Update #1 (2 p.m.) City of Methuen Confirms First Cases of  COVID-19 in City

METHUEN  — Mayor Neil Perry today confirmed that the City of Methuen has been notified by Massachusetts Department of Public Health officials of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Methuen. The patients have been isolated and are being supported and monitored according to public health guidelines. Under State and Federal privacy laws no further information is available about the individuals.

Mayor Perry also announced plans to issue a daily report of Methuen residents impacted by the COVID-19 virus. The data, which will be released by the Methuen Board of Health at approximately 5 p.m. each day, will be based on the official reporting of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

“A confirmed case of COVID-19 was inevitable and more should be expected. As the situation escalates nationwide and here in Methuen, I want to make the latest information available to residents in the interests of full transparency,” Perry said. “My goal is not to create panic in our community but to provide information that will hopefully encourage vigilance and preparedness throughout the city.”

Mayor Perry stressed that this remains a very fluid and rapidly evolving situation. It is important to understand the Methuen Board of Health will only be officially notified of individuals who are residents of Methuen. The Board will actively monitor those individuals and will include that data in the daily report. Although the process is improving rapidly, it can take anywhere from 36 hours to several days to receive the results of a test performed by a lab, hospital or doctor’s office. Those results are submitted to the Department of Public Health; positive results on any Methuen resident are then provided to the Methuen Board of Health. The Board will then remain in contact with that person throughout their illness.

The City of Methuen will update these data on a daily basis.  In the meantime, all residents are encouraged to continue to practice aggressive social distancing and appropriate personal hygiene. More information about this reporting, ongoing municipal services, additional information regarding the COVID-19 Virus is available on the city’s website at cityofmethuen.net.

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