COVID-19 uptick seen in Massachusetts

BOSTON — Massachusetts is dealing with an uptick in COVID-19 cases just like many parts of the country. The governor this week said the 4th of July celebrations may be a factor.

We were in several areas of the city on Friday talking to people about the current protocols with masks and social distancing. Many people, like Kelly Bishop, were pretty up front that they have their own theories on how to protect themselves.

“I think it is important to also have that uncertainty in your head and even though you are vaccinated to still wear your mask in really densely populated areas,” Bishop said.

Just about everyone we talked to had their own individual rule of thumb including Shahzad Zia.

>>>MORE: COVID-19 updates: New cases, positivity rate are up Friday

“I’m definitely enjoying the summer a little more but obviously still maintaining my social distance, wear a mask when I go into crowded areas,” Zia said. “Just trusting your intuition knowing the people you are surrounding yourself with are credible and vaccinated as well,” Bishop said.

Tufts Medical Center Hospital Epidemiologist Dr. Shira Doron said health officials are closely watching the rising numbers.

“Should I change my behavior? That’s the most common question I’m getting right now, and I think if you are unvaccinated, you probably should,” Dr. Doron said.

The governor recently said the 4th of July holiday may have contributed to the uptick.

“We can postulate that holiday gatherings may have been a part of that, particularly because we had so much rainy weather over the 4th of July weekend and last several weeks, so we may have had a lot more indoor gatherings,” Dr. Doron said.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete Covid-19 vaccine coverage

RESOURCES:

- Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV

©2021 Cox Media Group