BOSTON ~ This St. Patrick's Day, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is urging residents to be mindful of the risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses when celebrating. Despite Suffolk County being at a low COVID community risk level according to the CDC, gathering in large groups, particularly indoors, increases the risk of transmission.

"We are in a much better place than we were a year ago," said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. "But when you gather in large groups indoors there is always an increased risk of transmitting and acquiring respiratory infections, including COVID-19. My advice to everybody is to stay home if you are sick and get boosted if you have not done so yet."

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The latest data from Boston's wastewater surveillance program shows that new COVID-19 cases have decreased 10% over the past 7 days and by 34% over the past 14 days. New COVID-19 related hospitalizations have stabilized over the past week (1% increase) but have decreased by 34% over the past two weeks. The citywide average for RNA copies/mL has also decreased by 46% over the past 14 days with nine out of 11 neighborhoods surveyed below this average.

BPHC recommends that those at high risk for severe infection wear a mask indoors to increase their protection against respiratory viruses as well as testing for COVID-19 prior to gathering and staying home if they are sick or test positive. Free rapid test kits are available at BPHC standing sites listed on boston.gov/covid19. Vaccines and boosters are also free and widely available at these sites with a $75 gift card incentive for those who receive them before March 31st.

In conclusion, BPHC encourages residents to take precautions this St Patrick's Day weekend in order to reduce their risk of contracting or transmitting respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19.

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