Peabody Coronavirus Update: City Won't Enforce Evictions

PEABODY, MA —The Peabody Board of Health added more clarity to the city's state of emergency, unanimously approving a measure last week that prevents landlords from evicting tenants during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Peabody had 73 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus as of Friday. The board of health said the city and state's stay at home advisories would be impossible for residents to follow if they get evicted from their homes.

The order also limits landlords to entering apartments for "critical" activities, meaning general inspections and apartment showings in Peabody are on hold until the crisis is over. Tenants can also refuse to admit landlords if there are not social-distancing measures in place.