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COVID Levels, 2 Nov. 2026
Nov. 5th, 2026 08:23 amCoViD levels (All Souls/just before Cider Days): still going up (slightly), but still relatively low: c. 200 Bobcat-Robots.*
* as reported here.
* as reported here.
COVID Levels, 10/26/2026
Oct. 30th, 2026 10:08 amOkay. As of Wednesday, the Boston Changeringers are officially gonna use WastewaterSCAN to determine COVID levels. These guys are using the same data that the MA DPH was using for tracking before; so I can now say with fair confidence:
CoViD levels: Went up slightly, but are still QUITE low: c. 130 Bobcat-Robots.*
* To recap, that's my self-invented unit for "Copies of CoViD RNA per mL of wastewater in the Boston sewage system (now using combined data from the North AND South Systems), as reported here." (Figures from Oct. 26, 2026. The name was inspired by the Pirate-Ninja + a couple of XKCD references.)
And for context: the height of the Omicron surge (Jan. 2022) saw levels over 8,000 Bobcat-robots; Boston Change Ringers previously set our threshold for requiring masking in the tower at 800 Bobcat-Robots; and I have previously described levels of 200 Bobcat-Robots as "pretty low". Hence: Quite Low.
CoViD levels: Went up slightly, but are still QUITE low: c. 130 Bobcat-Robots.*
* To recap, that's my self-invented unit for "Copies of CoViD RNA per mL of wastewater in the Boston sewage system (now using combined data from the North AND South Systems), as reported here." (Figures from Oct. 26, 2026. The name was inspired by the Pirate-Ninja + a couple of XKCD references.)
And for context: the height of the Omicron surge (Jan. 2022) saw levels over 8,000 Bobcat-robots; Boston Change Ringers previously set our threshold for requiring masking in the tower at 800 Bobcat-Robots; and I have previously described levels of 200 Bobcat-Robots as "pretty low". Hence: Quite Low.
COVID Levels, 10/17/2026
Oct. 23rd, 2026 04:00 pmCOVID Cases:
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Oct. 11–17 was 699. That's about the same as last week, but still more than five times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 46 confirmed cases in Boston, 11 in Cambridge, and < unknown > in Somerville.
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: Haven't been updated!
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Oct. 11–17 was 699. That's about the same as last week, but still more than five times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 46 confirmed cases in Boston, 11 in Cambridge, and < unknown > in Somerville.
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: Haven't been updated!
COVID Levels, 10/12/2026
Oct. 16th, 2026 10:45 amCOVID Cases:
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Oct. 4–10 was 694. This is lower than the last time I checked (week ending Oct. 3), but still more than five times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 56 confirmed cases in Boston, 6 in Cambridge, and < unknown > in Somerville.
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: Around 185 V/PMMoV.** Verily.com is still describing this as "low" (and it is in fact down a bit from last week), but it's still more than twice the level we had back in August.
** As of 12 Oct. And that's "copies of SARS-COVID RNA per million copies of PMMoV (Pepper mild mottle virus) RNA in the wastewater", as reported here. The non-normalized figure is...still around 400 Bobcat-Robots?
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Oct. 4–10 was 694. This is lower than the last time I checked (week ending Oct. 3), but still more than five times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 56 confirmed cases in Boston, 6 in Cambridge, and < unknown > in Somerville.
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: Around 185 V/PMMoV.** Verily.com is still describing this as "low" (and it is in fact down a bit from last week), but it's still more than twice the level we had back in August.
** As of 12 Oct. And that's "copies of SARS-COVID RNA per million copies of PMMoV (Pepper mild mottle virus) RNA in the wastewater", as reported here. The non-normalized figure is...still around 400 Bobcat-Robots?
COVID Levels, 10/7/2026
Oct. 9th, 2026 02:37 pmCOVID Cases:
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Sept. 27–Oct. 3 was 851. This is slightly higher than the last time I checked (Sept. 13–19), and more than six times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 64 confirmed cases in Boston, 12 in Cambridge, and 9 in Somerville.
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: around...200 V/PMMoV?** Verily.com is still describing this as "low", but it's more than twice the level we had back in August.
The good news, for me personally, is that I got off my butt and got vaccinated. (See previous posts.)
** As of 7 Oct. That's my best guess on the moving average, anyway. And that's "copies of SARS-COVID RNA per million copies of PMMoV (Pepper mild mottle virus) RNA in the wastewater", as reported here. The non-normalized figure is...around 400 Bobcat-Robots? If so, it's just about time to mask up.
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Sept. 27–Oct. 3 was 851. This is slightly higher than the last time I checked (Sept. 13–19), and more than six times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 64 confirmed cases in Boston, 12 in Cambridge, and 9 in Somerville.
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: around...200 V/PMMoV?** Verily.com is still describing this as "low", but it's more than twice the level we had back in August.
The good news, for me personally, is that I got off my butt and got vaccinated. (See previous posts.)
** As of 7 Oct. That's my best guess on the moving average, anyway. And that's "copies of SARS-COVID RNA per million copies of PMMoV (Pepper mild mottle virus) RNA in the wastewater", as reported here. The non-normalized figure is...around 400 Bobcat-Robots? If so, it's just about time to mask up.
