Health director ‘cautiously optimistic’ as case numbers fall
WESTFIELD- The Health Department reported 47 new COVID-19 cases this week to bring the pandemic total to 2,928 confirmed cases.
The Health Department also reported that 62 people were in isolation with COVID-19 as of April 14.
For the second week in a row, no deaths due to COVID-19 were reported in Westfield. Last week had been the first week with zero reported deaths since mid-February.
Health Director Joseph Rouse expressed cautious optimism with the new numbers, as they represent a significant drop in cases from the 68 that were reported the previous week. He said that Westfield’s numbers are similar to what is being reported across Massachusetts.
“It’s showing a nice trend of us going down as it has been throughout the state for the last week or so,” said Rouse, “That’s good, but as has been the case for over a year, we are waiting for another shoe to drop.”
Rouse said he has some concerns with April vacation for schools. He said that previous school breaks this year have been followed by a spike in cases associated with people who had travelled.
“The numbers go down based on people’s behaviors,” said Rouse, “Be careful, this isn’t over yet, it’s still real. Take all the precautions you can, and we will continue to reap the rewards.”
Rouse said that as of Wednesday, the plan is to open City Hall to the public on Tuesday, April 20.
