Indoor masks encouraged again in Boston as city's COVID cases jump nearly 40% in one week

BOSTON -- Masks are being encouraged indoors in Boston again as cases have spiked in the city. Cases have increased in Boston by 38.9% in the last week, according to city health officials. The community positivity rate is 10.1%. 

Hospitalizations are on the rise: city hospitals are averaging 151 new COVID-19-related admissions a day, up 24.6% over the past week. 

Levels of COVID-19 in Boston's wastewater have increased by 21% over the past week, the Boston Public Health Commission said. That's 728 RNA copies of COVID-19 per mL in wastewater. In June, that number was over 1,000 but in March levels were as low as 100 particles per mL. 

The recent upticks cases are primarily due to the emergence of the highly infectious BA.5 variant, according to health officials.   

"Cases are increasing, as are hospitalizations. We are following our citywide trends closely, and we suggest that everyone follow recommended precautions to reduce risk," said Commissioner of Public Health and BPHC Executive Director Dr. Bisola Ojikutu. "Based on current trends, it is essential that people protect themselves and others by wearing masks within indoor crowded settings, testing, isolating if they're sick, and staying up to date with their vaccinations which will reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19."    

The BPHC recommends testing before and after attending large gatherings, wearing masks indoors, holding gathers outdoors if possible, staying up to date on vaccinations, and staying home if you're sick.