Health

Number of high-risk communities doubles

Number of high-risk communities doubles

Lawrence spirals while state nears red zone

By Bruce Mohl coronavirus, COVID-19 0 Comments Oct 7, 2020

THE NUMBER of Massachusetts communities considered high-risk for COVID-19 nearly doubled over the last week and the state as a whole moved much closer to the high-risk designation. The state’s weekly breakdown of COVID-19 activity suggested the situation in Lawrence is spinning out of control, as the average daily case rate over the last two(...)

<img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

COVID-19’s hidden toll

For those in recovery, these are perilous times

Christopher Tuttle

COVID-19 outbreak at Plymouth substance abuse center

28 of 97 civilly committed men test positive, quarantined

Sarah Betancourt

Trump contracts COVID-19

Diagnosis upends final weeks of campaign

Sarah Betancourt

<img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

Number of high-risk communities rises sharply

Boston goes red, Nantucket stays red, Lawrence loses ground

Bruce Mohl

COVID notes: New rapid tests to go to schools

Baker says Mass. leads nation in coronavirus testing

Shira Schoenberg

Baker all-in on COVID-19 community approach

On Monday, reopening plans will vary by municipality

Bruce Mohl

Despite infection concerns, Baker reopens more venues

New rules start Monday, but only in low-risk communities

Shira Schoenberg

Two at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home face criminal charges

Healey: Case is 1st in US against nursing home officials during COVID-19

Shira Schoenberg

Baker denies ‘bullying’ school districts

Continues push for in-person education

Shira Schoenberg

<img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

Nantucket has highest COVID-19 rate in state

Baker eases restrictions on dining group sizes, bar eating

Bruce Mohl

covid-19, clinical trials, coronavirus, vaccine, vaccination

COVID-19 vaccine unlikely to be a silver bullet

Experts rein in expectations; long process ahead

Sarah Betancourt

<img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

Number of high-risk communities jumps

COVID-19 infections concentrated among young

Bruce Mohl

SJC seems wary of upending COVID-19 fight

Group questions legal authority for Baker emergency declaration

Bruce Mohl

<img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

Contact tracing ramping up hiring again

After steep cuts this summer, hundreds now being hired

Bruce Mohl

Baker plugs funds, restaurant dining

Next challenge: Extend outdoor eating into fall

Sarah Betancourt

<img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

Communities at high-risk for COVID-19 grow

Situation worsens in Lawrence, despite weeks of effort

Bruce Mohl

Baker: COVID precautions driving down health care costs

Also backs Northeastern, shakes head at Maine, slams GBH report

Bruce Mohl

Group gatherings at universities…exactly how small?

Harvard eases rule slightly while Northeastern gets tough

Sarah Betancourt

Baker targets 5 hotspots with ed campaign

Those living with extended family urged to wear masks at home

Bruce Mohl

Baker: Don’t rush COVID-19 vaccine

Says review process shouldn’t be abbreviated

Sarah Betancourt

Trump moves up initial vaccine release to before election

Plan targets health care workers, high-risk groups

Sarah Betancourt

<img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

COVID-19 situation worsens over last 2 weeks

Moderate risk category balloons to 48 communities

Bruce Mohl

<img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

Chelsea’s COVID-19 situation worsens; decision time for Rivera

Lynn spread slows while Somerville, Swampscott go yellow

Bruce Mohl

Could heavy-handed approach to campus partying be counterproductive?

CommonWealth Staff

<img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

Safe havens key to fighting COVID-19

Housing inequities lead to racial disparities

Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha

Senior living complexes caught in COVID-19 limbo

Residents don’t have same access to testing as nursing homes

Shira Schoenberg

Curtatone: A color-coded map is not a plan

We can’t tell families to participate in an experiment

Joseph Curtatone

Flu vaccinations required for all Mass. students

DPH: Exemptions allowed only for medical, religious reasons

Katie Lannan

<img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="435" height="285" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-435x285.png" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

Chelsea edges Lynn for top COVID-19 infection rate

People in their 20s account for the most infections

Bruce Mohl

<img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" alt="" loading="lazy" data-src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="300" height="168" src="https://commonwealthmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/coronavirus-2.jpg" class="attachment-one-post-middle size-one-post-middle wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />

At least 130 COVID-19 false positives turn up at lab

Mistakes large enough to lower Fall River, Taunton risk levels

Bruce Mohl