The latest on coronavirus in Massachusetts: 13 cases, sources identified, officials say risk is low

Larry Madoff, Massachusetts Department of Public Health (right) answered a question during a panel at a community-wide town-hall forum held to discuss the latest news on the Coronavirus at the Museum of Science.Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

• The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Saturday added five new cases of Covid-19, bringing to 13 the total number of positive test results in the state

• Twelve of the tests were performed by the state laboratory and are awaiting confirmation from the CDC. One has been confirmed.

• Twelve of the Massachusetts cases have been linked to a likely source, either foreign travel or contact with an infected person. One is under investigation.

• Saying the risk to Massachusetts residents remains low, public health authorities are currently not recommending the cancellation of mass gatherings such as the Boston Marathon.

• Eight of the Massachusetts residents who tested positive had a direct connection to a leadership meeting in Boston last week held by Cambridge-based biotech company Biogen.

• Three additional Biogen employees who live out of state have also been infected, as has an Indiana resident who wasn’t at the meeting but had contact with attendees.

• Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have set up temporary testing facilities for Biogen employees who have symptoms. The hospitals will contact those who are eligible for testing.

• Testing remains limited. Only the state laboratory is able to perform the tests and can do 40 to 50 a day.

• People who have symptoms of coronavirus -- fever, cough, shortness of breath -- are urged to stay home and contact their physician by phone.

• Biogen has instructed all employees who attended the meeting, and their relatives who had close contact, to self-quarantine. It has closed its Cambridge offices to all but “essential personnel” and told thousands of employees in Cambridge, North Carolina, and Switzerland to work from home.

• Eleven town officials in Norwood, including the town manager and the schools superintendent, are self-quarantining for 14 days after attending a private gathering with a town resident who tested positive for coronavirus. Schools are being cleaned over the weekend but will open as scheduled on Monday. The town has provided an e-mail address and phone number to answer general questions (not to provide medical advice to individuals): [e-mail] 781-762-1240 x220

• Wellesley closed two public schools for cleaning after the parent of two students, a Biogen employee, tested positive.

• Concerns over Covid-19 prompted South Shore Hospital in Weymouth restrict visitation. Each patient can be visited by only one adult designated as primary caregiver, such as a spouse, parent, or guardian.

For information:

https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Boston Mayor’s Health Line: 1-800-847-0710 or [phone]