May 21, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
The number of laboratory-confirmed coronavirus cases in Hingham -- as reported by the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health on Wednesday, May 20 -- reached 237, up from 223 reported on May 13 -- or 14 additional reported cases in the past week -- but overall, the weekly number of new cases is on the decline.
Although additional cases were reported yesterday, the number of new laboratory-confirmed cases (positive test results) reported each week has been decreasing over the past several weeks.
"Fortunately, we are seeing the numbers of new cases reported each week for Hingham start to decline, which corresponds with trends across the state. Governor Baker’s reopening plan tracks six key health metrics, including the COVID-19 positive test rate and the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals, that will determine if and when we move through the four phases," said Asst. Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur. "As certain sectors of the economy cautiously reopen in phase 1, we all have to continue to do our part to practice social distancing, wear face masks, and wash our hands so we don’t erase the progress we’ve made thus far."
On April 29 the number of cases was 148, up from 108 the previous week, or 40 more.
On May 6 the reported number of cases was 186, up from 148 reported April 29, or 38 more.
The number of coronavirus cases in Hingham reached 223 May 13, up from 186 reported on May 6, or 37 more.
The MDPH statistics include only laboratory-confirmed cases (tested positive), so the number of cases in Hingham is projected to be higher that that figure. That's doesn't change the fact, though, that the number of weekly confirmed cases in Hingham is on the decline.
Town officials continue to urge residents to wear cloth face masks at all times when unable to maintain a six-foot social distance in public places, both inside and outside, in conformance with Gov. Charlie Baker's recent order.
Even when social distancing is possible, it is strongly recommended to keep a face mask handy in the event of coming across another person or group of people while on a walk, bike ride, or in another setting, where social distancing may be difficult to maintain.
For COVID-19 updates visit hingham-ma.gov. Go to the following link on the Town of Hingham website's Health Department link for a one-page COVID-19 guidance and information sheet: https://www.hingham-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9556/Covid-19-Guidance. Residents can call the Health Department at (781) 741-1466 or email healthdirector@hingham-ma.gov with any questions or concerns.