Waltham Sees Rapid Increase In Coronavirus Cases

WALTHAM, MA — The number of people who have tested positive in the past week has risen by 143. Since March some 2,244 people in Waltham have tested positive for the coronavirus, including 79 people who died.

"This rapid increase is very alarming," said Waltham health department officials in a statement. "It is imperative that residents take this virus seriously."

The cases in Waltham are considered community spread with social gatherings being a contributing factor, according to the department.

Ages of the most recent cases range from 20-40 years old and are not from one specific event, according to city data.

"With the holidays rapidly approaching, we are asking all residents to take every precaution necessary and not let their guards down," said health department officials. "We understand that everyone has COVID-19 fatigue, but we all must work together to eliminate the rapid spread in Waltham."

In September 114 people tested positive, that grew to 308 in October and November saw 420 people test positive. The state has categorized Waltham as a yellow, or moderate risk for the spread of the virus. The average daily incidence rate per 100,000 people during the past two weeks is 21.9, with 1.56 percent positivity rate among those tested, according to state data.

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.