Study reports Massachusetts COVID-19 cases to exceed 10,000 a day by December at current pace

A COVID-19 case study for Massachusetts showed some troubling results.

A study released by individuals from Northeastern University, Harvard University, Rutgers University, and Northwestern University states that the current trajectory of COVID-19 cases in the state is worrisome.

“After dropping to a low of 200 cases per day in early July, the pandemic has resurged with a vengeance. Rates of new daily cases roughly doubled between July 1 and October 1, then again from October 1 to November 1, then again − in just 10 days −from November 1 to 11, reaching well over 2000 cases a day. If the current growth rate persists, the case counts would exceed 10,000 per day by December.”

The report goes on to say that their findings reveal both good and bad news because the huge rise in cases is believed to be caused by human behavior.

“1 in 5 respondents continue to report that they are not very closely following guidelines regarding wearing masks.”

The study states that real behavioral changes need to take place to get infection rates under control.

“It is clear that indoor proximity between people, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, is a key enabler of the spread of the disease. Recent research published in Nature utilizes cell phone data to highlight the critical role that restaurants and gyms played in spreading the disease this past spring. Winter months will only accentuate how often we are near one another inside, and the holidays pose a particular risk for accelerating the spread.”