SWAMPSCOTT — The town has seen its first five deaths from COVID-19 in the last week, the town government announced on its website Monday.
There are now 92 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Swampscott, which has a population of slightly more than 15,000.
“Now, these losses have really hit home,” said Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald. “These losses remind us all how essential it is to continue our efforts and work to protect each other during this outbreak.”
The Swampscott Select Board and Board of Health have taken measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among residents, including making the state-level stay-at-home advisory mandatory, with fines up to $1,000 for residents who leave the house for reasons other than essential.
Fitzgerald, in a letter to town residents posted on the town website, urged residents to “stay the course” and continue to stay home, socially distance from others, and wear masks whenever visiting an essential business — another of the town’s orders.
“This is the one thing that we all can do to stop the spread of this deadly virus,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald called the number of cases in Swampscott a “significant increase.” On March 25, when the town’s stay-at-home order was issued, there were only four confirmed cases of COVID-19 in town. On April 15, the town had 60 confirmed cases.
Town officials, including Board of Health Chairwoman Marianne Hartmann, have been quick to point out that the number of COVID-19 cases in Swampscott are almost certainly higher than the official “confirmed cases” count, due to people who may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms.
In addition to town government orders, Swampscott Public Schools, Anchor Food Pantry, and the Swampscott Senior Center have collaborated to provide free meals to all residents, not just students, at the Swampscott High School from Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Furthermore, meals and masks are available for residents to pick up by calling the Senior Center at (781) 596-8866. Those who would like to volunteer to make masks or provide supplies to fellow residents may visit www.swampscottma.gov.
There have been protests in Swampscott against government-mandated measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including protests outside of Gov. Charlie Baker’s home. However, Fitzgerald cautioned against going outside in the coming weeks.
“As the weather gets nicer, let’s all keep faith with staying safe and isolated. I know some want to go out and show support for some of our essential workers and our neighbor and governor for leading us all through this crisis. However, I urge you all to simply stay at home,” Fitzgerald said. “While some may protest, to counter-protest would be simply counter-productive.”
Swampscott’s COVID-19 deaths come later than surrounding communities. Lynn reported its first death almost a month ago, on April 1. Lynnfield reported its first on March 23, Nahant’s first death was the weekend of March 28, Peabody reported its first three deaths the week of April 10, Revere’s first death was March 25, Saugus released a statement April 21 that four residents had died. An exception is Marblehead, which reported its first death from COVID-19 Tuesday.
Currently, Lynn has 1,635 cases, 46 deaths; Lynnfield has 67 cases, 10 deaths; Marblehead has 117 cases, one death; Peabody has 616 cases, 59 deaths; Nahant has 30 cases, five deaths; Revere has 1,064 cases, 35 deaths; Saugus has 270 cases, 10 deaths; Swampscott has 92 cases, five deaths.