Andover Cases, Positive Test Rate Continue Rise

ANDOVER, MA — Andover's coronavirus case count and positive test rate continued to rise over the last week, according to the statewide town-by-town data released Thursday. The town was again designated high risk for the virus.

The town's two-week positive test rate rose to 7.1 percent, up from 6.9 percent last week. The town had 331 cases over the last two weeks, up from 286.

According to town data, Andover has 206 active cases as of Thursday, bringing it to 1,770 cumulative cases. Of those, 103 residents have died.

There were 5,319 tests conducted over two weeks, of which 379 were positive. Testing increased significantly relative to the period between Christmas and New Year's Day.

The Massachusetts Department of Health designated 229 cities and towns as high risk for the coronavirus Thursday, up from 219 the week before. But the statewide positive test rate fell to 6.7 percent, down from 8.7 percent on Jan. 1.

The statewide positive test rate is still slightly above the level a month ago, 6.2 percent.

The seven-day average of hospitalized patients was 2,226, down from 2,386 a week prior.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.