As masks return on a voluntary basis, MA House Speaker Ron Mariano called recent increase in infections “kind of frightening”

On the COVID-19 front, the virus is again spreading at an increased rate, especially among the many residents who remain unvaccinated and thus at higher risk of serious illness or death.

Masks are returning, on a voluntary basis at the moment, and there’s a brewing debate as the first day of school nears over what to do, if anything, about preventing spread in early education and elementary school populations that remain ineligible for vaccines.

House Speaker Ron Mariano on Thursday called the recent increase in infections “kind of frightening,” adding, “This has got me very concerned, especially as we talk about school openings and things.”

Lawmakers plan an oversight hearing Monday on vaccinations among young children, a group for which a vaccine has not received Food and Drug Administration approval.

Rising caseloads underscore the challenge of convincing the unvaccinated teens and adults to change their minds.

One enticement – lots of cash – comes into view next week when state officials announce the first winners in a Lottery designed to reward someone for getting vaccinated and encourage the unvaccinated to take their shot and register for a shot at VaxMillions.