Coronavirus: Needham Confirms 35 Cases In Town

NEEDHAM, MA — Needham announced on Tuesday, it has 35 confirmed cases of coronavirus. There are 26 active cases — nine people have recovered. Two public safety employees have confirmed cases of COVID-19. Close contacts have been identified and contacted by health officials and are following proper prevention protocols.

The town reminded residents that the numbers do not reflect the true nature of the COVID-19 outbreak. "Due to a lack of testing, the number of cases is likely much higher — people should adhere to social distancing and other preventative measures to help stop the spread," the town said in a statement.

Gov. Bakers announced on Monday that the "surge" in coronavirus patients in Massachusetts is expected in mid-April. The Massachusetts case count grew to 6,620 on Tuesday, including 89 deaths. Thirty-three people died over the last 24 hours, the biggest one-day jump the state has seen since the beginning of the outbreak.

According to the CDC, the best way of preventing the disease is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

To avoid spreading any respiratory illness, the CDC recommends staying at home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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