NORTH ATTLEBORO - The experts predicting a dramatic rise in the number of COVID cases leading up to and after the holidays were correct.
North Attleboro recorded its ninth straight week of increased positivity rates after 11 weeks of declining numbers, according to data released by the state on Thursday. The rate was 19.73% of the 2,782 tests performed over the last two weeks. The number was 11.86% last week. It was 10.36% two weeks ago, 9.24% three weeks back and 8.55% four week ago. The rate was only 3.68% on Thanksgiving Day.
Plainville also recorded a significant increase. The positivity rate was 19.62% of the 1,040 tests performed over the past two weeks. The number was 10.12% last week. It was 7.23% two weeks ago, 8.64% three weeks back and 7.62% four week ago. The rate was only 3.17% on Thanksgiving Day.
North Attleboro and Plainville are much worse than the state rate of 15.03%, which is nearly double the 7.74% recorded last week.
The rise in the number of cases was addressed by Director and Public Health Nurse Anne Marie Fleming when she met with North TV Thursday morning in front of town hall.
Use the first video link below to stream that interview.
COVID test kits are available in the lobby at town hall Monday through Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. for North Attleboro residents with financial hardships. The application form is available on the town website. Click the news link on the homepage and the headline that reads, COVID-19 Test Kit Information.
Kits are also available for adults 18 and over who live or work in a congregate setting, are experiencing symptoms, have recently been in contact with someone with COVID, or who have been otherwise recommended for testing. Go to ondemand.labcorp.com to place your order.
COA PROGRAMS SUSPENDED
The increased number of positive cases caused the North Attleboro senior center to cancel all in-person programs and activities this past week and next.
The staff will still be available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meals on Wheels are still being delivered and Grab and Go lunches are also available.
The hope is that the center will open again a week from Tuesday, January 17.
Council on Aging Director Pamela Hunt spoke to North TV on Tuesday about the decision to shut down in-person activities and events.
Use the second video link below to stream Hunt's interview.
The number to call for more information is 508-699-0131.
North TV will cablecast and stream the exercise program with Linda Gallant normallly held at the senior center this Monday, January 10; Wednesday, January 12 and Friday, January 14 from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. live from the North TV studio.
You can watch Linda on the Community Channel: Comcast 15 and Verizon 24. The program willl also be streamed and at community.northtv.net.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=PaD5zDJ8kbY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6jnavPyB2lM
