Politics & Government
Danvers Enters 'High Risk' Category For Coronavirus Spread
Danvers had 315 positive tests over the past 14 days and a positive test rate of 4.92 percent.
DANVERS, MA — The coronavirus case level in Danvers surged sharply once again in the past week, according to state data, as the town entered the state's "high risk" category for community spread.
Danvers recorded 315 positive cases over the past 14 days, compared to 177 cases in the same span leading up to Dec. 3. The town's cases per 100,000 residents — the sole metric the state used until last month to determine whether cities and towns could move forward in reopening — jumped from 44.3 cases per 100,000 to 68.27 cases per 100,000.
Until the state changed its formula one month ago, any community with greater than 8.0 cases per 100,000 people was considered "high risk." The Danvers rate was 24.9 as of Nov. 20.
Find out what's happening in Danversfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Danvers positive test rate rose from 4.92 percent to 6.85 percent since Dec. 3.
Danvers will offer free coronavirus testing for residents this month amid a surge of positive cases in the town and across the state.
Find out what's happening in Danversfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Testing, mask-wearing, and social distancing are the best tools we have to combat community spread in Danvers, keep our schools open and help our local hospitals serve those who are infected," said Town Manager Steve Bartha. "Although the holidays are normally a time to celebrate with friends and loved ones, the safest place to be this holiday season is at home with members of your household only."
The latest town-by-town report labeled 158 Massachusetts communities as high risk for the virus, up from 97 last week.
The positive test rate over the last two weeks increased in 289 — or 82.3 percent — of the 351 communities in the state. The rate fell in 38 — or 10.8 percent of — communities and held steady in the remaining 24.
There were 50 average daily cases per 100,000 residents of the state over that period, up from 35.7 last week.
More Patch Coverage: MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus Stats: Rates Rise In 82% Of Towns
Danvers To Offer Free Coronavirus Testing For Residents
Danvers Coronavirus Cases Surge Higher In Latest State Count
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