By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven also moved into the red zone last week, joining Acushnet, New Bedford and Dartmouth as more COVID-19 cases were confirmed. The state updates its community level data on Wednesdays.
As of 10/14, Fairhaven had 297 total cases, with 22 of those in the past two weeks, and a positivity rate of 2.2%.
Acushnet had 143 total cases, with 20 of those in the last two weeks, and a positivity rate of 3.6%.
Marion and Mattaposett have both moved into the yellow, or moderate risk zone.
In an update on 10/20, Mass. Governor Baker and other officials announced a free testing site in Revere at Suffolk Downs, open to all residents of the Commonwealth.
The numbers are increasing statewide, more young people are testing positive for the virus, and asymptomatic spread is probably the cause for the rising cases, according to officials.
Gov. Baker also spoke about a plan to distribute a vaccine when one becomes available.
Adults over 65 and healthcare workers, other essential workers, residents with underlying medical conditions will be among the first to qualify for a vaccine.
The state should received 20,000 to 60,000 doses in the first phase.
At the briefing on Tuesday, officials said that young adults, 20-39, were testing positive at a higher rate than anyone else. This week saw the highest infection numbers than any day since May.
Officials continued to warn against large gatherings. The governor did not say he would reimpose restrictions, because, he said, the uptick in cases seems to be from informal events and social gatherings, not dining at restaurants or other public venues.
Gov. Baker said that people let their guards down in informal settings, not wearing masks, and getting close to each other.
Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said that the COVID enforcemnt team has observd private parties with dozens of people. In Everett, one event included more than 300 people, she said.
Authorities are also actively breaking up evens in progress, and have prevented some from happening. State police warned organizers of an event in Revere, that was being promoted on social media, that they would be in violation of restrictions if they held the event.
Cases
As of Tuesday, 10/20, Mass. had 142,295 confirmed cases, with 821 reported on that day; total deaths are 9,537, with 5 being reported on 10/20.
Visit https://www.mass.gov/ for more COVID information.
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