PRESS RELEASE

MAYOR ANNOUNCES FIRST COVID-19 RELATED DEATH IN CHICOPEE

CHICOPEE – As of today, April 4, 2020, Chicopee has 51 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus, according to the latest statistics from Chicopee’s Health Department.

“It is with great sadness that we announce our first death of a resident in Chicopee from COVID-19 virus,” said Mayor John L. Vieau. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones during this time of loss.”

The deceased was a grandmother to one of our own First Responders. She was in her 80s and died from the virus after recently testing positive. No other information can be released to the public at this time.

“There has been confirmed community transmission and it appears to be shifting in age demographics,” stated Lisa Sanders, Director of Chicopee Health Department. “Of the nine most recently confirmed cases, five of them were in their 30’s.”

In recent days, the Mayor with the help of Chicopee’s Health Department has increased restrictions, limiting access to ‘essential areas only’ in local retailers, closing playgrounds, basketball courts and the municipal golf course over concerns about residents, not social distancing. The City of Chicopee’s COVID-19 Task Force has increased enforcement and review of compliance with area businesses.

“The presumption that coronavirus is a disease that only affects older people is having damaging concerns. The severity of this virus means that everyone needs to be looking out for everyone, whether they’re old, young, sick or healthy. We must all do what we can to keep each other safe. We flatten the curve, as COVID-19 continues to spread,” Vieau said. “This loss is deeply felt by our City. Now more than ever, each of us must do our part to prevent the spread of this virus in Chicopee.”

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