Weekly Worcester Coronavirus Cases Continue To Drop

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester has been adding coronavirus cases at a much lower rate in recent weeks, although officials are urging caution if a potential third wave of the virus emerges later this spring.

In the week ending Thursday, Worcester added 261 cases — 57 on Thursday alone. But that's down sharply from earlier this winter: in the week ending Jan. 7, Worcester added 1,376 cases. Three Worcester residents died of the virus over the last week for a pandemic total of 410.

Cases are also down at UMass Memorial and St. Vincent hospitals. The total number of cases remained steady at 68 in the hospitals, but intensive care patients dropped by three to 18.

Coronavirus levels have dropped enough that the field hospital at the DCU Center will likely close in the next few weeks. City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said facility will be kept "warm" and ready to reopen for at least the next month if cases begin to rise again.

The city has been able to give out close to 500 vaccinations per day at sites around the city, officials said. Worcester has been hosting mobile vaccine clinics at housing authority sites, and is planning four more mobile clinics the week of March 8 where more than 200 doses will be given out.

Medical Director Michael Hirsh did warn of a possible third wave of the virus following events like college spring break and St. Patrick's Day. He also said there is some fear about new coronavirus variants — a Brazil variant in particular because it appears more contagious and may reinfect people more easily. But more people getting vaccinated means a reduced number of potential hosts for the virus.

"We just need needles in arms, needles in arms," he said. "We're getting there."