Coronavirus: Sharon Has Second Presumptive Positive Test

SHARON, MA — The Sharon Department of Public Health was informed of a second town resident who has tested presumptive positive for coronavirus on Saturday. Sharon officials said the patient recently returned from a European trip and has been hospitalized.

Officials said all recommended guidelines are being followed.

Sharon Public Schools have been closed through at least March 27. The Sharon Public Library will close as of Sunday and will not reopen until at least March 30.

Sharon town, public works and public safety offices remain open, but town officials are urging residents to contact them remotely if those services are needed in the next few weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Recreation Department has canceled all programs and activities through March 27.

The Sharon Adult Center has canceled all larger programs through April 7.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced Saturday morning he is setting up a coronavirus command centerthat will direct the state's response to the fast-spreading pandemic. The command center will be led by the state Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders.

The center will have "complete authority" regarding state resources to prevent the spread of and treat COVID-19. It will expand the state's testing testing capacity, allow the state to quickly respond to community needs and monitor the chain of health supplies.

The center will also coordinate across several branches of state government, including education and transportation, in order to help push back against virus.

(Don't miss updates about precautions in Patchtown as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.)