Coronavirus cases in Worcester County have risen for the fifth time in the last six weeks as part of a troubling broader statewide trend.
In both Worcester County and across Massachusetts, cases in the week ending Wednesday were the highest since early June. That late-spring time period has been a measuring stick for weeks as both county and statewide totals continue to tick up steadily since hitting lows over the summer.
In Central Massachusetts, more communities are being placed in the state Department of Public Health’s red category, for the highest rates of cases. Nine cities and towns are now in that category: Dudley, Framingham, Hudson, Leicester, Marlborough, Southborough, Southbridge, Webster and Worcester.
Of those, only Framingham, Marlborough and Worcester were previously on that highest-risk list. The highest rate among them in Southborough, which had a rate of 13.2 positive cases per 100,000 in the past two weeks. Worcester’s most recent weekly case total was not immediately available Friday morning.
Worcester County now has 14,864 total cases through Wednesday, up 389 from the previous week. That’s the highest since 818 were reported in the week ending June 3.
Deaths in Worcester County rose by 10 in the past week to 1,125 since the pandemic began. Statewide deaths rose by 100 in the past week to 9,342.
Weekly cases across Massachusetts through Wednesday grew by 4,115 to hit 133,868 since the pandemic began. That’s the nation’s 20th highest total, according to a New York Times tally, down from third early during the pandemic as cases have risen in more recent months in the South and upper Midwest. Cases are also rising nationally, with a 9% increase in the past two weeks, according to The Times.
Nationally, cases through Friday morning stand at 7.6 million total and deaths at 213,000, according to Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. Worldwide, cases have hit 36.6 million, with more than 1 million deaths.
The city of Worcester said Friday it will hold a series of free coronavirus testing sessions next week:
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1-5 p.m., free testing and a resource fair at Great Brook Valley, 19 Tacoma St.
- Â Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2-6 p.m., free testing and a resource fair at on the plaza behind City Hall, 455 Main St.
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 12-4 p.m., free testing and a resource fair at Community Healthlink, 72 Jaques Ave. Â
No appointments are necessary, and a free mask and hand sanitizer will be provided with tests. All attendees are reminded to wear a mask or face covering and to maintain social distancing. The testing program is sponsored by the City of Worcester and UMass Memorial Healthcare COVID-19 Equity Task Force, including Worcester Interfaith.
