Health

COVID-19 updates: Testing numbers decline as new cases drop, average positive-test rate climbs

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Live updates for Monday, November 30

Cases and deaths see big drops Monday as state reports large decline in new tests

Massachusetts saw a large decline in the number of new tests administered for COVID-19 Monday, as Mass. DPH reported that 29,195 new molecular tests were given out in the state. That decline is compared to 48,685 new tests administered Sunday and 72,269 new tests administered on Saturday.

In total, 8,400,584 tests have been given out in the commonwealth for COVID-19 since the outbreak began.

In addition to the decline in the number of new tests for COVID-19, DPH also reported Monday that there are 1,166 new cases of the virus in the state. That also represents a stark drop from the number of new cases reported in the state the last two days, both of which were more than double Monday’s new total. Since the outbreak began in Mass., there have been 218,329 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, including an estimated 43,856 active ones.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests did rise Monday, jumping to 3.93%.

Mass. DPH also reported that 25 more people in the state have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of people who have died in the commonwealth while having confirmed cases of the coronavirus to 10,512.

Sunday, November 29

Cases decline while deaths increase Sunday

The state’s Department of Public Health announced Sunday that 46 more people in the commonwealth have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19. That brings the total number of people in Mass. who have died while having confirmed cases of the coronavirus to 10,487.

Additionally, the state announced that there are 2,501 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mass. Since the beginning of the outbreak, there have been 217,163 confirmed cases of the virus in the state, including an estimated 43,709 active ones.

New molecular tests for COVID-19 declined Sunday, Mass. DPH said, with 48,685 new tests administered in the commonwealth. In total, there have been 8,371,390 molecular tests given out in the state since the outbreak began.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests rose to 3.8% Sunday.

Saturday, November 28

State announces 2,914 new COVID-19 cases, 40 additional deaths

Nearly 3,000 more people in the commonwealth have confirmed cases of the coronavirus Saturday as the state’s Department of Public Health announced that there are 2,914 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mass.

In total, there have been 214,662 confirmed cases of the virus in the state since the outbreak began, including an estimated 42,549 active ones.

Additionally, Mass. DPH announced Saturday that 40 more people in the state have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the death toll among people who had confirmed cases of the virus in Mass. to 10,441.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH reported that 72,269 new molecular tests were administered in the state for COVID-19. Since the beginning of the outbreak, there have been 8,332,705 molecular tests given out in Massachusetts for the coronavirus.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests rose to 3.57% on Saturday.

Friday, November 27

New COVID-19 cases, deaths reported Friday

Editor’s Note: Friday’s new COVID-19 numbers include reports received early afternoon Wednesday, Nov. 25 through 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27 and are reflective of a more than 40-hour period, different than the standard time period because COVID-19 numbers were not released on Thanksgiving Day, Mass. DPH said.

Massachusetts saw 4,464 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state on Friday, according to the daily dashboard issued by the state’s Department of Public Health. In total, there have been 211,748 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts since the outbreak began, including an estimated 41,852 active cases.

The state also reported Friday that 29 more people have died in Massachusetts while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of deaths among confirmed cases of the virus to 10,401. The state also reported two deaths among people with probable cases of the virus.

Also Friday, 986 patients with confirmed cases of the virus remained hospitalized. Of these patients, 209 were in the intensive care unit and 109 were intubated.

The average age of the people who died with COVID-19 was 81 as of Friday. The average age of cases that were hospitalized was 65 as of Friday.

DPH announced that 119,742 more molecular tests were administered in Massachusetts, pushing the total number of tests given out in Mass. to 8,250,436. The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 3.28%, up from 3.00% reported Wednesday.

Live updates for Wednesday, November 25

New COVID-19 cases, deaths and tests all increase Wednesday

Editor’s Note: Wednesday’s new COVID-19 numbers are reflective of a 30-hour period, different than the standard time period because a technological issue caused a disruption in the data download, Mass. DPH said.

Massachusetts saw 3,224 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state on Wednesday, according to the daily dashboard issued by the state’s Department of Public Health. In total, there have been 207,284 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts since the outbreak began, including an estimated 41,439 active ones.

