Coronavirus Again On The Rise In Melrose

MELROSE, MA — Coronavirus statistics are heading in the wrong direction for the second straight week, prompting the mayor to urge people to not let up in their vigilance against the virus.

Melrose has confirmed 116 cases in the past two weeks, bringing the total to 1,861 since the start of the pandemic.

The city's positive test rate has increased from 2.22 percent to 2.84 percent and the average number of daily incidences per 100,000 increased from 23.2 to 28.6.

Related: A Year Of The Pandemic At MelroseWakefield Hospital

"While restrictions have been eased, I urge families to continue to follow social distancing and masking guidelines, limit interactions with large groups, and cooperate with contact tracers," Mayor Paul Brodeur said in a video Thursday night. "And please limit travel around April vacation. It will help tremendously as we continue our progress in expanding in-person learning."

Melrosians are continuing to get vaccinated, with 32 percent of residents receiving at least one dose and 19 percent — or 5,644 people — are fully vaccinated. Most of those 65 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.