By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – On March 30, Town Manager Kevin Mizikar issued a press release that he shared with the community that illustrates the severity and how the numbers of COVID-19 cases are escalating in the town. The news came as Governor Baker announced in a press conference that the state could see a surge anytime between April 7 and 17.
Mizikar said in the release, “Today, the Town of Shrewsbury was notified by public health officials that residents’ positive cases of COVID-19 have risen from 9 to 20. There are two primary reasons for this increase: 1) Increased testing statewide last week and 2) More efficient processing of cases through the State Epidemiological reporting system.”
Mizikar also shared for the first time that additional statistics were provided to the town regarding the age of those who have tested positive.
“These numbers are somewhat surprising and I ask that you review them in detail and consider your own responsibility to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus,” he noted. “Many credible sources illustrated that those in the age group older than 65 were the most at risk, but that does not mean any age group is immune from contracting the virus. 85 percent of the positive cases of Shrewsbury residents are between the ages of 20 and 49.”
“We will continue to work closely with our local public health officials to provide updated information to you on a daily basis. Please be sure to visit the town’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage: www.shrewsburyma.gov/coronavirus,” Mizikar advised.
He also shared in the release that youth and adults alike have been seen in Shrewsbury climbing over fences, removing town-installed barriers and other preventative measures in the parks and have been congregating on school grounds.
“The town is doing everything it can from a public health and public safety standpoint to reduce the spread and ensure the continued operations of all essential services. Please take these numbers seriously and do your part,” he concluded.
In related news, Waste Management’s call center is fully operational as of March 30, 2020. The Call Center number is 1-800-972-4545.
The town website states: “Shrewsbury residents may again contact the Waste Management Call center to report a missed pickup, inquire about the trash & recycling program, or to schedule a bulk waste item for collection. Bulk Waste stickers can be purchased at a participating retailer or by credit card over the phone. Bulk waste is picked up on Monday only and must be scheduled by the prior Thursday by calling Waste Management.
Residents are reminded to have all items out at the curbside by 7 a.m. for collection.
