Big Drop In New Framingham Coronavirus Cases, Data Shows

FRAMINGHAM, MA — On the day Framingham's new mask mandate went into effect, city officials reported a marked drop in the number of new cases reported over the past week — although active cases still remain high.

Framingham added 1,452 cases over the week ending Jan. 19. That's about 500 fewer than were reported over the week ending Jan. 12.

But over the same period, the number of active cases soared to 4,674 — a pandemic high — and four city residents died due to COVID-19, according to officials.

Health officials are predicting that the recent surge related to omicron could subside by the end of the month. On Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker said "it does appear we are very much on the backside of the omicron surge" as the statewide positive test rate dropped to 17.44 percent. That's down from a high of 23 percent on Jan. 5.

Framingham's new mask order went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday and applies to almost everyone over age 2. Anyone entering a public place — including stores, restaurants, taxi cabs — must wear a clean mask that covers both the nose and mouth, according to the order. The order will be in place until Mayor Charlie Sisitsky and the Board of Health decide conditions are safe.