Worcester Officials To Talk Coronavirus Delta Variant Emergence

WORCESTER, MA — Even with warm weather and a relatively successful vaccine rollout, health officials in Massachusetts are monitoring the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus that could pose a big threat.

The COVID-19 delta variant now accounts for about 10 percent of all new coronavirus cases in Massachusetts. The delta variant, which emerged in India in late winter and is flourishing in the United Kingdom, is more contagious and may potentially cause more hospitalizations.

On Thursday, Worcester officials will hold a event to talk more about the local impact of the new variant. The event will come before a long holiday weekend where many people will gather for barbecues and other July 4 events.

The number of new coronavirus cases in Worcester has been steadily dropping recently. The city reported 17 new cases over the week ending June 25. That's down from 30 cases in the week ending June 18.

A little over 92,000 Worcester residents have been fully vaccinated so far in 2021, which is about 48 percent of the total population. About 57 percent of Worcester residents have had at least one dose of a vaccine.

Health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated to prevent a sharp rise in delta variant cases. A former U.S. Food and Drum Administration official told CBS on Sunday the variant will likely flourish in places with low vaccine rates. And, a study of cases in the UK found the Pfizer vaccine was 88 percent successful at stopping delta in people who received both doses.

On top of the state's VaxMillions promotion, Worcester is rolling out a mobile vaccine clinic this week that will offer shots at various places around the city:

July 1

• Main South Community Development Corp., 875 Main St., 9 to 11 a.m.
• Webster Square Plaza, 1269 Main St., 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Walmart, 25 Tobias Boland Way, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Lincoln Village, 37 Pleasant Valley Drive,

July 2

• Lincoln Village, 37 Pleasant Valley Drive, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Cristoforo Colombo/East Park, 180 Shrewsbury St., 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Elm Park, 138 Russell St., 4 to 7 p.m.