THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, June 26, 2020 Page 5 The Coronavirus Count State reports just 3 new confi rmed Saugus COVID-19 cases, but Saugus still has state’s 21st-highest COVID-19 rate; death toll reaches 36 By Mark E. Vogler O nly three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in Saugus over the past week – by far the fewest number of cases since the outbreak of the Coronavirus back in early March. It also marked the second consecutive week that there were fewer than 10 cases reported, raising the overall total to 556 confirmed cases, according to new data released late Wednesday afternoon by the state Department of Public Health (DPH). Meanwhile, the DPH notified the town that its death total from the virus had risen to 36 – an increase of two over the same period. The latest statistics are a possible indication that the Coronavirus may be slowing down as the town entered its third week of Phase 2 in Governor Charlie Baker’s Reopening plan. However, the 556 cases reported for Saugus averages out to a rate of 1,956.00 per 100,000 – which is above the state average of 1,475.03 per 100,000 and remains the 21st-highest rate among all communities across the state, according to the data released Wednesday. No information was available on the Saugus residents who died from the virus. As of Wednesday, DPH officials reported 7,152 deaths statewide linked to COVID-19. Of those, 979 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 the Coronavirus, and the number of cases per 100,000. But officials believe the numbers are substantially underreported in most communities because of the lack of aggressive testing for the virus. “The Saugus Health Department strongly believes that additional unrecognized cases DO exist in Saugus,” the town advised in its press release. “Due to the fact that they are undetected, some of these infected individuals may not be properly isolated or quarantined, which is why Gov. Baker has a safer at home advisory and continues to strongly request that everyone wear a cloth face cover over their face when around others, practice social distancing, avoid gatherings, and to follow the CDC and MDPH guidance.” Of the 3,434 people tested in Saugus so far, 16.19 percent tested positive for COVID-19 – a drop from last week (17.63). The state average for people testing positive is 13.00 percent, also a reduction from last week (13.97). As of Wednesday, there were 15,920 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Essex County, the third highest among the state’s 14 counties. There were 107,611 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus statewide and 7,938 virus-related deaths. There were 1,083 COVID-19-related deaths in Essex County, the second highest among the state’s 14 counties. Nursing home update The most recent Nursing Facility Audit Survey Results through June 12 show that both local nursing homes were “in adherence” with a recent 28-point Infection Control Checklist after being deficient in the first round of audits. The latest state reports showed that 100 percent of the residents and 93 percent of the staff at both facilities had been tested for COVID-19. 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 36 deaths were reported earlier in the week. Meanwhile, town residents 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 Department of Public Health website at https://www.mass.gov/infodetails/covid-19-responsereporting – then click onto COVID-19 cases by city/town. Chelsea (7,718.12 per 100,000), Brockton (4,271.83 per 100,000) and Lawrence (3,986.35 per 100,000) have the highest rates in the state for people testing positive for the Coronavirus. Here’s how nine other area communities compare to Saugus: Lynn: 3,604 cases, 3,571.74 per 100,000 (fifth highest in state). Reve re: 1,748 cases, 2,869.51 per 100,000 (sixth highest in state). Everett: 1,747 cases, 3,599.36 per 100,000 (fourth highest in state). Malden: 1,222 cases, 1,803.59 per 100,000 (30th highest in state). Peabody: 976 cases, 1,750.18 per 100,000. Saugus: 556 cases, 1,956.00 per 100,000 (21st highest in state). Wakefield: 313 cases, 1,159.05 per 100,000. Melrose: 242 cases, 836.73 per 100,000. Reading: 296 cases, 1,076.99 per 100,000. Lynnfield: 93 cases, 798.35 per 100,000. Statewide totals: 102,762 cases, 1,475.03 per 100,000. (Data compiled by the DPH and made public as of June 24, 2020 Count and Rate (per 100,000) of Confirmed COVID-10 Cases in Massachusetts by City/Town, January 1, 2020–June 24, 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.” Tips to protect yourself (offered by the Town of Saugus) Please follow CDC and MDPH guidance to prevent COVID-19 illness by: • Cleaning your hands often for at least: 20 seconds • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth • Staying at least six feet between yourself and others • Staying home as much as possible – only leave for essential reasons • Covering 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 781-231-4111. For additional information about COVID-19, go to the town website at https:// www.saugus-ma.gov/ and pull down the bar titled “COVID-19 Resources.” AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Summer Season?!! Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 LB. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles/Some Restrictions May Apply) AC SPECIAL Only $69.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2012 FORD FUSION SEL 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA 6 Cylinder, Auto., 1 Previous Owner, Most Pwr., Options incl. Keyless Entry, & Pwr. Sunroof. Only 110K Miles! ALL TRADES WELCOME! $5,995 Easy Financing Available! Only 104K Miles, One Owner, Most Power Options, in Excellent Condition. QUALITY & PRICE $7,250 781-321-8841 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle!
6 Publizr Home