Springfield officials spoke publicly on Thursday after the city was placed in the high-risk "red zone" by the state the previous day. They said the rise in cases in Springfield is being traced to gatherings across the city and out-of-state travelers.
UMass Amherst has reported thirty-four new cases in the last two days, all but one of which are confirmed to have a connection to a cluster announced last week.
Three members of the Chicopee Police Department have tested positive for COVID; the police chief said Thursday there will be no service gaps.
In West Springfield, the mayor Will Reichelt says that there will be Halloween. The Mayor says kids should be in small groups and residents should not put out bowls of communal candy ---as is popular in some communities. And, the mayor says that if people don't want to take part in the festivities --then homeowners should just turn the lights off.
(Photo provided by CDC)