As the nation grapples with a new surge in coronavirus cases, some local communities have been back to reporting double-digit daily increases this week.
Lynn and Peabody both reported two additional deaths on Friday, a stark contrast to the lack of fatalities that have been seen most days in recent weeks.
With the new fatalities, the death toll in Lynn is now 106.
Lynn reported 10 new cases on Friday, bringing the city’s total number of cases to 3,784. Aside from Thursday, Lynn has reported a double-digit increase in cases each day this week, according to city data.
Of the city’s total, 479 cases are active and 3,199 people have recovered from the virus.
With two more deaths reported in Peabody, the city’s new toll is 167, according to the health department.
But Peabody’s case increase was low, at two new cases, to bring the city’s caseload to 1,093 — 854 people have recovered.
Revere reported six new cases on Friday, but reported a double-digit increase on Thursday for the first time since June 11, which has prompted some concern among city health officials.
According to Mayor Brian Arrigo’s office, the Revere Emergency Response Team is closely tracking Thursday’s spike, as well as recent data that indicates a trend toward an increased share of confirmed COVID-19 cases among residents aged 20-39.
Month after month, the share of positive cases among this age group has increased by 15 percent, up from approximately 35 to 50 percent of all confirmed cases, according to the mayor’s office.
As of Friday, Revere has 1,905 cases and 88 deaths, while 1,628 people have recovered, according to city data.
“We’re watching the numbers closely so we can keep our residents informed and take swift action as necessary,” said Arrigo in a statement. “While (Thursday’s) jump to double-digit new cases does not mark a trend, we hope it will serve as a strong reminder that our fight against this virus is not over.
“We need everyone — no matter their age or perceived level of risk — to do their part in following guidance from public health experts to help contain the spread. We’re asking people not to get complacent, wear a mask, practice social distancing and remember we are still safer at home.”
“The increased share of positive cases among younger adults is particularly concerning given that they are also more likely to be asymptomatic with the potential to spread the virus to others without ever knowing they themselves were carrying the virus,” said Dr. Nathalee Kong, Revere Board of Health Chair of MGH Revere, in a statement.
“Data and science continues to show us that we can protect ourselves by taking common sense measures like wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, practicing social distancing and minimizing trips outside the home.”
The local case spikes come at a time when the United States is experiencing another surge in the virus. On Thursday, the U.S. daily caseload topped 70,000 for the first time and record numbers of COVID-19 fatalities were reported in Florida, Texas and South Carolina, according to the Washington Post.
Despite the jump in cases among cities, numbers remained the same or were not updated in several North Shore towns on Friday.
Lynnfield (101 cases, 11 deaths), Nahant (42 cases, six deaths) and Saugus (562 cases, 36 deaths) reported no change in their numbers.
Numbers have not been updated in Marblehead (240 cases, 30 deaths) or Swampscott (136 cases, nine deaths) since Wednesday.
