Malden Public Health Director Chris Webb recently reported on the latest numbers with respect to known cases of COVID-19 Coronavirus. As of Wednesday, March 18th, the City of Malden has two tested and confirmed cases of COVID-19. As a reference, there are a total of 218 tested and confirmed cases in the State of Massachusetts.
The first confirmed case was linked to last month’s Biogen conference and the person had already been in the midst of a 14-day self-quarantine when they were informed about testing positive. The second is a hospital employee who was also under quarantine once they were suspected of being exposed. Our Health Department has been in regular contact with the residents, all protocols and precautionary measures have been followed and they are doing well.
The City also has an additional 57 residents that are currently under quarantine for either being suspected of or presumed to have COVID-19. This second group includes those who have simply come in contact with someone who has tested positive, returned home from another country or have reported symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19 but have not had a confirmed positive test. As a reference, there are a total of 1,168 in this same situation in the State of Massachusetts. We continue to follow DPH’s guidelines on both reporting and monitoring these cases.
It is critical that everyone closely follow the instructions that have been widely communicated at the local, state and federal level regarding what you should be doing as individuals. This includes the following:
- Do not shake hands; practice social distancing – have at least 6 feet between you and the next person;
- Avoid contact with groups of people of any size;
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available;
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth;
- Constantly sanitize surfaces which are touched frequently (phones, light switches, doorknobs, tables, etc.); and
- Stay home if you are not feeling well, even if symptoms are mild. If you develop fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice.
For up to date information regarding the City’s response to this situation, please continue to monitor www.cityofmalden.org. For questions or concerns please contact the Board of Health at 781-397-7049.