BOSTON (AP) — Even though the city of Boston’s coronavirus test positivity rate fell to 7.2% for the week ending last Friday, down from 8% the prior week, residents should not be lulled into thinking the current outbreak is under control, Mayor Marty Walsh said Wednesday.
“That’s good to see but it’s too soon to say that we stopped the trend,” Walsh said at a City Hall news conference. “Our numbers continue to be higher than what we need them to be in Boston, and hospitals have been seeing more activity. Those are the realities we have to address.”
He urged residents to follow new guidelines issued by Gov. Charlie Baker earlier this week, including wearing masks whenever in public, staying at home after 10 p.m. except for essential activities including work, and avoiding large gatherings.
While the new regulations may hurt restaurants and other businesses, they could prevent worse long-term consequences.
“If we don’t get the virus under control, and we don’t stop this trend of increase in positivity rate, we’ll be in a far worse situation in a few week or months,” he said. “I’ll be standing here talking about shutting everything down and we don’t want to be doing that.”
He reminded restaurants that they could contact the city’s small business office for help in setting up takeout and delivery operations and for protective equipment.
Walsh also addressed the presidential election, asking city residents to remain peaceful and wear face coverings if they choose to gather or protest as results are announced.
“We have to be patient and respect the democratic process,” he said.
At least two rallies are scheduled for Wednesday.
Police Commissioner William Gross urged Bostonians to set a positive example for the nation when practicing their First Amendment rights.
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