Fear Of Worcester 'Backward Slide' In Coronavirus Cases

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester city officials are afraid of a rise in coronavirus infections after seeing an uptick in complaints about businesses and residents shirking pandemic precautions.

COVID-19 cases have been declining since June in Worcester as businesses, parks, and other public spaces have reopened. But the reopenings are only happening with strict measures in place — like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.

"As we head into the warmer days of summer, and folks continue to venture outdoors and to frequent restaurants and other establishments, it is imperative to bear in mind the progress made in recovering from the virus," officials said in a news release.

Worcester's Department of Inspectional Services is conducting random checks at businesses to see if they're following state guidelines. Businesses that don't follow the guidelines could be subject to fines, city officials said. Health officials are also warning residents to be cautious when gathering in groups for informal events like barbecues and parties.

Phase 3 of Massachusetts' reopening plan began on July 6 and will likely last for much of the month. The new phase allows places like museums, gyms and movie theaters to reopen, and increases the number of people allowed to be indoors at the same time.

READ: EcoTarium First Worcester Museum To Reopen As Coronavirus Slows

"While the overall numbers in Worcester show a positive trend, it is important to avoid a backward slide and return to rising numbers of COVID-positive cases that are being in seen in many other states," officials said Thursday.

Coronavirus cases are surging in states like Florida and Arizona, where government officials have been lax about pandemic precautions. For the week ending July 9, Worcester only added 61 new coronavirus cases. During the height of the pandemic in April and May, the city was adding double that number in single days.

This article originally appeared on the Worcester Patch