WORCESTER, Mass. — COVID-19 cases in Worcester are falling, after rising for 10 consecutive weeks.

"Even now, we are cautiously optimistic," Dr. Michael Hirsh said. 

What You Need To Know

  • Worcester has experienced two weeks of COVID-19 cases declining 

  • Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh encourages people to stay vigilant 

  • He says the next big step in fighting COVID is expanding vaccine eligibility to the younger age group 

  • Local health leaders are still fighting misinformation about the vaccine and virus online

Hirsh, Worcester's medical director, said it’s hard to pin down what is causing the decline, but its most likely a combination of elements.

"Natural burnout of the virus,” Hirsh said. “Whether this is a result of vaccine numbers going up. Mask mandates going into place."

While Hirsh is looking to the future, he said it’s not the time to let your guard down. The next big step in fighting COVID-19 is expanding vaccine eligibility to 5 to 11 year-olds, which he hopes comes at the end of the month.

"Our group between 12 to 16 are still only 40%," Hirsh explained. "I would hope there is enough vaccine interest in the younger age group because that is a big chunk of unvaccinated population."

However, Worcester health leaders, like many others around the country, are fighting misinformation about the virus and vaccine online. 

"It spreads in a viral way that is very hard for the people in the public health building to fight off," Hirsh said. 

So, he recommends vetting sources for accurate information and continuing to place trust in government health organizations.

"You have to go to the places where you know the truth is coming out," Hirsh said. "The problem is, there has been a lot of distrust spread about government, about the CDC, about the FDA. These are still organizations that should engender our trust."