Kokoros: Braintree Coronavirus Cases 'Going In Right Direction'

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree's coronavirus cases have trended in the right direction, Mayor Charles Kokoros said.

The town had 839 confirmed cases as of Wednesday afternoon, but Kokoros told Patch only about 80 of those cases remain active.

Daily case increases peaked in Braintree on April 13 with 62 new cases but has stayed below 36 new cases a day since May 1. In the month of May, Braintree has averaged less than eight new coronavirus cases per day — far below April's daily average of nearly 20.

"The curve has definitely made its wave, so we are currently experiencing a positive decline in positive cases," Kokoros told Patch. "We are definitely seeing the trending going in the right direction."

Kokoros lauded Braintree residents for playing their part in social distancing and said it has "really triggered our downward trend."

Kokoros also said he's confident in the town's contract tracing efforts to further prevent the spread of COVID-19. He said the town brought back a retired town nurse and enlisted the help of 15 school nurses to call people who should quarantine after being in contact with someone with the coronavirus.

"We keep contract tracing locally," Kokoros said. "We continue to call that individual until we get a hold of them. That is one large piece of the puzzle."

As Braintree and other Massachusetts communities flatten their curves and continue seeing these downward trends, more and more businesses can re-open. But as some businesses, parks and recreational areas reopen, Kokoros encouraged residents to utilize what's open — but do so safely.

"I am excited that our residents can once again utilize our open spaces, parks and recreation areas, but am asking that we continue to be vigilant in our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking all necessary precautions as we begin to reopen our community," Kokoros said. "Ensuring the safety and wellness of our residents remains the top priority and, along with the COVID-19 Response Team, we are working to ensure that we reopen responsibly as allowed for by the Governor’s Four Phase Reopening Plan."

What Opened in Braintree?

Barbershops, hair salons, manufacturing plants and construction companies were all part of the state's first phase of reopening the economy. Parks and other outdoor recreational areas were also included in phase one.

Here's what's open in Braintree:

Braintree High School Track, Town Parks and Open Spaces

Town officials opened the track at Braintree High School, town parks and open spaces. This does not include playgrounds, which will remain closed until further notice.

Those who visit the track, town parks or open spaces must abide by specific protocols. The guidelines, which will be posted at the track and in parks and open spaces, include:

• All visitors must comply with the order that any person over the age of 2 and not exempt due to a medical condition wears a face covering in public places where social distancing is not possible;
• No groups larger than 10 are allowed to gather in any one location;
• Walking, running and other individual activities, such as yoga, tai chi, etc., are allowable activities following required protocols;
• Visitors must practice proper social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from others and follow all site-specific rules, regulations and posted signage regarding permitted uses;
• Walkers on the track and walking paths in town parks and open spaces must move aside and leave room for others to pass and runners must alert others when approaching and wait for them to step aside before passing;
• After visiting public spaces, visitors should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer;
• Social distancing should be maintained in picnic areas of Town parks or open spaces;
• Visitors to the track and town parks or open spaces should expect limited or no trash disposal receptacles, and should take trash with them or properly dispose of trash if trash receptacles are provided.

Fields, courts and turf, remain closed for organized sports. No contact sports or activities, pick-up games, organized games or tournaments are permitted on town properties until further notice. The Splash Pad at Watson Park will also remain closed until further notice.

"We appreciate the challenges this pose for our families, and the Recreation Department is working hard to modify some of our customary summer programs to all for safe participationg for all," Kokoros said.

Sunset Lake and Smith Beach also reopened. There will be no lifeguard on duty and swimming will not be allowed.

Recreation Department Summer Programs, Camps and Activities

Town sponsored camps and traditional summer programs and activities were canceled for Summer 2020.

"This is not a decision made lightly, but in consultation with Mayor Kokoros and Health Director Marybeth McGrath, we feel this extraordinary choice is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our community," Recreation Director Nelson Chin said.

The following is a list of programs that will not be held this year.

• General Sports Clinic, Kiddos Clinic, and Field Trip Clinic Programs
• Special Needs Day Activity Program
• Braintree Community Arts Center Summer Programs
• Organized play at neighborhood playgrounds
• “Parties in the Park”
• Family Movie Nights at French’s Common
• Kid’s Day on French’s Common
• Summer Concert Series at Sunset Lake
• Summer Concert at Smith Beach
• Junior Tennis Lessons Program
• Braintree Track Club
• Sail Plus Maritime Program at Wessagussett Yacht Club
• Waterfront Operations at Sunset Lake and Smith Beach