Boston health officials, citing data suggesting COVID-19 is on the rise in the city, urged residents Friday to take precautions, including the use of masks in crowded indoor spaces.
“Cases are increasing, as are hospitalizations. We are closely following city-wide trends and suggest that everyone follow the recommended precautions to reduce risk, “Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission, said in a statement.
“Based on current trends, it is essential that people protect themselves and others by wearing masks in crowded indoor environments, testing, isolating themselves if they are sick, and keeping up with their vaccines, which will reduce the risk of serious COVID-19 disease, ”he said.
An example of an “environment full of people inside” where people should wear masks is public transportation, the public health agency said.
The agency said that as of Thursday, COVID-19 cases had increased by 38.9 percent over the past seven days, and daily hospital admissions and the amount of coronavirus in local wastewater also increased. .
Data posted on the city’s coronavirus control panel showed the number of cases has risen since July 4, but the numbers were still below a recent surge in May and well below the staggering rise. of earlier this year.
Although there have been “recent increases,” the agency noted, “cases of serious illness are still low.”
The agency attributed the increases to the appearance of the highly infectious BA.5 variant, as well as to people meeting and traveling during the weekend of July 4th.
The agency offered a number of suggestions on how people can protect themselves and others.
It is recommended, among other things, that people:
– Test for COVID-19 before and after high concentrations, especially if vulnerable or unvaccinated people attend;
– Stay home and isolate yourself if they are sick or positive;
– Contact a health care provider about treatments if they test positive;
– Vaccinate and strengthen;
– Hold outdoor meetings and choose outdoor activities;
– Open windows and doors to improve ventilation.
Martin Finucane can be contacted at martin.finucane@globe.com.