(no subject)
Oct. 2nd, 2026 12:18 pmI am apparently celebrating my fortymumbleth birthday by having really bad arthritis.
COVID Levels, 9/28/2026
Oct. 1st, 2026 12:46 pmCOVID Cases: They haven't yet updated with the number of cases in Massachusetts for last week...
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: about 128 V/PMMoV.* This is down from last week, though well above the level we had back in August. (Verily.com is describing the current level as "low", which I think is actually about accurate.)
I should get a multitest before this weekend. And figure out when I can afford to feel like heck for a day, so I can get my shots.
* As of 28 Sept. And that's "copies of SARS-COVID RNA per million copies of PMMoV (Pepper mild mottle virus) RNA in the wastewater", as reported here. The non-normalized figure is...around 340 Bobcat-Robots? which is actually up a bit from last week, wtf.
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: about 128 V/PMMoV.* This is down from last week, though well above the level we had back in August. (Verily.com is describing the current level as "low", which I think is actually about accurate.)
I should get a multitest before this weekend. And figure out when I can afford to feel like heck for a day, so I can get my shots.
* As of 28 Sept. And that's "copies of SARS-COVID RNA per million copies of PMMoV (Pepper mild mottle virus) RNA in the wastewater", as reported here. The non-normalized figure is...around 340 Bobcat-Robots? which is actually up a bit from last week, wtf.
COVID Levels, 9/21/2026
Sep. 24th, 2026 03:06 pmCOVID Cases:
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Sept. 13–19 was 791. This is nearly double the last time I checked (Aug. 30–Sept. 5), and more than six times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 78 confirmed cases in Boston, 10 in Cambridge, and 5 in Somerville.
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: about 170 V/PMMoV.** Verily.com is still describing this as "very low", but it's about twice the level we had back in August. (Probably still PRETTY low, though.)
I ... should test. (Actually, I should do that anyway, seein'ashow I spent most of Monday in airports.) And maybe go back to masking. (Groan)
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
** As of 21 Sept. And that's "copies of SARS-COVID RNA per million copies of PMMoV (Pepper mild mottle virus) RNA in the wastewater", as reported here. The non-normalized figure is...around 200 Bobcat-Robots?
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Sept. 13–19 was 791. This is nearly double the last time I checked (Aug. 30–Sept. 5), and more than six times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 78 confirmed cases in Boston, 10 in Cambridge, and 5 in Somerville.
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: about 170 V/PMMoV.** Verily.com is still describing this as "very low", but it's about twice the level we had back in August. (Probably still PRETTY low, though.)
I ... should test. (Actually, I should do that anyway, seein'ashow I spent most of Monday in airports.) And maybe go back to masking. (Groan)
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
** As of 21 Sept. And that's "copies of SARS-COVID RNA per million copies of PMMoV (Pepper mild mottle virus) RNA in the wastewater", as reported here. The non-normalized figure is...around 200 Bobcat-Robots?
(no subject)
Sep. 21st, 2026 04:05 pmAt YYJ on Vancouver Island. I have had a very fun weekend, but I am now really regretting setting up a return journey so late that it'll be early when I get back to Boston, and with a plan in place to be at work later tomorrow, on only as much sleep as I can snatch on the plane.
Maybe the free drinks will help.
Maybe the free drinks will help.
(no subject)
Sep. 17th, 2026 06:22 amI'm at Logan. I've been here for the last 90 minutes.
My flight has been delayed by half an hour. This in turn means that I'm gonna have roughly ten minutes to make my connection in Seattle. Fml.
(Have I explained why I'm even in the airport? I'm off to BellsCon 2026* in Victoria, BC.)
Ugh, right, also forgot my neck pillow.
* Okay, okay, the North American Guild of Change Ringers annual general meeting
My flight has been delayed by half an hour. This in turn means that I'm gonna have roughly ten minutes to make my connection in Seattle. Fml.
(Have I explained why I'm even in the airport? I'm off to BellsCon 2026* in Victoria, BC.)
Ugh, right, also forgot my neck pillow.
* Okay, okay, the North American Guild of Change Ringers annual general meeting
Covid Levels, 9/9/26
Sep. 11th, 2026 09:00 amCOVID Cases:
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Aug. 30–Sept. 5 was 406. This is pretty much the same as previous week, but more than three times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 25 confirmed cases in Boston, and 88 in Middlesex County: the latter is somewhat above the level from the previous week. (Still no cases in Cambridge or Somerville that they know of/admit to.)
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: about 100 V/PMMoV.** Verily.com is still describing this as "very low", but it's appreciably above last week's figure. (Probably still PRETTY low, though.)
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
** As of 9. Sept. See my Sept. 5 post for discussion of their method and data source.
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Aug. 30–Sept. 5 was 406. This is pretty much the same as previous week, but more than three times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 25 confirmed cases in Boston, and 88 in Middlesex County: the latter is somewhat above the level from the previous week. (Still no cases in Cambridge or Somerville that they know of/admit to.)
