As Free Tests Begin, Framingham Active Coronavirus Cases Hit 105

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A brief slowdown in the coronavirus pandemic in Framingham may be over as active case rose for a second time since Friday.

On Wednesday — the day that free state-sponsored testing began in the city — the number of active coronavirus cases in Framingham reached 105, the highest since July 13. Eight residents tested positive for the virus since Monday, and 70 have tested positive overall since July 17.

As of Wednesday 121 Framingham residents had died of the virus so far with 1,826 total cases — a fatality rate of about 6.6 percent. The statewide fatality rate is about 7.6 percent.

Here's a look at how active cases have changed in Framingham since the beginning of July:

• Aug. 5 — 105
• Aug. 3 — 100
• July 31 — 101
• July 29 — 101
• July 27 — 95
• July 24 — 85
• July 22 — 83
• July 20 — 90 (14 days since phase 3 began)
• July 17 — 79
• July 15 — 79
• July 13 — 110
• July 10 — 108
• July 8 — 110
• July 6 — 134 (day phase 3 of reopening began)
• July 1 — 138

The uptick in active cases comes as coronavirus stirs across New England.

On Tuesday, the state Department of Public Health reported 438 new cases, the biggest one-day rise since the spring. Meanwhile, Rhode Island on Tuesday was removed from Massachusetts' "lower risk state list" for the coronavirus, meaning Ocean State travelers will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Rhode Island is seeing an upswing in the number of coronavirus hospitalizations after the seeing rates drop in early July.

Framingham residents will have access to free testing through Aug. 14 at Keefe Technical High School, 750 Winter St. Cars were already lined up for tests on Wednesday before the scheduled 2 p.m. opening.

The free tests will be given between 2 and 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and between 8 a.m. and noon on Tuesdays and Thursday. No appointment is needed.