Protests, reopenings cause fears of coronavirus spikes in Massachusetts cities with highest infection rates

Leaders of Massachusetts cities hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic say they’re worried that the reopening of businesses and restaurants coupled with ongoing protests for police reform could cause their declining infection rates to spike.

The death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of Minneapolis police has prompted a wave of protests, with activists gathering to denounce police brutality in cities with some of the highest infection rates in the state.

Chelsea continues to have the highest cumulative infection rate — 7,538 per 100,000 residents — and a positive test rate of 38%, according to weekly Department of Public Health data that represents all coronavirus cases since January.

Brockton had the next-highest rate of 4,210 and a positivity rate of nearly 27%. Lawrence was third with a rate of 3,787 and a positive test rate just under 27%.

While municipal leaders are using demonstrations in all three cities as opportunities to pass out masks — and compliance with the state’s face covering mandate is high — they say there’s still cause for concern.

“I know how devastated our city has been with loss of life, with very, very sick people. More than 4,000 people have either had the virus or lost their lives to it or are currently dealing with it,” Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan said. “I do have concerns and we are continuing our diligent efforts to express we’re not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination.”

Brockton has 780 active coronavirus cases, down from nearly 3,000 just a few weeks ago. The city lifted its curfew and is working to pass an outdoor dining ordinance to help businesses get back into gear.

But “that second surge is a real possibility,” Sullivan said. “We just have to act and mitigate.”

Chelsea City Manager Thomas Ambrosino said he’s “concerned that there will be some spike in cases” as people move about more in the second phase of the state’s reopening plan.

But he wants people to get back to work to reduce pandemic-induced food insecurity that has plagued the city and ease residents’ fears about paying rent.

Boston has the highest total number of cases of any city, 13,609, but a lower infection rate of 1,958 and a positivity rate of 20%.

Mayor Martin Walsh said Boston saw just 15 new cases Tuesday and three deaths. Walsh, who’s voiced concern the protests could contribute to a second COVID-19 surge, urged demonstrators to get swabbed at a Roxbury pop-up testing site.

“The numbers keep going down,” Walsh said. But “we have to keep taking precautions to slow the spread of the virus.”

At 28%, Everett and Lynn had the second-highest positivity rates behind Chelsea, and respective infection rates of 3,486 and 3,471. Eighteen communities now have infection rates higher than 2,000.

 

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/37uWvu1