2 Months After Reopening, Key COVID Metric Continues To Plummet

The gradual reopening of Massachusetts hasn't hurt one of the key coronavirus metrics.

The state's positive test rate sits at 1.7 percent more than two months into the reopening process. The figure is significantly lower than when lights first started flickering back on in nonessential businesses as phase one kicked off. The positive rate was nearly 10 percent on May 18.

The deliberate reopening strategy, coupled with face mask and social distancing mandates, are a big part why the test rate is so low, Gov. Charlie Baker said during a news conference Wednesday at Lynn's Salvation Army.

"We actually had a higher positive test rate two and a half months ago than we have today, which speaks not only to the strategic decision-making that went into developing and implementing that plan, but it also speaks in a very big way to the work that's continued to be done by the people in Massachusetts to do the things that we know are most successful in containing the virus and reducing the spread," Baker said.

>>>LATEST: Town-By-Town Coronavirus Numbers

The seven-day weighted positive test rate is an important one for Baker's administration. Two weeks ago, the governor announced a "Stop the Spread" initiative, expanding free testing in eight communities where the positive test rate was significantly higher than the rest of the state. The testing rate in Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough and New Bedford was around 8 percent at that time; the state's was 1.9 percent.

"Testing is one of the critical tools in the toolbox," Baker said at the time.

Baker was in Lynn to celebrate the Salvation Army distributing 8 million meals since March. He talked about the steps the government is taking to address food insecurity amid the pandemic.

His administration said the first round of a grant program awarded 26 organizations each $3 million.