Framingham Coronavirus Cases Rose Slightly In Recent Weeks

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The number of coronavirus cases in Framingham is still very low compared to this winter, but active cases have been rising slightly over the last few weeks, city health data show.

There were 77 active cases as of Wednesday, up from 76 the last time Framingham released case data on July 7. The two-week positive test rate also rose to 0.32 percent, up from 0.23 percent on July 7 — however, a positive test rates below about 1 percent is considered positive.

The new cases appear to be in younger people. According to city data, the average age of new cases between June 27 and July 11 was 34. However, people age 50 to 59 have the highest rate of new infections at 28 per 100,000 people.

Just under 54,000 of Framingham's 72,000 residents have been either fully or partially vaccinated. About 48,000 have been fully vaccinated, which is about 66 percent of the city.

The wide availability of vaccines, plus warm weather, have pushed cases down statewide. But health officials are warning that the new delta variant of COVID-19 poses a serious threat. That variant, B.1.617.2, is more contagious, spreading about 50 percent faster than the original COVID-19 virus. Vaccines have proven effective against delta, and health experts warn the new variant could take hold in places where vaccine rates are low.

Here's a look at how cases have risen and fallen in Framingham in recent weeks:

• July 14 — 77 cases
• July 7 — 76 cases
• June 30 — 75 cases
• June 28 — 74 cases
• June 25 — 83 cases
• June 23 — 82 cases
• June 18 — 87 cases