New Daily Coronavirus Cases In Marlborough Rise In State Data

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Coronavirus continued to trend upward in Marlborough this week as the state Department of Public Health on Wednesday reaffirmed the city's status as a high-risk community.

In one key metric — the average number of new cases per day over a rolling two-week period — Marlborough saw an increase. The city was adding 8.4 new cases per day last Wednesday, but that was up to 10.2 new cases per day yesterday, according to state data.

But in a metric measuring positive test results was headed down. The 14-day positive test rate went to 2.59 percent yesterday, down from 2.76 percent on Sept. 23.

This week, Marlborough Health Director John Garside said the rise in cases is partially due to social gatherings linked to Labor Day, schools reopening and people heading back to work. The people contracting coronavirus are also getting younger — the average age was 34 as of Wednesday, according to the city's data.

The rise in cases will prevent Marlborough from moving to the next phase of the state's reopening plan. Gov. Charlie Baker will allow lower-risk communities to open indoor performance venues, and allow expanded capacity at outdoor performance venues, gyms, museums, driving and flight schools and arcades.