Coronavirus Cases Up Again In Worcester — But So Are Vaccinations

WORCESTER, MA — City officials reported another week-over-week rise in new coronavirus cases on Thursday, but are optimistic about the number of residents who have received one or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Worcester reported 359 new COVID-19 cases since April 1. That's higher than the previous week, when the city reported 311 cases. There are also 47 people hospitalized for coronavirus in Worcester, up four from the previous week.

According to the city's new coronavirus vaccine dashboard, 82,697 residents have received a partial or full vaccine in 2021. More than 6,000 people received a dose over the past week, and about 12 percent of city residents have had a full dose, according to officials.

The city is also conducting more clinics under the state's equity vaccine program. About 3,100 doses have been given out through that program. A walk-in equity clinic will be held Saturday at the Main Street YMCA site featuring the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Worcester also announced on Thursday that all city baseball, softball, multi-purpose fields and tennis courts are now open for use. Basketball and volleyball courts will remain closed, however.

Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh said the city is dealing with an outbreak related to a school sports team. City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said that outbreak is connected to a basketball team, underscoring the risk of the sport.

"We're still holding back on volleyball and basketball because the state is calling it a high risk activity," Augustus said.