Coronavirus: Easton Has First Presumptive Positive Test

EASTON, MA —Easton Town Officials Saturday confirmed the town's first presumptive positive case of coronavirus. Town officials said the Massachusetts Department of Public Health informed them of the positive test and that they have been in contact with the quarantined resident.

Officials said the patient and household members, who are not symptomatic, are adhering to quarantine guidelines. Due to privacy rights, no further information about the patient can be disclosed.

Easton town and school officials have closed town offices for one week, and Easton Public Schools through at least March 27, as a preventive measure amid the coronavirus pandemic. Easton has also canceled all programs at the Council on Aging and the Recreation Department.

LIST: All school and college closings across Massachusetts.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced Saturday morning he is setting up a coronavirus command center that 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.

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