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CITY OF MEDFORD CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: MAY 5, 2020
by Jackie Piques
CITY OF MEDFORD CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: MAY 5, 2020
- City to distribute thousands of disposable masks, flowering plants to Medford residents on Thursday
MEDFORD
– Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced today that the City of Medford
will give away more than 5,000 disposable, non-surgical masks to Medford
residents this week. In addition, thanks to a generous donation from
Encore Boston Harbor, the City will distribute more than 1,000 potted
plants and flowers until supplies run out. (Remember, Mother’s Day is
this weekend!)
Last
month the Medford Board of Health placed an order for 10,000
non-surgical masks through a regional health department collaborative.
Many of those have been reserved for first responders, senior citizens
and other community members in need, but the City will make thousands of
the remaining masks available to Medford residents. Residents are
invited to a drive through distribution event on Thursday, May 7, from
12 to 2 p.m., outside of Hormel Stadium. Masks will be distributed by
City staff and vetted volunteers, limited to 3 disposable masks per
person as supplies last. We kindly ask that attendees be limited to
those most at risk, or most in need of temporary masks (i.e. residents
over 65, anyone with underlying health conditions, or essential
workers).
Flowers and plants will be distributed at a limit of one per person as supplies last.
Mayor and Board of Health Issue Statement on Courtyard Nursing Home Deaths
Today,
Mayor Lungo-Koehn and Medford Board of Health Director MaryAnn O’Connor
released the following joint statement regarding the deaths of 54
residents at the Courtyard Nursing Home within the last month:
“The
number of deaths in nursing homes and long-term care facilities – in
Medford and in Massachusetts - is staggering and devastating. While we
know that most long term care facilities across the state and the
country are experiencing high numbers of positive cases as their
residents are among the most at risk for COVID-19, coming to terms with
the severity of the disease within our own community is extremely
difficult. Our hearts go out to the family members, friends, and
caregivers of the residents we have lost to COVID-19.
At
the same time, we know that expressing condolences is not enough.
That’s why, from the very onset of this disease within the region, we
have worked to protect residents, particularly those most at risk, to
the very best of our ability. Medford was among the first communities in
the state to restrict access to non-essential businesses, pushed hard
for amendments to orders around “essential” services in order to limit
the number of non-residents coming into our community, and have worked
closely with healthcare partners to increase access to testing. We have
been and remain in daily communication with administrators of the three
nursing homes in Medford, working with them to understand their needs
for such resources as PPE, additional staffing, testing, and addressing
and advancing their requests to the DPH and state Administration. At our
request the National Guard was brought into these facilities to provide
assistance, particularly with testing and staffing. The Board of Health
is also in constant communication with the DPH and has reported
concerns and advocated for additional needs in these areas, on multiple
occasions, and will continue to do so. We are committed to doing
everything possible to protect the health and safety of our residents.”
UPDATES & REMINDERS
- As of May 4, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Medford is 805.
- Social Distancing is Still Critical. While you’re enjoying the warmer weather, please remember that it’s essential we continue to practice social distancing. Gatherings of over 10 people are prohibited, including gatherings at private residences, and group activities. Park use is limited to passive use only and playgrounds and dog parks are closed.
- Speed Limit: Though there may be less traffic on the road, MassDOT has reported that the number of roadway fatalities has increased. Remember to obey speed limits, wear a seatbelt, and observe the state’s hands-free law anytime you’re behind the wheel.
Stay up to date on important announcements and information via phone call, email, or text message by signing up at www.medfordma.org/alerts. For up to date information regarding the City’s actions, ongoing services, and all other updates, visit www.medfordma.org/coronavirus-information. Residents can submit questions at any time to COVD19info@medford-ma.gov.
Medford
city services are available to all residents, regardless of economic
situation, immigration status, ability, benefit eligibility, or
religious affiliation.
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