Jim Wiggs, director of the Westfield Emergency Management Agency. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS FILE PHOTO)
City leaders say residents are flattening the curve
WESTFIELD –By all accounts, Westfield residents are working hard to flatten the curve of the coronavirus spread.
There were 216 positive cases of COVID-19 in the city as of April 16, which is up from 171 cases a week ago, but is a smaller daily increase over the past several days.
Two weeks ago, the numbers were almost doubling overnight, which Public Health Director Joseph Rouse said was expected.
Mayor Donald F. Humason said during a call-in press conference Wednesday that when people were first told to stay home, many people did not adhere to the order from Gov. Charlie Baker.
“A month ago, I don’t think people took it seriously,” Humason said.
As the virus spread and more people were infected and dying, people took notice, said Humason. “It’s not just about ‘some’ people dying, it’s a matter of knowing someone who lost their life to this disease,” he said.
Humason said everyone must do their part and continue to practice social distancing.
“Stay home, go outside in your own yard, if you have to go out, wear a mask,” he said.
Public Health Director Joseph Rouse said the numbers show that “social distancing and staying home is working.”
Rouse also touted the state Department of Public Health, which he said has “really stepped up” and has given communities more attention and resources this week.
Rouse said Westfield’s positive caseload may look larger than some surrounding communities, but he maintained that they are not above and beyond what was expected for the city.
“For anybody that thinks our numbers are out of whack, our numbers account for 12 percent of all positive cases in Hampden County,” said Rouse, adding that Westfield has been accurately reporting positive COVID-19 cases all along and could not speak to the accuracy of cases reported in other cities and towns.
On Thursday, the state released a town-by-town list of positive cases. The largest cities in Hampden County all had higher cases than their smaller counterparts. In Springfield, 542 cases were reported, Chicopee had 142 and Holyoke had 305. Westfield was listed as having 202 positive cases at the time data was collected for that report.
“When people say how bad it is in Westfield, I say we are right in line with everyone else,” said Rouse.
Rouse said the state has not released data by town on COVID-19 related deaths and the city does not have accurate reporting at this time.
“They report by county,” he said.
Rouse said Westfield residents, by and large, are keeping their distance.
“I want to thank the residents that have stepped up to do the right thing, and that’s the majority,” said Rouse. “We have had great cooperation.”
Emergency Management Director Jim Wiggs agreed and encouraged residents to check on their neighbors, noting it was okay to ring their doorbell and stand six feet away to make sure they are well.
“It’s time to show a little love and concern for your neighbors,” Wiggs said.
