Reasons For New Coronavirus Outbreaks In High-Risk MA Communities

MASSACHUSETTS — The state last week elevated six communities to high-risk status for the coronavirus, bringing the total to 17 — a new high. Nantucket, Plainville, Saugus, Tyngsborough, Worcester and Wrentham joined Chelsea, Dedham, Everett, Framingham, Lawrence, Lynn, Lynnfield, Monson, New Bedford, Revere and Winthrop.

Contact tracing hasn't identified the exact cause of new coronavirus cases. Some officials are pointing to people becoming tired of following social distancing and mask guidelines more than six months into the pandemic.

"I think people are letting their guard down," Saugus Town Manager Scott Crabtree told NBC 10."I keep reminding people that nothing's changed from the virus six months ago. We're in desperate need of a vaccination."

Officials from some of the newly high-risk communities expect to fall out of the red designation when an updated state map comes out Wednesday. The map shows communities at high risk of coronavirus transmission in red.

Plainville said all 11 of its cases in the past two weeks occurred between family members. Neighboring Wrentham contributed its cluster to the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, which said it had 14 residents and 12 staff members test positive.

Tyngsborough also pointed to one household where six of its 17 cases were tied to.

Meanwhile, Nantucket said its surge was likely due to community spread, limiting the effectiveness of contact tracing. Saugus blamed people coming in and out of Route 1.

Worcester identified what didn't contribute to its high-risk status: The return of students to area colleges universities.

In the state map, communities shaded red have seen more than eight confirmed coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents over a two-week span. Communities shaded yellow have between four and eight cases per 100,000 residents and are considered at moderate risk; communities shaded green have fewer than four cases per 100,000 residents; and communities shaded gray have fewer than five cases confirmed over the two-week span.

• Latest Town-By-Town Data For Each MA Community
• State Now Has 17 High-Risk Communities

Nantucket

Two-week case count: 30

Two-week positivity rate: 3.85

Average daily incidence rate per 100,000: 18.90

From contact tracing results, this surge is believed to be evidence of community spread of the disease; meaning that 1) an exact route of exposure connecting all the cases cannot be ascertained; and, 2) meaning that we have regressed in our mission to quell the spread of COVID. Select Board Chair Dawn Hill Holdgate

Plainville

Two-week case count: 11

Two-week positivity rate: 2.48

Average daily incidence rate per 100,000: 8.61

While Plainville has seen a marked increase over the last two weeks, it should be noted that the 11 new cases that were reported over the last 14 days involve multiple family members. Given that Plainville is a community with a smaller population and has had an average of between 0-2 cases per week over the last several months, this small rise in positive cases can quickly move Plainville up to the higher classification on the State dashboard. Town Administrator Jennifer Thompson

Saugus

Two-week case count: 36

Two-week positivity rate: 2.22

Average daily incidence rate per 100,000: 9.05

Town Manager Scott Crabtree believes heavy traffic coming in and out of town along Route 1 could be contributing to the number of cases. Crabtree is encouraging everyone to wear masks and practice social distancing. NBC 10

Tyngsborough

Two-week case count: 16

Two-week positivity rate: 3.06

Average daily incidence rate per 100,000: 8.94

As Tyngsborough had 17 positive tests reported in the last 14 days, the town was moved into the “higher risk” designation. However, it is important to note that 6 cases were all contained in one household. Town Administrator Matthew Hanson

Worcester

Two-week case count: 255

Two-week positivity rate: 0.87

Average daily incidence rate per 100,000: 9.49

College students, who have been back in Worcester for several weeks, have not contributed to the city's high-risk status in a major way, officials said. However, the city has responded to some 400 complaints about students violating coronavirus rules, and has issued seven citations. Patch

Wrentham

Two-week case count: 239

Two-week positivity rate: 1.96

Average daily incidence rate per 100,000: 9.50

Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has been intently focused on following infection control procedures and maintaining best practices for the safety of all residents and staff, and to support the recovery of residents as the health status of many stabilizes. All residents’ health is being monitored and retesting is being conducted for residents as clinically appropriate. Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center