Charlestown’s COVID Rates Hold Steady

Last week the cumulative COVID-19 positive test rate in Charlestown remained the same and the weekly positive test rate decreased according to the latest data released on Friday by the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). 

According to the BPHC report, of the 13,557 Charlestown residents tested for the virus since the pandemic began 8 percent were found to be positive by last Friday. This was the same percentage reported by the BPHC two Fridays ago. 

Last week, 1,047 residents were tested and 1.3 percent were positive. This was a 52 percent decrease from the 2.7 percent that tested positive two Fridays ago, 

Citywide, ​​​​26,561 residents were tested and 3.5 percent were COVID positive–a 6.25 percent decrease from the 3.8 percent testing positive two weeks ago. 

At a press briefing Monday Mayor Martin Walsh said an average of nearly 3,800 Boston residents were tested for COVID each day last week. 

“The 7-day average for daily positive tests was 161 and the average daily positive rate was 3.5 percent,” said Walsh. “The City’s case metrics have levelled off and even ticked upward in the last few days of data. This is not a cause for concern, but it’s a good reminder not to take this positive trend for granted.”

The Mayor urged everyone to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and our communities against the virus. 

“That includes wearing a mask with a good fit (whether you wear one mask or two masks, make sure there is a tight fit on the sides of your face); washing your hands frequently, with soap and warm water; continuing to socially distance and avoid gatherings; and getting tested regularly,” he said. 

The Mayor also encouraged seniors and everyone who is eligible to receive the vaccine to get it as soon as they can. Boston residents 65 and older can call 3-1-1 and get connected to the City’s Age Strong Commission for help in multiple languages. Veterans 55 or older, enrolled in VA Healthcare, can get vaccinated at any VA health facility in Boston. 

“The full schedule for vaccine eligibility is at Mass.gov/CovidVaccine,” said Walsh. “And the State has a Vaccine Scheduling Resource available by calling 2-1-1.”

The infection rate in Charlestown and surrounding neighborhoods increased 1.7 percent in one week according to the latest city statistics. 

The BPHC data released last Friday showed Charlestown’s infection rate increased 1.7 percent and went from 542.9 cases per 10,000 residents to 552.1 cases per 10,000 residents. 

An additional 18 residents became infected with the virus last week bringing the total to 1,072 confirmed cases in the neighborhood. 

The statistics released by the BPHC as part of its weekly COVID19 report breaks down the number of cases and infection rates in each neighborhood. It also breaks down the number of cases by age, gender and race.

Citywide positive cases of coronavirus increased 2.1 percent  percent last week and went from  57,675 cases to 58,917 confirmed cases in a week. Twenty-six additional Boston residents died from the virus last week and there are now 1,274 total deaths in the city from COVID.

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