Second Worcester Coronavirus Case: State Of Emergency Declared

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester has its second presumptive case of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, the city announced Sunday evening. City Manager Edward Augustus has also declared a state of emergency, closed all playgrounds, and discontinued public attendance at city government meetings.

Worcester's first presumptive positive case was confirmed on Saturday. Officials did not immediately know where the second person who tested positive contracted the virus.

There are four more people in the city waiting on test results. One person has tested negative. The four people waiting on test results have ties to North High School and Chandler Magnet School, officials said.

As of Sunday night there were 164 people in Massachusetts who had either confirmed COVID-19 or tested presumptive positive.

Worcester officials also said on Sunday:

• The maximum number of people allowed at city-sponsored events is 25 (reduced from 50)
• The public may only attend city government meetings virtually, including City Council and School Committee meetings
• Advisory commission meetings are cancelled until further notice
• City playgrounds are closed, but parks will remain open for public use
• The city's coronavirus hotline is up and running at 508-799-1019

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