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Projections updated yesterday (Thursday, Oct. 22) show the current rising level of COVID-19 infections in Massachusetts will continue through the holiday season and into the new year.
The daily rates of infections and deaths will continue to rise to rates not seen in the Commonwealth since May and June, respectively, according to projections from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.
The rate of infection reached its lowest points since the spring surge on Aug. 21, when IHME estimates 971 Bay Staters were infected. That estimate is currently at 1,638.48.
Current projections show the rate continuing to rise but not peaking until Dec. 22, when nearly 4,000 people a day will be infected.
Deaths, which lag infection, will reach their peak on Jan. 11, when it estimates 49 people a day will pass away. That is more than triple the current death rate.
What else is happening in and around Worcester? Click here or keep scrolling ⤵️
In The News
>WEATHER: Mark Rosenthal's 7-day forecast (1:03). High of 58 today in Worcester
-Foliage forecast: Peak colors in southern New England (:27)
>TOP OF THE NEWS
+Noon: Worcester school closed amid neighborhood power outage
+Noon: Bill Russell's daughter had never met Bob Cousy. Until now
+Noon: It's Friday! Check Dining Out and Bars & Bands before making plans
+Noon: New shows & movies to watch this weekend
+Noon: New movies on streaming: "The Long Walk," "The Roses" and more
+Noon: Patients at UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center have special visitor
+Noon: Worcester pianist Andrew Armstrong brings back "A Little Night Music"
+Noon: Suzanne Graham Anderson new guest columnist for Worcester Magazine
-Video shows masked man believed to be behind series of Tatnuck Square home break-ins
-32 years after discovery of Holly Piirainen's remains, prosecutors request help from public
-Potential S.N.A.P. cuts: What Worcester residents need to know
-Winter heating assistance at risk for some Worcester area families
-Doherty High student struck by vehicle driven by school employee
-Worcester among school districts affected by M.C.A.S. A.I. grading glitch
-Worcester schools report steady progress on strategic plan
-Worcester business gets $1.5 million to create jobs
-Tobacco and tattoo regulations delayed in Worcester. Here's why
-New electricity supply rate options for Worcester residents in this program
-Worcester man in country illegally admits to helping ring smuggle families across border
-Radio Worcester's The Rundown (24:32): Polar Park shortfall and Heather Prunier story
-Dogs found in Worcester on Shrewsbury Street, Orne Street and St. Nicholas Ave.
>POLITICS: In-person early voting begins Saturday at Worcester Public Library
-Meet the candidates: Candy Mero-Carlson on growth and neighborhoods
-Former superintendent Maureen Binienda seeks second term on School Committee
-City Council hopeful Tony Economou looks to reclaim District 1 seat
>DINING OUT: Broadway or the highway
-ICYMI: Lawyer demands city of Worcester turn over records in sex crime investigation
-Aaron Pennington still wanted 2 years after allegedly killing wife in Gardner (2:05). Article
-Report: Another deficit projected for Polar Park fund this year
-Most serious charge dropped against motorist who struck girl, 13, on Shrewsbury Street
-Empty lot now fills Main Street block where commercial building burned
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
>HOLDEN (brought to you by Lamoureux Ford): Jazzed Up Duo Saturday at Val's
-America's newest game show, filmed at Lamoureux Ford (1:40)
-National Grid service day helps out at Camp Kinneywood
>THE BURBS (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Sterling restarts fire chief search after complaint
-Drugs Take Back Day Saturday in Shrewsbury, Rutland and Leicester
-11 Woolies to be honored at Hall of Fame ceremony next month
-Chamber honors Abdella, looks to coming year
-Recycling drive in Shrewsbury Saturday
-West Boylston church project brings color, comfort to young patients
-Clinton progressing on several fronts
-Auburn car seat installation and safety check November 1st
>BARS & BANDS: The Mayor's Live Music List for Friday
>SHOWTIME: Things to Do: "Phantom," RioFlow, Rasa String Quartet and more ...
-Radio Worcester (13:01): Disney on Ice skater Cassandra Ablack brings Moana’s world to life in Worcester
-100 FM The Pike (10:30): WWE legend Braun Strowman on his new show, "Everything On The Menu"
-Best selling authors to speak at Worcester Public Library fundraiser
-"Without An Evil Eye" in focus as production from Israel has premiere in Westborough
>OBITUARIES: Tribute to Worcester native who was a veteran of Vietnam and Gulf wars
>SPORTS: TreVeyon Henderson remains "understanding" amid limited Patriots role
-3 former Celtics charged in sprawling sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes (2:04). Article
-Related: Law professor explains legal issues in sportsbook fraud case (3:48)
-Related: These are the NBA games illegally targeted by gamblers: F.B.I.
-Related: What punishment Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups could face in NBA scandal
-Bruins lose to Ducks, 7-5
-Holy Cross women's hockey team to face Post this weekend
-Holy Cross men’s hockey continues Atlantic Hockey play at Army
-'Sader Stories: Men's soccer senior reflections
-Predicting the winner of every Week 8 High School football game in Central Mass.
>NATIONAL: A timeline of the jewel heist at the Louvre in Paris
-Here’s who doesn't get paid during a federal government shutdown
-Tragic: Newlyweds found dead days before celebrating their first anniversary
>NEW ENGLAND: Group of hunters find remains of 2 people in Mass. woods
-Deadly assisted living home fire prompts call for statewide changes (1:04)
>COLLEGES: Crusader of the Week
-Q.C.C. hires director for new entrepreneurship center
>TRAVEL (brought to you by Fuller RV & Rental): 6 of Mexico's most charming "magic towns"
-5 famous airports you can’t fly through anymore
>BUSINESS: 11 Central Mass. manufacturers granted $1.8 million to increase output
-LPL Financial Research: Cockroaches, canaries and credit markets
-Target to layoff 1,000 and cut hundreds of open roles ahead of new C.E.O. starting job
>SHOPPING: Top holiday toys of 2025, tested and approved by kids
>HOMES: Is the housing market about to boom? (3:53)
>HEALTH: Global life expectancy is back to pre-pandemic levels, but deaths among teens and young adults are rising
>FOOD: What to know about protein, fiber and healthy foods (3:40)
>TV/STREAMING: Which 2 recruits quit "Special Forces" Season 4?
-Hilaria Baldwin says she was "bullied off" of "Dancing with the Stars"
>MOVIES: Fall movies to watch this year — 5 autumnal movies set in New England
>CELEBRITY: "9-1-1: Nashville" actor Isabelle Tate dies at 23
-Emma Stone reveals "beautiful" stage name she briefly used as a teenager
>ANIMALS: Massive stingray captured on video off the coast of Rhode Island (2:20)
-Spooky season brings spidey season. What is the most dangerous spider in Mass.?
>GOOD NEWS: Man digs up 2.71-carat gem at Crater of Diamonds in Arkansas
-Meanwhile, in Florida, large boa constrictor found "camped out" on car hood
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