Dartmouth is once again in the state’s “red zone” for Covid transmission, following the town’s largest increase in coronavirus cases since the spring.

In a statement published Oct. 30, the Board of Health revealed that there have been 52 new cases this past week— up from 29 the week before.

Just one day prior, the weekly state report showed the town has averaged 11.8 new Covid cases in the past two weeks per 100,000 people, placing the town back in the red after dropping to yellow the previous week.

At a recent flu shot clinic, Public Health Director Chris Michaud said he’s noticed residents have become more relaxed with remembering pandemic practices.

Coronavirus cases are surging globally this fall, with transmission rates overwhelming hospitals across the country.

In Massachusetts, younger people are helping fuel the virus’ spread, with the state reporting 38 as the average age of those infected in the last two weeks.

To best mitigate any further resurgence, Michaud urged residents to remember to keep their social distance from each other as much as possible and to avoid large indoor gatherings.

“The risk for transmission does not go away in your home if you have a gathering,” he said. “If you decide to have 40 people and they’re not keeping their distance or wearing masks, that’s a very risky event.” 

Most of all, Michaud stressed that if you feel sick, “stay home.” 

As of Oct. 30, Massachusetts has seen 153,229 coronavirus cases or more than 2% of the population, with 9,750 deaths reported. There have been 12,533 cases in Bristol County since the start of the pandemic.