State health leaders say they’re cautiously optimistic that new cases of coronavirus appear to be declining.
The test positivity rate has plateaued. New cases have been dropping for two weeks. The number of deaths is still rising, but not as quickly as before.
Those are the reasons for optimism. The worry, holiday gatherings could turn it all around.
Sarah Lyon-Callo is a state epidemiologist.
“The challenge here is making sure that people are wearing masks, maintaining their social distancing, so that we don’t see a second surge.”
The state also shared information Wednesday on what it calls the “indirect impacts” of the virus, saying overall crime is down. But statewide, domestic violence, assault and murder have all increased in 2020.