While the number of Covid-19 cases in Dartmouth is much lower than it was during the winter surge, the pandemic is far from over. This week, the town’s Board of Health reported 53 new cases of the virus — only two less than the previous week.

According to state data, Dartmouth had a 14-day average daily incidence rate of 20.2 per 100,000 people and a 2.78% positivity rate in the two weeks ending April 1.

Dartmouth is still classified “yellow” per the state’s guidelines — the same category the town has fallen into since Feb. 18.

To revert to green, Dartmouth must have a daily incidence rate fewer than 10 per 100,000 people.

The state also reports no new cases in Dartmouth’s public schools. Pre-K through first grade returned to the classrooms full time on March 22, while grades 2 through 5 return April 5.

Middle schools will be required to reopen full time on April 28.

Meanwhile, UMass Dartmouth reported 10 new cases this past week — 0.61% of the 1,644 tested.

At the Bristol County House of Correction, the state reports zero new cases among inmates and staff. As of April 1, 204 inmates and 193 staff have gotten their first vaccination doses at the Faunce Corner jail.

Vaccinations across the county are continuing to increase — with 27% of all residents getting a first dose and 16% getting their second jab.

Currently, everyone over the age of 60, along with essential workers in industries including grocery store and food service employees, transit workers, and court employees, is eligible for the vaccine. 

On April 5, those who are 55 or older or who have a “high-risk” medical condition will become eligible. On April 19, all adults over the age of 16 will be eligible for the vaccine.

Although not everyone is eligible to be vaccinated against Covid-19 yet, all Massachusetts residents can now sign up to be notified when they become eligible to schedule an appointment at a mass vaccination site.

The state’s preregistration system launched on March 12, and Dartmouth residents can preregister at https://vaccinesignup.mass.gov/. 

Anyone who cannot fill out the form online can ask a family member, companion or caregiver to fill it out, or call the state’s vaccination help line by dialing 211.

Vaccine supply and available appointments at the Southcoast Health VF Outlet site are dependent on the state and could vary from week to week.

Those interested in getting vaccinated at the VF Outlet can now sign up as slots are available either through their MyChart account or at www.southcoast.org/covid-19-vaccine-scheduling/, which does not require a MyChart account.

Residents who are older who do not have access to a computer, and who may need assistance accessing the clinic, should contact the Dartmouth Council on Aging at (508) 999-4717.

As of April 2, Massachusetts has an estimated 32,868 active Covid-19 cases, with 16,876 coronavirus-related deaths reported since the pandemic began.

There have been 600,632 total confirmed cases in the commonwealth thus far, representing more than 8.8% of the population.

So far, 1,335,709 people in Massachusetts have been fully vaccinated.