Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, March 20, 2020 Dealing with the Coronavirus Saugus residents share their experiences and concerns as they reshape their lives in uncertain times in the shadow of a contagious disease By Mark E. Vogler I lir Toci says he’s not one to panic in times of a pandemic, even one as uncertain and scary as the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Toci, 57, didn’t seem to have a care in the world Wednesday afternoon as he sat back in a plastic SwayFun unit on the children’s playground at Veterans Memorial Elementary School reading a book while his three sons played on a day when they weren’t allowed in school -- for health and safety reasons. “As a person, I don’t panic a lot and I don’t go into a panic spree,” Toci said. “And the kids are a reflection of that. They are aware of the Coronavirus. But they don’t know the seriousness of it because we don’t go into it. So, they are not afraid. They sleep well. They eat well,” he said. “It’s life. We have to deal with it. We have to be away from sports. We have to be away from entertainment,” he said. Toci, a native of Albania, has lived in Saugus since 2014. He and his wife Eva have three boys: Erjon, 8, a second grader at Oaklandvale Elementary School; Eduard, 11, a fifth grader at Oaklandvale Elementary School; and Ariel, 12, a sixthgrader at Belmonte Middle School. When asked about the uncertainty and loss of liberties they have enjoyed all of their lives, the boys say they understand they have to make considerable adjustments in response to a national crisis. But they say they are not afraid and they exhibit no signs of being afraid of the Coronavirus. “If I panic, the panic is going to have a domino effect,” Toci said. “I have to keep my composure so it doesn’t affect the kids. Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for family since 1958 • 62 over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roof • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com •Roo ng Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Spring! Is it something to worry about? Yes it is. Is it something to panic about? No. For this crisis, we have to follow the rules, whatever the local authorities and state authorities say. I don’t think I can do anything more than that,” he said. Toci, like many parents of school aged children in Saugus and other communities, has to make sure his sons follow good hygiene practices, avoid crowds and observe social distancing when they go out in public. The crisis hit home this week when town residents learned that one of their own may have been infected with the virus. “Saugus has one adult presumed positive COVID-19 case,” the town made public on its website yesterday. “This resident is currently recovering at home and will be monitored and supported by local public health officials. As we know this is a rapidly changing environment, however, and we do expect to eventually experience positive cases in Saugus,” the announcement said. “The Saugus Board of Health/ Health Department continues to work closely with MDPH Ed Barile says he believes the shutdown of activities is necessary. (Saugus Advocate Photos by Mark E. Vogler) and the CDC to get any new and updated information out to our residents as soon as we receive it. Recently Governor Baker declared a State of Emergency with declarations. In addition, Governor Baker announced that all child care facilities will be closing as of Monday, March 23. https://www. mass.gov/orgs/department-ofpublic-health.” Dealing with work, routines and the virus Toci has to be careful about not being infected with the virus himself. It will cost him his job. He works at Tufts University Dental School, processing Laura Eisener says overacting is better than reliving history. dental instruments. As a result of the Coronavirus, his hours of work have been reduced. His wife Eva works as a patient access coordinator at Tufts Medical. She has been able to work at her job from home, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “My work is physical. I can’t work from home,” Toci said. “As a worker in the health field, I can’t afford to be infected. I have to remain healthy, because I’m entering sterilized areas. He also has a second job as the driver of a 38-passenger trolley for sight-seers in BosDEALING | SEE PAGE 9
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