Wicked Local
This is the first of an occasional series examining the growth of the life sciences sector and impacts on our communities.
Burlington, once known as the best place to get your picture taken with Santa, has developed an entirely new personality. Today, Burlington is increasingly known as a haven for the life sciences sector.
It’s no accident. With road and infrastructure improvements, zoning changes and the development of mixed-use commercial districts like Northwest Park and 3rd Ave, Burlington has positioned itself to be as attractive as possible for the $10 billion industry, and to its employees who want amenities like restaurants and shopping and places to walk.
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A high school in Burlington, Massachusetts is moving class online Monday as officials deal with an outbreak of coronavirus cases, according to the district s superintendent.
In an email to families and staff Sunday, Superintendent Eric Conti said the district will switch to remote learning through April 12, citing 10 cases of COVID-19 in the past week. At least 130 Burlington High School students are now in quarantine. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get alerts for local breaking news and weather.
All athletic practices and games have been canceled for the week as well.
Olivia Marble/Correspondent
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Burlington officials have been working over the past few years to encourage the growth of the biotechnology and life science industries in town. Azzur Cleanrooms on Demand (Azzur COD) is the latest company to join the community. It is set to expand into the office space at 60 Blanchard Road this summer.
What is Azzur COD
Azzur COD rents out cleanrooms to life science startups. Cleanrooms are highly sanitized environments in which scientists can conduct research without fear of accidental contamination. Christine Kressirer, the senior director for Azzur COD Burlington, explained that life science startups that are not able to construct their own cleanrooms typically have to partner with a contract manufacturing organization, which is often a lengthy and expensive process that can slow the progress of their research.
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For the first time in several weeks, Burlington is reporting a slightly lower COVID-19 case count and percentage of positive tests administered. The town remains in the high risk red zone, however, and multiple positive cases have recently been reported in the town’s elementary schools, middle school and high school.
Burlington administered 200 first-round vaccines to first responders in the past weeks, and the Board of Health awaits delivery of the next round of Moderna vaccine in order to administer the second dose in February.
Burlington by the numbers
As of Jan. 21, there were 1,354 total reported cases in Burlington since record keeping began, according to numbers posted on the state’s weekly public health report.
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The Burlington Health Department’s volunteer medical corps distributed 200 COVID-19 vaccines to the town’s first responders over the past week, and is preparing to give the same group their second round next month, according to Dr. Ed Weiner, the chairman of the Board of Health.
According to Weiner, the town’s police and firefighters, as well as some federal agents and a military police officer, were vaccinated by the 250 member volunteer corps, which included registered nurses and nurse practitioners. No adverse medical effects were reported.
Weiner is also currently advocating in advance of next week’s Town Meeting for support for creating an assistant director position for the Board of Health. With the COVID virus clinics and contact tracing, in addition to conducting flu clinics and continuing all of the other responsibilities of the Board of Health, including inspection of restaurants, stores, hotels, camps and biotech, management of trash and floodin