Norfolk County COVID-19 Community level is now at High risk
We remain in the HIGH level of community transmission today here in Norfolk County, along with multiple other counties within the state. The cases are coming fast and furious (increased numbers of PCR testing being done)- only PCR tests are reported to the state for calculation of the positivity rate and the current recommendation is home testing- so we could surmise that the positivity rate is drastically under reported. THERE IS NO REPORTING NEEDED FOR HOME TESTING (unless you have a school aged child - then please report to the schools).
There are slight increases in hospitalizations, inpatient bed needs, intubations and intensive care bed utilization. Deaths remain low. Of concern, is the wastewater data which gives us a look 10-14 days into the future and there has been almost a vertical climb in the amount of RNA found- we are now at the level seen in January. Positivity rates have creeped upward and today are > 8.5% - but have been holding in this area for the last 3 days.
These are the sites where everyone can follow along for metrics:
MWRA - Wastewater COVID-19 Tracking
COVID-19 Response Reporting | Mass.gov
THERE IS NO TOWNWIDE MASK MANDATE IN PLACE- HOWEVER, the new Omicron variant BA.2.12.1 is currently overspreading our area- accounting for about half of the cases testing positive at the beinning of the week (again through PCR). Please remember, that even if you have recently had COVID, you may still become infected again with the new variant and PLEASE test/ take precautions if you develop symptoms!
Click here for More Information
