(Franklin County, MA) The recent COVID wastewater testing in Franklin County is showing a substantial increase in the presence of the virus, in line with seasonal patterns that are emerging. Due to the wastewater test results, increasing cluster events and positivity rates, the COVID-19 risk level has been raised to red in Greenfield, Montague, Deerfield, and Sunderland, the towns participating in the wastewater testing.
Red level high Covid-19 risk indicates a masking recommendation whereas it is only encouraged at the yellow risk level. Red level risk occurs when there are five or more cluster infections, greater than 10% of tests are positive, five or more hospitalizations, and an increase in cases and wastewater testing.