‘These aren’t just numbers. These are real people with families’: Boston surpasses 1,000 COVID-19 deaths

BOSTON — Boston has hit a grim milestone surpassing 1,000 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began in March.

The city reported 1,002 deaths as of Tuesday, according to the City of Boston’s COVID-19 website.

Bostonians agree everyone needs to stay vigilant to stop the spread of COVID-19 especially after hearing more than 1,000 people have now died from the virus in Boston.

RELATED: COVID-19 updates: New case numbers increase Monday while number of new deaths decline

“It’s horrible and I feel like with the positive vaccine news recently, it’s almost like a weird duality in my opinion this is the worst time but we do have that silver lining on the horizon,” said Jackie Vissat, who lives in Boston.

That silver lining is the COVID-19 vaccine, but it could still be months before most people get that shot.

“We still have to be very diligent in hand hygiene, social distancing and being thoughtful about being in areas that are going to make you susceptible,” said Bessie Szum, who lives in Boston. “And I think it’s due diligence, we’re almost there.”

Mayor Marty Walsh tweeted about the milestone on Tuesday afternoon.

This grim milestone is a painful reminder that we must all stay vigilant and continue to adhere to the safety measures that help stem the spread of this terrible virus.

I understand that people are tired, and we want to be with our friends and families at this time of year, but the virus doesn’t care. I’m asking everyone to recommit to wearing a mask in public, avoiding gatherings, washing your hands regularly, and getting tested periodically.

—  Mayor Marty Walsh via Twitter

There are currently 39,182 COVID-19 cases and 31,771 people have recovered in the City of Boston.

To put the numbers in perspective, Mass General Hospital has about 1,000 hospital beds - one for every person who has now died from the virus in the city of Boston.

“It’s terrible, it’s terrible,” said Travis Goode. “I guess I’m not surprised on some level that it’s gotten this bad.”

The city’s official case tracker can be viewed here.

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