COVID-19 Case Creep Continued Over Weekend: Patch PM
SALEM, MA — It's Monday, Aug. 3. Here's what Patch has been covering on the North Shore and across Massachusetts today.
Key data points indicating the state of the COVID-19 outbreak continued to creep upward over the weekend in Massachusetts, moving slowly in a direction indicating greater spread of the highly infectious virus.
And that has at least one top health official saying the state should move back to the second phase from the third phase of the four-phase reopening plan.
"Either (1) Phase 3 is too liberal or (2) people aren't doing what they should," Massachusetts Medical Society President Dr. David Rosman tweeted, adding that residents must follow advice from the Baker administration to wear face coverings in public and to avoid large public gatherings.
Related story: Active Coronavirus Cases Increasing On North Shore
On the North Shore:
Moulton: Rift With Pelosi In Past
Rep. Moulton's comments about his rocky relationship with the Speaker of the House came during Sunday's debate with Angus McQuilken and Jamie Zahlaway Belsito, his two challengers in next month's Democratic primary. While McQuilken and Jamie Belsito, both of Topsfield, tried to attack the incumbent's record in Congress, Moulton mostly focused on his accomplishments.
Danvers Man Sentenced After Guilty Plea In Child Porn Case
Joseph Corbett, 51, of Danvers, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in March and was sentenced to three years in federal prison last week. Corbett used the messaging app Kik to exchange the images, and he used an email address that started with "fatheroftwobeautifulgirls" to register for his Kik account, according to the indictment.
Peabody-Salem Trolley Study Added To Recovery Bill
A long-discussed plan to link Peabody to the Salem MBTA station moved forward last week with the passage of a $455 million recovery bill passed by the state senate. State Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) added an amendment to the ENDURE Act that would give Peabody $500,000 to conduct a pilot study. The bill includes transportation infrastructure improvements and aide to small businesses in Massachusetts.
Beverly Restaurant Bill Heads To Governor
The state legislature passed a bill Friday that would allow Beverly to lease land that has been vacant since 2006 at to a developer for a restaurant. The legislation, which was passed in Friday's packed legislative session, now heads to Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker for final approval. Several residents have opposed the project.
Across Massachusetts:
Tropical Storm Isaias Barreling Toward Massachusetts
Tropical Storm Isaias is barreling toward New England, with the system expected to hit Massachusetts Tuesday with heavy wind, power outages and possibly a tornado. The worst of Isaias is expected to stay west of Worcester, but the central and eastern parts of the state will still see strong wind gusts and some rain. A tropical storm watch is in effect for all of Massachusetts.
Also today:
And, finally today: Even though it was nearly four months away, Beverly Holiday Parade organizers aren't taking any chance: they canceled the parade last week, citing the coronavirus crisis.
Dave Copeland covers the North Shore for Patch. He can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).
This article originally appeared on the Salem Patch
