Braintree Coronavirus Update: Cases Rise To 83

BRAINTREE, MA — There are 83 positive cases of the new coronavirus in Braintree as of Monday morning, according to the latest numbers from local health officials.

The number of cases continues to rise across the state, and additional measures to stem its spread continue to be implemented. In addition to the Stay at Home Advisory and the closing of all non-essential businesses, Gov. Charlie Baker announced last week the closure of parking lots at all state beaches.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that as of Sunday afternoon, 12,500 Massachusetts residents tested positive for COVID-19. This includes 1,271 residents of Norfolk County.

Braintree health officials reminded residents of the following steps they should be taking to limit the spread of the new coronavirus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes or mouth.
• Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces, including electronics, door knobs and countertops.
• Avoid sharing food utensils, containers and other personal items.
• Practice “social distancing” by maintaining a distance of 6 feet from others.
• Stay home from work if you are sick.
• Practice proper cough etiquette. Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, throw the tissue away and wash or sanitize your hands. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow/upper sleeve.

Here are the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Braintree:

Braintree residents have been busy designing their windows to show solidarity for their neighbors and that everyone is struggling together. The project was organized by Jen Longobardi and former Town Councilor Sean Powers, which they named Windows of Hope.

Longobardi and her daughter Izzy decorated their window with a little birthday message. Izzy's birthday is Tuesday. Longobardi said her daughter misses her friends and was disappointed she won't be able to celebrate with them.

So the Longobardis hung up a picture of a cake, some balloons and a sign that read "Hon it's my birthday."

Ashlee, Hailey, Everleigh and Jake Cobbett had to postpone their trip to Disney because of the COVID-19 crisis. They decorated their window like Mickey Mouse in hopes of being able to re-schedule the trip soon.

The Braintree Community Task Force has run three drives collecting food for residents and person protective equipment for first responders. Services Coordinator Kate Naughton said the first two drive-thru drives were huge successes and filled eight Brewster vans with food.