As the state of Massachusetts patiently awaits what a re-opening plan looks like for the state, Boston officials have released the findings of the coronavirus antibody testing study.
The study was performed on 750 people who were not showing symptoms of coronavirus. The majority of participants are residents in neighborhoods like East Boston, Dorchester, and Roslindale. These sections of Boston have been hit the hardest by COVID-19.
The study found that of those 750 participants, 9.9% of them actually tested positive for coronavirus antibodies. Additionally, 2.6% of asymptomatic people tested positive. From these results, one in 38 residents could be spreading the virus unknowingly.
At this time, it is still unknown if someone who tested positive for coronavirus antibodies is immune to contracting the virus a second time.
“The steps that we’ve been taking collectively and individually to slow the spread have certainly been working. We should be happy and proud of the city of that. Thank you to our folks who are part of this. I’m grateful for everyone who is doing what they need to do to keep themself, their family, and their city safe,” Boston Mayor Marty Walsh told WBZ4 reporters.
While the rate is lower than what experts anticipated, the majority of Bostonians are still vulnerable to COVID-19. The city is still a ways away from reaching herd immunity.
Governor Charlie Baker will be releasing the four-phased reopening report on how the state will be relaxing restrictions this Monday. Additionally, the stay-at-home advisory and nonessential business closure orders are scheduled to expire.
