Framingham remains a high-risk “red-zone” Covid-19 community, according to data released today by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, with known daily new infections almost twice the level to be classified in the red.
However, both cases per 100,000 and positivity rates dipped a bit in Framingham this week. The city had an average of 15.3 known new infections per 100K over the most recent 14-day period, compared with 17.8 a week ago. And, the test positivity rate declined to 2.7% vs. 3.16% last week.
Framingham no longer has the worst Covid-19 numbers in MetroWest, as Marlborough reported an average of 19.9 known new infections per 100,000 and a positivity rate of 3.44%.
Other area communities in the red zone include Ashland, Hudson, and Holliston.
State scale: Gray, less than 5 reported cases in the last 14 days; Green, less than 4 cases per 100,000 population; Yellow, 4-8 cases per 100,000 population; Red, more than 8 cases per 100,000 population.
The statewide Covid-19 average climbed to 9.2 known new cases per 100,000 and 2.31% positivity. The 9.2 puts the entire state in Gov. Baker’s “red zone” classification of more than 8.0. (The Baker administration does not consider positivity rates or testing per capita when making its designations.)
Number of tests increased again in Framingham during the most recent 14-day period.
Latest tests of MWRA sewage for Covid-19 traces showed an uptick. Wastewater tests are considered a potential leading indicator for future known case trends, since people may shed virus before becoming symptomatic or seeking testing. Plus, the sewage sampling is not affected by number of people seeking/receiving tests.
Framingham is part of the MWRA’s South region. See more information about the MWRA Covid-19 testing program.
See latest Covid-19 coverage at http://www.district2framingham.com/tags/covid19/.
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