Boston Coronavirus Numbers Continue Sharp Ascent

BOSTON — The coronavirus shows no sign of slowing down even as city officials plead with residents to prepare for a Thanksgiving like no other.

This week's coronavirus report showed Boston with some 1,750 more reported cases than last week, and that number is even higher by the city's accounting. Boston said Thursday it has 24,630 cases and 892 deaths related to COVID-19.

The city has a 31.5 average daily incidence rate per 100,000, a significant jump from 23.1 last week. It's positivity rate jumped from 1.30 to 1.69.

Boston remains designated a yellow community in the state's new coronavirus map, which uses different standards than it did a few weeks ago. Boston would be red under the prior measurements.

Across the board, Boston is seeing major spikes in coronavirus activity. It could precede a total shutdown of the city if things don't turn around.

"The last resort would be to shut things down right now," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said. "And we're headed toward that last resort."

Officials are asking residents to exercise the greatest caution during the onset of the holiday season. College students should be tested before they leave and not return for the semester if they go home, people are being asked not to travel and there is the hope that gatherings don't extend past one's household.