Coronavirus: Norton Reports First Positive Test

NORTON, MA — The Norton Board of Health received its first positive test of coronavirus in town on Saturday. Norton officials said the patient is at home under isolation and will will remain in contact with the patient throughout the duration of the illness.

Norton officials said that, by law, they can not share additional information about the patient.

"We ask the great residents of Norton to remain diligent and continue to follow the safety precautions of social distancing, wash your hands as often as you can with soap and water for 20 seconds each time, avoid touching your face, cough or sneeze into the backside of your elbow, and stay home as much as possible, especially if you feel sick," Norton officials said. "Also, with regards to future positive cases, the Norton Board of Health will be maintaining a total positive case tally on our website."

Massachusetts has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases as testing expands and the virus spreads. State health officials reported 646 cases as of late Sunday afternoon. Five deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported since Friday. Four cases were men in the 70s, 80s or 90s, with two having an underlying health condition, and the other case was a woman in her 50s, who also had a preexisting condition.

Gov. Charlie Baker issued a statewide stay-at-home advisory on Monday, the most extreme measure yet in the fight to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The advisory goes into effect Tuesday at noon and will last through at least April 7.

All nonessential businesses will close. Grocery stores and pharmacies — and the businesses that support their operation — will remain open, as will medical facilities and gas stations. Restaurants can still offer takeout and delivery services, provided they observe proper social distancing. Liquor stores and medical marijuana dispensaries will also be considered essential. Baker is not prohibiting travel, and said public transportation will continue to operate.

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