Last week the cumulative COVID-19 positive test rate in Eastie stayed the same and the weekly positive test rate decreased .
According to the latest data released by the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), of the 35,388 Eastie residents tested for COVID since the pandemic began, 18.9 percent overall were found to be positive for the virus. This was the same percentage reported by the BPHC two weeks ago.
Last week, 1,714 Eastie residents were tested for the virus last week and only 4.5 percent were positive–a 6.25 percent decrease from the 4.8 percent reported by the BPHC two weeks 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 seven-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 leveled 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.”
Eastie’s COVID infection rate increased by only 1 percent last week and went from 1,415.8 cases per 10,000 residents to 1,431.1cases per 10,000 residents. The citywide average is 856.6 cases per 10,000 residents.
An additional 72 Eastie residents contracted the virus and there are now 6,716 confirmed cases, up from the 6,644 reported two weeks ago.
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 58,901 confirmed cases in a week. Twenty-five additional Boston residents died from the virus last week and there are now 1,273 total deaths in the city from COVID.