Boston, Springfield and Worcester now among 23 Massachusetts communities considered ‘high risk’ for COVID spread, according to state map

COVID risk assessment map.

COVID risk assessment map as of Sept. 30, 2020.

There are now 23 Massachusetts communities considered at “high risk” for coronavirus spread, according to the latest COVID risk assessment map published by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Communities now in the red category, which have had more than 8 new daily cases per 100,000 residents over the last 14 days, include Attleboro, Avon, Boston, Chelsea, Dracut, Everett, Framingham, Haverhill, Holliston, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Revere, Springfield, Winthrop and Worcester, according to DPH.

Notably, Boston and Springfield were upgraded from “moderate” to “high” risk this week.

A total of 29 communities cannot enter Step 2 of Phase 3 of Gov. Charlie Baker’s reopening plan. Those communities are: Attleboro, Avon, Boston, Chelsea, Dedham, Dracut, Everett, Framingham, Haverhill, Holliston, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Monson, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Plainville, Revere, Saugus, Springfield, Tyngsborough, Winthrop, Worcester, and Wrentham.

On Tuesday, Baker announced that beginning Oct. 5 communities with a gray, green or yellow risk level can begin the second part of the third phase, meaning they can move up to 50% capacity or 250 people at indoor and outdoor performance venues.

The state will also allow these cities and towns up to 50% capacity for arcades and recreational businesses with trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks and laser tag, as well as gyms, museums, libraries, driving schools and flight academies.

State health officials confirmed another 510 COVID cases on Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to at least 129,753.

Officials also announced 32 new COVID-related deaths, bringing the statewide death count to 9,242.

Wednesday’s data is based on 14,404 new molecular tests, according to the Department of Public Health. There are currently 438 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, including 89 people in intensive care.

The seven-day average of positive tests has increased to about 1%; the three-day average of COVID deaths, the three-day average of hospitalizations are the number of hospitals using surge capacity have all increased as well.

There has been an average of 516 new COVID cases per day in Massachusetts over the last week, which represents an increase of 49% from the average two weeks prior, according to a New York Times analysis.

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