Weekly COVID-19 Report and more News Notes

Roughly 30 people logged in live to last week’s COVID-19 Task Force webinar held on Thursday, September 3. A panel of local leaders, including Fire Chief Charles Doody, CPS physician Dr. Daniel Muse, Board of Health members, and School Committee Chair Kristin Mirliani, responded to residents’ questions that were submitted in advance. Doody said the webinar received positive reviews and replays can be found on the COVID page on the town website. Questions were varied and addressed face mask use, dining safety, school reopening, large gatherings, impact of the flu season, and what actions the town has taken to battle the pandemic.

As of Tuesday, September 8, the town of Canton had reported a cumulative total of 403 COVID-19 cases (344 confirmed and 59 probable), an increase of five over the past week. On a positive note, Canton’s COVID risk status has been lowered to “green,” with its average daily incidence rate declining from 5.0 to 3.4 per 100,000 people. The town’s positive test rate has fallen to 1.4 percent from a high of 2.18 percent only two weeks ago.

In other news, the state Department of Public Health has added a new flu vaccine requirement for all children 6 months of age and older attending daycare or preschool, all students in grades K-12, and students at postsecondary institutions. Vaccinations must be done by December 31 unless there is medical or religious exemption. In an effort to make the flu vaccine more accessible, the Canton Board of Health has planned a drive-through clinic on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Galvin Middle School. Preregistration is strongly encouraged. Details will soon be available on the town’s COVID webpage. At the September 3 webinar, Canton health officials said they would follow a similar blueprint for the COVID-19 vaccine once it has been developed and approved.

Suspicious activity on RR tracks leads to drug arrest

A report of suspicious activity on the railroad tracks near the Canton Shell Station on Washington Street led to the arrest of a Natick man on drug charges and other offenses last week. The incident occurred around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1. The suspect, Albert O’Riordan, 20, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a Class B substance (cocaine) and one count of possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance (marijuana). He also faces charges of walking or riding on a railroad track, resisting arrest, assault and battery on a police officer, and person under 21 possessing alcohol.

Canton man helps Norwood resident in distress

A Canton man is being praised by his employer for his quick thinking during an emergency that arose in a residential neighborhood in Norwood earlier this summer. According to an email shared by Feeney Brothers Utility Services, employee Brian Sullivan was working on Morningside Drive on July 28 when he heard a woman shouting for help. Responding to the scene and learning that a man had collapsed inside his home, Sullivan, according to a Feeney Brothers spokesperson, “helped put the woman at ease and enabled a quick response” from the paramedics and police. “Brian has been described by the neighbors in Norwood as a ‘gentleman who always has a warming smile,’” said the spokesperson. “The woman who was yelling for help was extremely thankful to Brian and all involved. Thankfully the man is okay.”

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Posted by Mike Berger on Sep 11 2020. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.