More than 20,000 self-test at home kits have been distributed citywide and across the school district. Additionally, the Malden Health Department, under the direction of Chris Webb and in conjunction with the office of Mayor Gary Christenson, has been coordinating a number of efforts geared toward steering Malden residents to vaccine clinic and COVID-19 testing opportunities. Malden artist Kari Percival publishes children’s book By Sandy Felder S ome of us in Malden were not surprised when we heard that Kari Percival had written and illustrated a book for children. She is amazing in everything she sets her mind to. This book is something very special and brings together all of Percival’s talents and passions. Percival is a multimedia artist who believes strongly in protecting the environment while enjoying all that nature brings to life. She is a printmaker, street muralist, fine artist, fairy kit maker and mother of two young boys, ages nine and two. A combination of all these things resulted in her new book, published by Penguin Random House, “How to Say Hello to A Worm: A First Guide to Outside,” which will be released on February 22. Illustrated and written by Percival, her delightful children’s book embodies the magic of gardening and encourages all readers, from those who love the outdoors to those with hesitation, to interact with nature at their own, comfortable pace. You can get the book personally autographed by preordering from The Gallery@57. To preorder your book, just drop in at the shop at 57 Pleasant St. or order it online at https://shop.galleryat57.com/. SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE 781-289-6466 781-289-6466 WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM Kari Percival Kari Percival’s latest children’s book, “How to Say Hello to A Worm: A First Guide to Outside”
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