Chelmsford Resident Tests Positive For Coronavirus

CHELMSFORD, MA— A resident tested positive for the new coronavirus, the Health Department announced recently. The case - announced marks the first in town as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 rises amid the spread of testing kids.

State health officials on Sunday announced three more deaths related to the new coronavirus, increasing the total in Massachusetts to five. On Monday Gov. Charlie Baker announced a shelter-in-place advisory.

"Given the growing risks associated with the spread of COVID-19 locally, the Board of Health and Health Department are urging all residents to exercise vigilance in adhering to recommended practices aimed at reducing transmission and lowering the curve," officials said in an announcement March 19. "Anyone, even younger people, could have this disease without symptoms and potentially be spreading it to others. We must all do our part."

Earlier this month the governor declared that schools should be closed until at least April 6. On March 22, the state education commissioner told principals to expect closures to go beyond April 7. Town officials have closed public buildings and recreational areas including all playground and Town Hall to the public.

Of the deaths announced in the commonwealth this weekend, all three were men older than 70: two in their 70s and one in his 90s, according to the state Department of Public Health. Although at least one of them had an underlying health condition, all three "were in an age group that is more likely to experience severe disease from COVID-19 regardless of prior health status," according to the state.

Over the weekend, 646 people in the commonwealth were diagnosed with the coronavirus, of which 71 patients were hospitalized and five deaths were attributed to the virus.

Total coronavirus deaths nationwide reached 400, Sunday, out of 32,000 confirmed cases.

Baker's order Monday also restricts gathering to no more than 10 people, down from the previous recommendation of 25. The Department of Public Health is now advising people to stay home and "avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary activities" until at least April 6.

The Centers for Disease Control and health and government officials recommend the best way of preventing the disease is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available. The CDC is also recommending people stay at least 6 feet from anyone that is not in your household - even if they are not exhibiting symptoms.

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