Woburn Positive Test Rate Falls, City Reports 3,000th Case

WOBURN, MA — Woburn's positive coronavirus test rate fell over the last week, according to the statewide town-by-town data released Thursday. But the case count rose and the city remained at high risk for the virus.

The city reported its 3,000th active case Jan. 8. As of Thursday, the city has had 3,160 cases, of which 360 are active.

The city's two-week positive test rate was 8.9, down from 9.5 percent last week. The city had 534 cases over the last two weeks, up from 429.

According to city data, 47 residents have died.

There were 6,731 tests conducted in Woburn over two weeks, of which 596 were positive. Testing increased significantly relative to the period between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Woburn began vaccinating first responders this week, administering dozens of shots on the first day Tuesday.

The Massachusetts Department of Health designated 229 cities and towns as high risk for the coronavirus Thursday, up from 219 the week before. But the statewide positive test rate fell to 6.7 percent, down from 8.7 percent on Jan. 1.

The statewide positive test rate is still slightly above the level a month ago, 6.2 percent.

The seven-day average of hospitalized patients was 2,226, down from 2,386 a week prior.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.