THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2022 Page 25 The COVID-19 Update Town reports 40 newly confi rmed cases over the past week, no new deaths By Mark E. Vogler T here were 40 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases over the past seven days through Wednesday (June 8), according to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. That ’s 18 fewer confirmed COVID-19 cases than last week. This week’s positive COVID cases reported to the town by the state Department of Public Health (DPH) increased the overall total to 9,276 confi rmed cases, according to Crabtree. There have been more than 490 confi rmed cases over the past seven weeks as the virus continues to hang around, causing some people to continue wearing masks at Town Hall even though they are optional. Meanwhile, the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in Saugus Public Schools over the past week (from the period of June 2-8) was the same as last week — 14. The number of confirmed COVID-19-related deaths reported since the outbreak of the Coronavirus in March of 2020 remained at 92, with no new deaths reported over the past seven days. Twelve weeks ago, total Saugus deaths related to COVID-19 were listed at 106. But that number was reduced to 88 because of a change in the guidelines used by health offi cials. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families affected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said. The town’s public health nurse, Teresa Riley-Singh, told the Board of Health at this week’s meeting (Monday, June 6) that there were 389 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in Saugus last month (May). While noting that she believes that the number of cases are probably underreported because they don’t include people testing at home, Riley-Singh said it’s clear “the numbers are going down.” “Hopefully, we’ll see the numbers continue to dwindle,” she said. But, based on COVID-19 trends over the past couple of years, Riley-Singh said, she expects a spike in the COVID-19 cases within four months. “I expect the numbers to go up in September or October,” she told the Board of Health. Board of Health Chair William Heffernan asked Riley-Singh for her personal assessment of where the town stands with COVID-19. “I think it’s relatively safe,” said Riley-Singh, who continues to wear a mask to Board of Health meetings held in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library. Residents who go into crowded areas indoors might consider wearing a mask to protect themselves, she said. “Wear a mask, if you feel comfortable,” she said, while noting that face masks are no longer required. 855-GO-4-GLAS We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! 781 233 4446
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