Waltham Dubbed High Risk For Coronavirus 4th Week In A Row

WALTHAM, MA — As of Thursday, there have been 1,686 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus in Waltham since March. This week the number is up by 29 since Tuesday. There have been 79 people who have died in Waltham.

Some experts have suggested that positive tests per people tested is a better measure of the pandemic. In Waltham, that number per 100,000 people is 17.1. The average for the state is 11.8.

As Halloween nears, many are adjusting their plans. In Waltham, trick-or-treating isn't canceled, but Michelle Feeley the city's Public Health director is urging caution.

"I understand people want to get together," said Feeley. "But we're really trying to push the message to be aware of what's going on and really think it through. The last thing you want to do is infect someone like a family member or a friend who you want to protect."

Restaurants are also trying to find a balance.

Despite the measures staff take to keep the space inside clean and safe, some people are still hesitant to come inside, and anytime you have a cold or wet day, according to Allie LeBlanc of Brewer's Tap And Table on Moody Street.

"Everyone is doing their best to make everyone feel safe and comfortable, but we understand that no matter how cautious we are, it can still be scary, and so we're trying to provide people with as many options as possible," LeBlanc said.

Waltham, which has been considered high-risk for the past four weeks by the state, is now among 151 communities in the red zone.

Coronavirus rates have been increasing for weeks — the number of people who tested positive for the virus in Massachusetts surged past 150,000 on Wednesday. And the past six days have seen more than 1,000 cases each across the commonwealth. Sewage measurements suggest the spike is still on an upward trajectory.

Thursday, the state reported 150,498 people had tested positive for the coronavirus since March. The spike in the commonwealth has prompted neighboring states to cast a wary eye on travel here, with Connecticut and New Jersey this week adding Massachusetts to their coronavirus travel advisory lists.

Earlier this week, the state sent out alerts to communities, including Waltham.

"Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance. Do not share food drinks utensils. Stay home if sick. Get a free COVID test. Stop gatherings with family and friends. Protect you and your loved ones. For more info visit mass.gov/stopcovid19," the alert said after hitting cell phones with a distinct emergency tone.

Read more: Customer Leaves $700 Tip At Waltham Restaurant

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how .