Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021 The latest Coronavirus Count State health officials notify Saugus of 12 new cases By Mark E. Vogler C over the past week; death toll remains at 73 Crabtree’s office. This week’s onfirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to decrease in Saugus as town residents looked forward to the Memorial Day weekend. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) advised the town of 12 new confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday (Thursday, May 28), raising the overall total to 4,199 since the outbreak of the virus in March of last year. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree cited the declining number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in recent weeks as a major factor of plans to reopen Saugus Town Hall this week (Monday, May 24). Meanwhile, the number of deaths in Saugus linked to the virus remained at 73, according to the latest statistics released yesterday by Town Manager SEWER | FROM PAGE 2 ommended by The Abrahams Group over the past five years. “The [Abrahams Group] prenumber of newly confirmed cases decreased by four. A week ago, the state reported 16 new cases — the same number of new cases reported the previous week. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families affected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said in the latest press release updating the latest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Crabtree’s office notes the following COVID-19-related information as a public service to town residents: “The Town of Saugus has partnered with the Commonwealth, Fallon Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Square One Mall as a collaborative effort to work to downgrade the Town’s risk of spread of COVID-19 status by establishing and extending the following COVID-19 testing sites in Saugus: sentation clearly shows we need to do something,” Selectman Debra Panetta said. But she, like the rest of the board, said they don’t have “Fallon EMS at the Square One Mall (Far Side Parking Lot on Essex Street), located at 1201 Broadway with entry off of Essex Street, will offer free mobile drive-up testing for Saugus residents in their cars Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is needed. [Residents] drive-up and register using a tablet when they arrive. Saugus Police will be assisting with traffic. The testing site will be staffed by 10-12 individuals to handle registrations. All samples go directly to the Broad [Institute] in Cambridge for immediate testing with a 24-36 hour turnaround time. Notification of results will be made for negative results via emails while phone calls will be made for positive COVID-19 results. These sites do close when it rains because of risk of test contamination. The state has indi“an appetite” for a 15 percent increase. And they weren’t interested in a 9 percent increase either. Panetta later made the motion for the 8.25 percent increase. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano called it “frightening to think we’ll have to go up to 30 percent next year.” Cogliano said he didn’t like the idea of having to explain to town residents that a huge increase would be necessary because selectmen didn’t pass a big enough increase cated the site will remain open until further notice. “This information will be on the Town’s website and on the state’s website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread?rgja#saugus“The Board of Health and the Saugus Health Department will continue to partner with the state and are working on a planned response to the COVID-19. They are analyzing the data from the past couple of weeks and developing specific strategies to combat the spread through additional enforcement and intervention measures. We need to do whatever is necessary to keep ourselves, family, neighbors, and communities safe. Continue to wear your masks, wash hands, avoid gatherings, and continue to follow the CDC and MDPH guidelines. The Saugus Health Department strongly believes that additional unrecognized cases DO exist in Saugus. Due to the fact that they are undetected, some of these infected individuals this year. “I caution everyone – it looks like a mistake coming into next year,” he said. Cicolini said it would take a 25 to 30 percent increase next year “just to keep us out of the red,” alluding to more potential deficits. “We’ve been playing catchup for years with no increase … At some point, we’re going to have to pay the piper,” he said. Selectman Michael Serino said he doesn’t have an appetite for a 15 percent increase in the sewer rates, because of the anticipated increase in may not be properly isolated or quarantined, which is why Governor Baker [directed] to wear a cloth face cover over [your] face when around others, practice social distancing, avoid gatherings, and to follow the CDC and MDPH guidance. “Again, this is a reminder that the CDC and MDPH have provided guidance to everyone regarding preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Commonwealth. “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 • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others “Please stay healthy and please call us with any needs… For more information, contact the Saugus Health Department at (781) 231-4117 and/or the Town Manager’s office at 781231-4111.” the Lynn Water & Sewer District assessment going up and the costs associated with the town’s capital improvement plan. Lynn Water & Sewer will have to borrow $40 million in the 2023 fiscal year. Meanwhile, Saugus faces a $1.6 million expense for the Lincoln Avenue lift station design and $3 million for the water meter replacement program in the 2023 fiscal year, according to the town’s five year capital plan, to be funded through future bond authorization.
7 Publizr Home