Peabody Remains 'Green' Even As Coronavirus Numbers Tick Up

PEABODY, MA — While Peabody remains a "green" safe community, according to the state, coronavirus numbers in the city did edge higher this past week, according to state Department of Public Health data.

Peabody had 3.8 positive coronavirus cases per 100,000 results and a test-positive rate of 1.03 percent. That's up from two weeks ago when Peabody had 2.2 cases per 100,000 residents and a test-positive rate of 0.9 percent.

Twenty-three communities were designated high-risk in the new town-by-town data released by the state Wednesday, up from 15 the week before. New rules announced by the state Wednesday mean that those towns, plus others that were high-risk in the last two updates, cannot move on to the next phase of reopening. The communities were marked high-risk, or red, due to more than eight confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks.

Starting Monday, communities — such as Peabody — deemed at lower risk of COVID-19 spread can move into the second part of phase three of the state's reopening plan, the state said Tuesday.

The step forward reopens indoor performance venues; expands capacity at outdoor performance venues, gyms, museums, driving and flight schools; reopens more indoor activities; and permits fitting rooms to open in all retail stores. It also allows for increased outdoor gatherings at events and in public settings.

More Patch Coverage: State Says Most Communities Can Move Ahead With Further Reopening