Framingham Hits Coronavirus Milestones: 100 Deaths, No New Cases

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham hit two contrasting milestones of the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday: the 100th city resident died of the virus, and no new cases were reported for the first day since the beginning of the outbreak three months ago.

Framingham's coronavirus case total stood at 1,697 on Wednesday. Subtracting the 100 deaths and 1,265 people who have recovered, the number of active cases was down to 332.

Just a month ago, Framingham was adding dozens of new cases per day. The highest number of cases in a single day was reported on May 2 when 91 people tested positive.

Statewide, there were 267 new confirmed COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday and 46 new deaths. Since the first reported death on March 20, there have been 7,454 coronavirus-related deaths in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts is now in phase 2 of a post-coronavirus reopening plan. In kind, Framingham is beginning to reopen some services that closed during the pandemic. The new openings announced Wednesday include:

• Framingham Public Library branches will begin accepting returns: Monday to Tuesday, 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the main library; and Monday to Tuesday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Wednesday to Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m. at the McAuliffe branch.
• Tennis courts open daily until dusk, and lighted courts open until 10 p.m. Singles matches between family members only.
• The Bowditch Track, 475 Union Ave., will be open daily until 10 p.m. City officials will close the track if users are not keeping proper social distance.
• The boccie courts along Dudley Road open dawn to dusk.
• Pratt Street community garden open dawn to dusk.
• Farm Pond skate park open dawn to dusk.