Newton Reports 50% Increase In Coronavirus Cases

NEWTON, MA — The City of Newton reported a 50% increase in COVID-19 cases in this week's Department of Public Health report, with 91 new cases over the last two weeks compared to the 61 cases reported in last week's report.

According to health officials, Newton's 14-day percent positive test rate has increased from 0.93% last week to 1.24% this week and the average daily incidence rate went from 4.8 to 7.1.

The city's increase in COVID-19 cases reflects the rest of Massachusetts, with over two-thirds of the state's cities and towns reporting rising positive test rates. The statewide 14-day positive test rate rose from 1.46 percent to 2.11 percent and the case count for the last two weeks is 8,277.

Massachusetts health officials reported 1,046 cases Thursday, bringing the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic to 677,433.

As of August 5, 74.8% of Newton residents are fully vaccinated and 81.6% have received their first dose.