SAUGUS D Vol. 24, No. 52 -FREEL ast July 7 was a great day for Saugus as the incidence of the deadly Coronavirus seemed to be fading away. For the fi rst time in 16 months, Saugus had gotten through the week without a confi rmed COVID-19 case. But the cause for celebrating the demise of the killer disease turned out to be premature. Six months later, Saugus – like the Have a Prosperous & Joyous New Year! AD CAOCATOCAT www.advocatenews.net t Another Year of the Pandemic Facing the challenges of COVID-19 repeats as the top story in Saugus for 2021 as confi rmed cases pass 6,000 By Mark E. Vogler rest of Massachusetts and the nation – is experiencing a surge in the number of cases, which reached 285 during a seven-day period through last Tuesday (Dec. 28), pushing Saugus over the 6,000 mark since the outbreak of the global pandemic in March of last year. For the second year in a row, COVID-19 – and how the comPANDEMIC | SEE PAGE 5 Publ P ublished Every Friday 781-233-4446 ATE E Friday, December 31, 2021 Top Story of 2021: Another Year of The Pandemic A NIGHT OF PRAISE AND PRAYERS: Saugus High School a cappella singers held candles in memory of loved ones who died during 2021, as they stood on the front lawn outside Saugus Town Hall in September. They were among dozens who gathered to recognize heroes who helped the town get through the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic and to remember the 400 Saugonians who had died since March of last year – including the victims of the virus. Please see inside for more Year In Review coverage, including a month-bymonth breakdown of the top stories. This week’s “The Advocate Asks” has refl ections from selectmen and School Committee members on the major stories of 2021. (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Merry Christmas! COVID-19 Update Town reports 446 newly-confi rmed cases over the past seven days; doubling last week’s total By Mark E. Vogler T Santa Claus waves to the crowd during the town’s Christmas Eve Parade last Friday night (Dec. 24). See inside for more photos of the parade and other holiday photos. (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) he Town of Saugus ended their COVID-19-challenged year with a dramatic surge – 446 newly-confi rmed cases over the past seven days, according to the latest fi gures released yesterday by Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. The latest numbers pushed the town’s overall total to 6,432 confirmed cases since March 1, 2020. Meanwhile, two new deaths linked to complications caused by the Coronavirus increased the death toll to 87. “Not sure, but I would have to say this has to be one of the highest weekly totals of all,” Crabtree told The Saugus Advocate yesterday. “Stay safe. This is crazy with the spread. These numbers don’t include home testing kits that are not reported,” Crabtree said. When asked if he thought the overall totals being released by the state Department of Public Health to the town each week are substantially understated, the town manager said that was possible. “You would have to think so because people are relying on these home testing kits rather COVID-19 | SEE PAGE 17 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.239 MidUnleaded $3.299 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.379 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.81 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.099 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Prices subject to change Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! FLEET
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