LYNN — There are seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lynn, according to the office of Mayor Thomas McGee.
The mayor’s spokeswoman, Elizabeth Gervacio, said the city was notified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that the cases are confirmed.
The patients are quarantined in their homes, and the Lynn Department of Public Health is monitoring them and conducting an investigation into the patients’ contacts.
“All those people who have been confirmed to have come into direct contact with this patient will be notified by their local Board of Health. They will be instructed to stay at home and the Public Health Department will be in daily communication with them regarding their potential symptoms for 24 days,” Gervacio said.
As of noon Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed 1,159 cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health lists a much higher number, 1,838, with 177 cases in Essex County — an additional 679 confirmed cases in the state over the past 24 hours.
Gov. Charlie Baker has issued a two-week stay-at-home advisory, closed nonessential businesses to the public, and closed schools and day-care centers until at least May 4.
“We are urging residents to follow the governor’s order and stay home to help us slow the
spread of COVID-19 in our community,” McGee said. “The number of confirmed cases in the city, state and country continue to increase steadily as we test more individuals. I want to reassure everyone that there is no need to rush to grocery stores or gas stations — they will remain open. There is no need to stock up on items. Please continue to shop for essential supplies as you normally would to avoid overcrowding essential businesses.
“Moving forward, we must all pitch in to help prevent community spread by substantially limiting the number of times we leave our home, postponing any unnecessary meetings or gatherings, and practicing social distancing at all times,” McGee said.
The city will provide regular updates on COVID-19 at www.lynnma.gov.