Peabody Reverts Back One Step In Coronavirus Reopening

PEABODY, MA — Amid concerns of a post-Thanksgiving spike in coronavirus test rates throughout the state and the country, the recent rapid rise in cases continued in Peabody over the past two weeks.

The Peabody cases per 100,000 people — the sole metric the state used until last month to determine the extent to which a community can reopen businesses—rose to 58.5 in Thursday's state report. That is sharply higher than the 36.9 cases from the Nov. 20 report and 15.8 cases from the report four weeks ago.

Peabody remained a "red" high-risk city for community spread, according to current state metrics. Because it is the third straight week being in the red, city businesses are forced to revert back to step 1 of phase 3 of the state's reopening — meaning indoor theaters, performance venues, trampolines, laser tag entertainment businesses must close, and capacities for gyms, libraries and museums are reduced from 50 to 40 percent.

These actions must take place by Monday.

"We know this news may be disappointing for local businesses and residents, and we appreciate your compliance with these requirements," the Peabody Health Department said. "By working together, we hope to mitigate the impact of this pandemic in our community, and we all look forward to brighter days ahead."

The Peabody positive test rate was 6.93 percent over the past two weeks, compared to 4.86 over the same span leading up to Nov. 20.

The city had 458 new cases over the two-week period leading up to Thursday, compared to 325 cases over the same span leading up to Nov. 20.

Until revising its formula for determining a community that is at high risk for community spread last month, any city or town with more than 8.0 cases per 100,000 people was considered a "red" high-risk community.

The Peabody Health Department urged residents this week to get tested at area testing sites, adding that more testing within Peabody is being explored.

"Many of you have asked about local options for COVID testing," the Peabody Health Department said. "The city has partnered with Atlantic Ambulance to hold several one-day testing events in Peabody this fall, most recently on Nov. 11. However, we recognize the need for greater availability of testing on an ongoing basis and are actively working on expanding options. We will post more information ... once additional dates are scheduled.

"We encourage people to take advantage of the state-sponsored 'Stop the Spread' sites in Lynn, Salem, Saugus or Revere. They are open to all Massachusetts residents, are free, do not require you to be symptomatic or have a doctor's note, and have a relatively quick turnaround on test results (24 to 48 hours)."

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported by far the highest single-day coronavirus case total on Thursday, the second day in a row surpassing the peak numbers from the virus's first wave in the spring.

The state reported 6,477 new cases, up nearly 2,000 from Wednesday and more than double the high reported in the spring. That included a 680 case backlog due to a technical issue at a lab, the state said, but even without those it was the most cases on record.

The latest town-by-town report labeled 97 Massachusetts communities a high-risk, up from 81 last week. The majority of the state's cities and towns reported rising test rates.

State officials announced 49 more deaths Thursday. The seven-day average of hospitalized coronavirus patients increased to 1,324, compared to 963 last Friday.

The positive test rate over the last two weeks increased in 209 — or 59.5 percent — of the 351 communities in the state. The rate fell in 88 — or 25.1 percent of — communities and held steady in the remaining 54.

There were 35.7 average daily cases per 100,000 residents, up from 34.9 last week.

More Patch Coverage: MA Reports New High 6,477 Coronavirus Cases, 5% Positive Rate

Peabody Coronavirus Cases Soar Into 'High-Risk' Category