Protecting the health and safety of the Medford community is without a doubt our top priority. Navigating through a global health crisis presented new and unforeseen challenges, but thanks to the tireless work of my administration, the Board of Health, our first responders and front line workers, Medford has been a leader among communities across the state on many fronts:. The percentage of Medford residents who have received the COVID-19 Vaccine is currently higher than than the state average, we were among the first communities in the state to return to in-person learning in our schools in September 2020, and we were the first city in the state to implement a novel COVID-19 pooled testing program, and we were at the forefront of implementing a program to vaccinate homebound residents.

In our schools:

  • We invested $4.5 million into COVID related infrastructure and technology improvements in our public schools to ensure a safe transition to in person learning
  • Provided 1:1 Chromebooks for students when fully remote.
  • Among the first districts to return to in-person learning, beginning in September 2020.
  • Partnered with Tufts University to PCR test weekly starting in September 2020 and implement a novel pooled PCR testing program, proving low transmission in schools and enabling kids to get back in the classroom sooner.
  • Partnered with the school district to host vaccination clinics for the newly eligible 12-18 age group. The first clinic on May 18, vaccinated 280 students at the Andrews Middle School. To date, over 1,700 doses have been administered at the Middle School.

In our business districts:

  • Advocated for and secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funding for COVID-19 response efforts and related equipment, and more than $700,000 in grant funding to 79 local businesses, with a focus on minority- and women-owned businesses and micro enterprises in Medford.
  • Worked with Medford Chamber of Commerce to launch a COVID-19 Relief Fund, raising more than $30,000 that supported residents as well as local restaurants.
  • Created an Outdoor Dining program and waived licensing fees to provide easier options for restaurants to remain open for business. 
  • Partnered with local artists ​to work with businesses to paint barriers and provide welcoming and inviting outdoor dining spaces to further incentivize outdoor dining options. We worked to beautify our business districts with flower pots, clean ups, benches and more.

In the community:

  • Organized, staffed, & operated ​14 vaccination clinics, administering nearly 5,000 vaccines. Made more than 500 vaccination visits to homebound residents. 
  • Created the Are you ok? Program to outreach to and provide resources to more than 11,000 seniors. 
  • Launched a new Multilingual Resource Line.
  • Hosted food distribution locations for residents of all ages.
  • Held a mask distribution event and gave 5,000 masks to those who needed them.