Wastewater Levels in Greater Boston: about 100 V/PMMoV.** Verily.com is still describing this as "very low", but it's appreciably above last week's figure. (Probably still PRETTY low, though.)
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
** As of 9. Sept. See my Sept. 5 post for discussion of their method and data source.
CoViD Levels
Sep. 4th, 2026 09:12 amCoViD Situation:
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Aug. 23–29 was 410. This is 31% higher than the previous week, and more than three times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 30 confirmed cases in Boston, and 71 in Middlesex County: the latter is considerably above the level from the previous week. (Still no cases in Cambridge or Somerville that they know of/admit to.)
Time to order more KN95s...
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
Meantime, one of the ringers allegedly knows a guy who knows a guy who's still working on Covid wastewater levels, so I should ask about that.
ETA: Hookay, found it! The ongoing CoViD wastewater data can be found can be found here!
Of course, they're using a completely different method of calculating CoViD levels in the population, so I'm going to have to go back and work out how CoViD:PMMoV ratios correlate to Bobcat-Robots. But the pattern they suggest is that CoViD levels are going up, but not at as dramatic a rate as reported Covid cases. In any event, for the moment I'm going to be slightly pessimistic and say that
CoViD Wastewater Levels (as of 31 Aug.): around 100 CoViD:PMMoV.
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Aug. 23–29 was 410. This is 31% higher than the previous week, and more than three times higher than levels July 5–11.
Over the same week, there were 30 confirmed cases in Boston, and 71 in Middlesex County: the latter is considerably above the level from the previous week. (Still no cases in Cambridge or Somerville that they know of/admit to.)
Time to order more KN95s...
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
Meantime, one of the ringers allegedly knows a guy who knows a guy who's still working on Covid wastewater levels, so I should ask about that.
ETA: Hookay, found it! The ongoing CoViD wastewater data can be found can be found here!
Of course, they're using a completely different method of calculating CoViD levels in the population, so I'm going to have to go back and work out how CoViD:PMMoV ratios correlate to Bobcat-Robots. But the pattern they suggest is that CoViD levels are going up, but not at as dramatic a rate as reported Covid cases. In any event, for the moment I'm going to be slightly pessimistic and say that
CoViD Wastewater Levels (as of 31 Aug.): around 100 CoViD:PMMoV.
CoViD Levels
Aug. 27th, 2026 03:44 pmCoViD Situation:
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Aug. 16–22 was 313. This is 7.5% higher than the previous week, and about 146% higher than that July 5–11.
Over the week of Aug. 16-22, there were 26 confirmed cases in Boston, and 50 in Middlesex County: around the same as the previous week. (No cases in Cambridge or Somerville that they know of/admit to.)
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Aug. 16–22 was 313. This is 7.5% higher than the previous week, and about 146% higher than that July 5–11.
Over the week of Aug. 16-22, there were 26 confirmed cases in Boston, and 50 in Middlesex County: around the same as the previous week. (No cases in Cambridge or Somerville that they know of/admit to.)
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
CoViD Levels
Aug. 21st, 2026 02:45 pmSo for anyone who hasn't been following: the MA DPH has terminated the Biobot testing program, so CoViD levels are going to be harder to track now.
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Aug. 9–15 was 287. This is about 125% higher than that from a month earlier (July 5–11). The good news is that at the former point,** CoViD levels were vanishingly low (around 37 Bobcat-Robots), so they're probably still very low: probably below 100 Bobcat-Robots.
Over the week of Aug. 9–15, there were 19 confirmed CoVid cases in Boston, and 5 in Cambridge; the total for Somerville is unclear, but probablyzero low.***
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
** which was around the last time when there stopped being good Biobot data.
*** ETA: The number listed for Somerville (and Newton) was "*", which I'm pretty sure means either "No clue, probably some?" or "F--- you, we're not telling (because of overblown concerns about patient confidentiality.)".
The number of cases in that week for "Middlesex County, but we're not going to tell you where!" was 46; so there may have been some in Newton/Somerville, seein' as how they're the county's third & fourth largest cities, respectively.
The number of cases in Massachusetts* for the week of Aug. 9–15 was 287. This is about 125% higher than that from a month earlier (July 5–11). The good news is that at the former point,** CoViD levels were vanishingly low (around 37 Bobcat-Robots), so they're probably still very low: probably below 100 Bobcat-Robots.
Over the week of Aug. 9–15, there were 19 confirmed CoVid cases in Boston, and 5 in Cambridge; the total for Somerville is unclear, but probably
* That's confirmed AND suspected cases, as reported here.
** which was around the last time when there stopped being good Biobot data.
*** ETA: The number listed for Somerville (and Newton) was "*", which I'm pretty sure means either "No clue, probably some?" or "F--- you, we're not telling (because of overblown concerns about patient confidentiality.)".
The number of cases in that week for "Middlesex County, but we're not going to tell you where!" was 46; so there may have been some in Newton/Somerville, seein' as how they're the county's third & fourth largest cities, respectively.
(no subject)
Aug. 20th, 2026 08:19 amThere's a Bourne Surprise Minor, but no Sagamore or Identity?!?
