Boston Covid rates and hospitalization increased dramatically last month, but trend is now downward, city says

The amount of Covid-19 viral particles in Boston sewers - an indicator of the virus's presence in the community - soared in July, when levels were 163% higher than in May, - still way lower than numbers around New Year's and especially two years ago - the Boston Public Health Commission said today.

SARS-CoV-2 wastewater levels are currently classified as “high” or “very high” in the neighborhoods of Roxbury, Mattapan, Allston/Brighton, Back Bay, and Roslindale/West Roxbury.

The good news is that July may represent a peak, because the numbers overall are "trending downward," the commission said: overall numbers from Boston sewers have dropped 15% over the past two weeks, the commission reports.

Covid-19 hospitalization also increased: 62% higher in July than in May, the commission said.

The commission regularly tests sewage at several points in the city - using the same basic technology as the MWRA does at Deer Island, where charts showed a similar July peak and downward trend for Boston and other MWRA communities - but still far lower on average than numbers reported around New Year's and especially around New Year's 2022.

The commission still recommends that everybody get a shot of the latest Covid-19 vaccine - along with an annual flu shot, and that people who think they've come down with a respiratory ailment stay home and away from others, or if they have to go outside, wear a mask, and keep doing so for at least five days after symptoms have improved and they've gone at least 24 hours without a fever. Masks are also a good idea for people at risk of severe illness.

Detailed reports on BWSC sewer Covid-19 monitoring.