THE MALDEN ADVOCATE – Friday, May 1, 2020

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Malden

AD VOCATE Vol. 29, No. 18

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A Sesame Street Parade

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Cambridge Health Alliance Launches COVID-19 Testing at Malden Care Center

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Jaylyn Clough, 11, the Forestdale Falcon and Nevaeh Clough, 12, decorated their van with inspirational messages. See pages 10 & 11 for story and photo highlights. (Advocate Photo by Tara Vocino)

Panel provides different perspectives on COVID-19 crisis By Barbara Taormina

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espite Malden’s 751 (as of press time) confirmed COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths, Public Health Director Chris Webb said things are going well and the numbers are “on par” with where he thinks the city should be at this point in the pandemic. As usual, Webb reported the latest numbers at the beginning of Mayor Gary Christenson’s weekly COVID-19 update. Christenson also enlisted Police Chief Kevin Molis and Chinese Cultural Connection Executive Director Mei Hung to provide information and answer questions from viewers during the program. Christenson asked Webb about the surge in cases that was supposed to hit earlier this month.“But that actually hasn’t been the case, why is that?” he asked. Webb said there was a surge; it just wasn’t the strength and capacity that everyone expected. He credited government and public health officials with containing the spread of the virus by implementing strict measures in response to early predictions of widespread infections. A viewer asked why Malden has such a high number of COVID-19 cases compared to Melrose, which

has just 157 who have tested positive for the virus. “That’s easy, Melrose has 23,000 people; we have 63,000,” said Webb. “We also have two train stations, which are breeding grounds for the virus, larger housing complexes and taller buildings.” Webb also fielded a question about the MBTA’s plans to protect riders from the spread of the virus. “I don’t know what they are going to do, but I know what I would like them to do,” he said. Webb described monitors that can check the temperature of passengers as they enter the station so that anyone with a fever can be excluded from the train. “These are not expensive devices, they are not intrusive, and you don’t even know you’re being viewed,” he said. During an earlier COVID-19 update, Webb mentioned he could envision a program that offers people who have recovered from the virus a pin to wear so that others would understand they pose no risk of spreading the infection. Webb has spent countless hours working to protect the health of the Malden community at large. He is fiercely committed to keeping the city as safe as possible.

Still, some measures proposed by Webb and other public health leaders involve a chilling level of surveillance and tracking that would have seemed unimaginable five months ago. Molis used this week’s update to reassure residents they can depend on the city’s first responders during the ongoing health crisis.“I just want to let you know – on behalf of your police department, your fire department and your ambulance service – we remain strong and capable to serve you in every way we can and in every way you need,”he told viewers. A viewer asked if incidents of domestic violence have escalated during the shutdown. Molis said there has been no notable increase in domestic violence cases. He stressed the police respond immediately to 911 calls and continue to provide services for victims of domestic abuse. “We are available anytime they need us in an emergency situation or for a referral,” he said. And, as always, Molis offered practical and direct advice on how residents can protect themselves from the virus.“Look at the virus as

CRISIS | SEE PAGE 2

Friday, May 1, 2020

Effort will support expanded testing for Everett and Malden residents

ambridge Health Alliance (CHA) announced that, beginning Wednesday, April 29, COVID-19 testing will be available to existing CHA patients and members of the community via a stand-alone testing center at the CHA Malden Care Center (195 Canal Street, Malden). Everett and Malden residents 8 years of age and older are welcome, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Individuals MUST CALL to set up an appointment using a new hotline number at 617-665-2928. “Providing a stand-alone testing location in Malden supports multiple public health goals: increased ease of testing, limiting risk of incidental infection and preserving hospital resources for the sickest patients,” said Assaad Sayah, MD, Cambridge Health Alliance CEO.“We appreciate the support of Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria and Malden Mayor Gary Christenson during this crisis and look forward to working with them to prevent

the spread of this virus.” “ Stopping the further spread of COVID-19 relies heavily on our ability to test quickly and safely ,” said Malden Mayor Gary Christenson. “Now, thanks to Cambridge Health Alliance, we will be able to do just that by ensuring that every member of our community has access to testing.” "A testing facility dedicated to Everett residents will allow our community to test more individuals, and, in turn, slow the spread of the virus," said Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria. Results will be available in five days after people are tested. Each community’s Department of Public Health will contact people with the results. zMalden residents will receive a call from the Malden Health Department with results. Call 781397-7052 with any questions. zEverett residents will receive a call from the Everett Health De-

HEALTH ALLIANCE | SEE PAGE 9

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Call 781-321-2074


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