BOSTON — The recent surge in confirmed coronavirus cases in Massachusetts is being driven in large part by an increase among younger people, Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday.
Whereas 15% of new cases in April were among people under age 30, now 37% of the new confirmed cases are people in that age group, the Republican governor said at a news conference at which he urged people to stop partying.
“According to our most recent data, about 300 people per day under 30 have contracted COVID-19, have tested positive for it, with about 38,000 people in this age group diagnosed since March,” he said.
“For many of these folks, they don’t get that sick. They just carry it around and give it to others.”
The governor’s news briefing began with a new trend showing the virus more prevalent in younger people.
This is the chart just unveiled before @MassGovernor’s briefing today. pic.twitter.com/xFO56egvjH
— Robert Goulston (@rgoulston) October 27, 2020
“COVID is a very contagious virus and it will rear its ugly head wherever it gets the chance,” Gov. Baker said.
More than half the new cases have been traced to social gatherings and household transmission, and there have been more reports of indoor parties as the weather has turned cooler, Baker said. He reminded people that outdoor trick-or-treating on Halloween is much safer than an indoor party.
“To keep case rates down, and help us not only keep people healthy, but also ensure that our hospitals continue to have the capacity they need to serve their patients, our young people need to be serious about dealing with COVID,” he said.
Baker also shed new light on the state’s decision last week to close indoor skating rinks for two weeks in response to an increase in cases linked to youth hockey games. He blamed the closures on “irresponsible” parents and coaches who didn’t cooperate with state contact tracers, including some who refused to supply team rosters.
“Youth hockey needs to make some changes,” he said.
He also urged people to limit Thanksgiving gatherings to members of the same household, or if mixing households, limit the number of guests to as few as possible.
“The science on this one is pretty clear: gathering in groups indoors for an extended period of time to family and friends is likely the worst possible scenario for spreading the virus,” Baker said.
Health officials put out guidance for families hosting small gatherings, recommending wearing masks inside, spreading out, and opening doors and windows to improve ventilation.
“One or two people in the kitchen with face coverings, serving, creating plates for people and serving people at the table, so you are not talking plates and bowls and sharing them around,” Health & Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders recommended.
Read more:
Tips and tricks for a COVID-19 Halloween
Mass. health officials say Thanksgiving has to look, feel different this year
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