Tewksbury Positive Rate Falls, Town Remains High Risk

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury's positive coronavirus test rate fell over the last week, according to the statewide town-by-town data released Thursday. But the case count rose and the town was again designated high risk for the virus.

The town's two-week positive test rate fell to 7.9 percent, down from 8.7 percent last week. The town added 420 cases over the last two weeks, up from 395.

The latest cases bring Tewksbury to 2,299 total cases, according to the state data.

There were 5,698 tests conducted in Tewksbury over two weeks, of which 449 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.