BOSTON (WHDH) - The Boston Public Health Commission is sounding the alarm over rising COVID-19 levels in area wastewater.
The levels in the area’s wastewater– an indication of community spread– are at levels not seen since May, BPHC said.
The concentration of COVID-19 RNA copies in the wastewater have risen 104.5% over the past week, which comes as the weather cools and students have returned to school. In the coming weeks, Boston should expect to see elevated numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as well.
“This spike in our wastewater concentration is of great concern and another reminder that the pandemic is far from over,” said Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission Dr. Bisola Ojikutu. “The key to protecting ourselves remains the same, and these tools are particularly important given this current trend: get vaccinated, get boosted, and wear masks indoors. By protecting ourselves now, we can reduce the risk of infection as we spend more time indoors in the fall and winter.”
BHPC recommends that Bostonians mask up indoors to lower COVID-19 transmission risk, especially with flu season approaching. Other recommendations include staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, getting flu vaccines to reduce strain on the health care system overall, testing for COVID-19 before and after large gatherings and gathering outside if possible.
BHPC is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday, Oct. 2 at White Stadium, where children and caregivers who get vaccinated can get a $75 gift card. More details can be found here.
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