Citing a 65% increase in COVID-19 cases over the previous two weeks, the Boston Public Well being Fee on Thursday beneficial a brand new sequence of precautions for residents.
The fee is urging residents to get examined, keep at residence in the event that they really feel sick, hold updated on their vaccinations and recommending the carrying of masks indoors. The renewal of the mask recommendation includes public transportation, authorities buildings and crowded indoor venues.
“With COVID-19 instances rising, we’re urging all Bostonians to take additional precautions to guard yourselves, your loved ones, and our group. In case you are feeling unwell, get examined at one among our free Metropolis websites or take a fast check. It’s additionally essential to remain updated in your vaccinations,” stated Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, govt director of the Boston Public Well being Fee. “We’re recommending that people shield themselves and others by masking indoors, notably in crowded locations. These precautions are how we shield the progress we’ve made in our group.”
Boston’s warning comes just days after a federal judge overturned the CDC’s recommendation that masks be worn on all forms of public transit, together with trains, planes and ferries. That has led businesses just like the MBTA and Massport to drop their masks mandates.
Elevated testing is a serious a part of the brand new suggestions. Free, walk-in testing websites can be found and open throughout the positioning. to Discover out the place you will get a check, go to boston.gov/covid19-testing. At-home fast testing kits are additionally out there for buy at places throughout the town.
Proper now, about 73% of Boston residents are totally vaccinated and 53% are totally vaccinated and boosted. Second boosters are additionally out there for anybody 50 or older or anybody 12 and up with an underlying well being situation that compromises their immune system. Free vaccine and booster clinics are open throughout the town, and may be discovered by visiting boston.gov/covid19-vaccine.
Well being officers stated the group positivity fee in Boston has climbed to six.9% after being as little as 2.2% in early March. The quantity of COVID particles in native wastewater samples has risen by over 100% over the previous 14 days, suggesting that instances may go even greater.
