The surge of coronavirus cases continued this week in Gloucester and Mathews, with Gloucester recording 48 new cases, for a total of 313, while Mathews added 30, bringing the total to 122.

Since the pandemic began, 15 Gloucester residents and eight Mathews residents have had to be hospitalized for the illness, while three Gloucester residents have died. There have been no deaths from the virus recorded in Mathews.

Cases continued to rise in Middlesex County, as well, with seven added over the past week, for a total of 135, while 11 people have died and eight have been hospitalized.

Dr. Richard Williams, director of the Three Rivers Health District, said in his weekly report that the main source of transmission in the community continues to be from people being exposed during private events that are not regulated by the state.

“Across our country, people are getting tired of maintaining the discipline required to avoid COVID-19 infection,” said Williams. “Many are gathering...