7 Deaths In Framingham In One Week Due To COVID-19: Data

FRAMINGHAM, MA — New coronavirus case counts fell again in Framingham over the past week, but the city added seven new deaths — among the highest number deaths reported in a single week since the pandemic began almost two years ago.

The number of new cases confirmed since Jan. 19 by PCR test was 701, down from the 1,452 cases counted in the week ending Jan. 19. The Jan. 19 figure was down about 500 the week ending Jan. 12. With the seven new deaths, 270 Framingham residents have now died due to COVID-19 since March 2020.

The city added an asterisk to the PCR test numbers, noting a likely big undercount.

"While the number of positive PCR test results dropped to 701 … thousands of rapid antigen tests administered in private homes were not reported and are therefore not included in the city’s total confirmed cases, which now total 16,596," the city said in a news release.

Many of the recent PCR tests were taken by people under 19 years old. Framingham Public Schools added 313 cases over the week ending Jan. 19, according to district data. The highest numbers were detected at the high school (46) and Walsh Middle School (43).

In a news release, Mayor Charlie Sisitsky reminded residents about the mask order that went into effect Jan. 19.

"Like all communities in our commonwealth, we are heartened to see indications that the surge may have peaked. However, my goal is to have the Omicron threat shrink as quickly as possible. Wearing of masks are key to that goal," he said.