Peabody Headed For 'High-Risk' Coronavirus Status: Mayor

Peabody MA

29 October, 2020

11:25 AM

Description

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Public Schools will remain in a hybrid learning model "at this time" as the city is expected to be designated a "high-risk" community for coronavirus spread when the state releases its new data later Thursday. Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt said in a social media post that the Peabody Health Department has determined that coronavirus cases in the city have risen to a level of approximately 12 cases per 100,000 — well above the level of 8.0 cases per 100,000 at which the state deems a community "red" or "high risk" for community spread of the virus. In the past three weeks, Peabody's rate of infection has gone from 5.4 to 6.1 to 7.7 last week to now 12.0, according to the Health Department. "Although this increase is not entirely unexpected based on public health forecasts for a resurgence of COVID-19 this fall," Bettencourt said, "and based on similar increases nationwide and across many other cities and downs in Massachusetts, it does serve to remind us of the importance of remaining vigilant." Bettencourt said schools will remain hybrid at this time. "Thanks to the aggressive safety protocols we have in place at the Peabody Public Schools, including a very extensive contact tracing program, enhanced cleaning protocols and outstanding cooperation from students, parents, teachers and staff, we are able to continue our hybrid learning model at this time," Bettencourt said. "We will continue to monitor circumstances closely and adhere to all state guidelines relative to the safety and well-being of our school community." Bettencourt said "small events, household exposures and informal social gatherings are driving the increase of Peabody's transmission rate." Bettencourt said that is "critically important" that those contacted as part of contact tracing efforts respond with information, testing and quarantines, if necessary. Trick-or-treating will remain allowed in the city from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Halloween night. Parents are asked to keep groups to 10 or smaller, use hand sanitizer, not mingle between groups and avoid indoor house parties. Those who do not want to take part in trick-or-treating this year are advised to keep their front outdoor lights off during those hours on Saturday. "Please stay safe as we continue to work to protect the health and well-being of all our fellow Peabody residents," Bettencourt said. More Patch Coverage: Peabody Issues Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Guidance Halloween Public Health Amid Coronavirus Crisis A Cautionary Tale Peabody At Brink Of High-Risk Coronavirus Community Spread Peabody Coronavirus Numbers On 'Disappointing' Rise MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus Stats: High-Risk List Keeps Growing