The state also reported Wednesday that 53 more people in the commonwealth have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19. That brings the total number of fatalities in the state among people who had confirmed cases of the virus to 10,372. The average age of the people who died with COVID-19 was 81-years-old as of Wednesday, Nov. 25.

DPH announced that 129,833 more molecular tests were administered in Massachusetts, pushing the total number of tests given out in Mass. to 8,130,694. The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests fell slightly to 3.00% Wednesday.

Tuesday, November 24

New cases, tests rise in Mass.

The number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts grew to 2,225 on Tuesday, up from 1,785 on Monday, according to the Mass. Department of Public Health. Those new cases push the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth to 204,060 since the outbreak began. There are currently an estimated 40,449 active cases statewide.

Also, 20 new deaths were reported Tuesday among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19, up slightly from 18 deaths on Monday.

Also increasing on Tuesday were the number of new molecular tests administered in the state. DPH announced 80,819 new molecular tests given, up from 52,280 new molecular tests administered on Monday.

In total, there have been 8,000,861 molecular tests administered for COVID-19 in Massachusetts since the outbreak began. The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests saw a slight decrease to 3.02% on Tuesday.

Statewide, 10,319 people in Massachusetts have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the outbreak began.

Live updates for Monday, November 23

Number of new cases, tests decrease in Mass., as do new deaths

The number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the commonwealth dropped to 1,785 on Monday, according to the Mass. Department of Public Health’s latest daily dashboard. Those new cases push the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the commonwealth since the outbreak began to 201,835, including an estimated 40,202 active ones.

That decline in the number of new cases comes on the same day that Mass. DPH reported a decrease in the number of new molecular tests administered in the state. On Monday, DPH announced that 52,280 new molecular tests were reported in the commonwealth, a decline of 58,000 tests from Sunday’s updated dashboard.

In total, there have been 7,920,042 molecular tests administered for COVID-19 in Massachusetts since the outbreak began. The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests saw a slight increase Monday, moving to 3.06%.

DPH also reported a decrease in the number of new deaths among people who had confirmed cases of COVID-19, announcing that 18 more people in the state have died while having the coronavirus. Since the outbreak began, 10,299 people in Mass. have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Sunday, November 22

Testing, deaths increase, as total number of cases eclipse 200K Sunday

There have been more than 200,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts since the outbreak began, the state’s Department of Public Health announced Sunday. That report comes as the number of new COVID-19 cases in the commonwealth actually decreased Sunday to 2,721. In total, there have been 200,050 confirmed cases of the virus in the state, including an estimated 39,073 active ones.

The number of new COVID-19 tests in Massachusetts continued to increase Sunday as Thanksgiving Day creeps closer and closer. Mass. DPH announced that 110,280 new molecular tests have been administered in the commonwealth, pushing the total number of molecular tests reported in the state to 7,867,762.

The commonwealth’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests fell to 3.02% Sunday, a decrease of almost 0.2% from yesterday.

Additionally, Mass. DPH reported that 24 more people in the state have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19. Those new fatalities, which are five more than Saturday’s new deaths total, bring the number of people who have died while having confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Mass. to 10,281.

Saturday, November 21

Mass. sees rise in number of new COVID-19 cases, tests, decline in number of new deaths

The state saw an increase in the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases Saturday as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that 2,991 new people in the commonwealth have confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

In total, there have been 197,329 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state since the outbreak began, including an estimated 37,328 active ones.

The state also saw an increase in the number of new molecular tests administered for COVID-19 Saturday, with 109,239 new tests reported, nearly 38,000 more reported than Friday. In total, there have been 7,757,482 molecular tests administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests dipped to 3.21% Saturday, a slight decrease from Friday’s rate of 3.28%.

Additionally, Mass. DPH announced that 19 more people in the commonwealth have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Saturday, a decrease of 15 fatalities from yesterday’s new deaths total.

That brings the total number of people in the state who have died while having COVID-19 to 10,257.

Friday, November 20

More cases and deaths reported Friday

Massachusetts saw 34 new deaths of people with confirmed cases of coronavirus on Friday as the state continues to see more cases of the virus, the state Department of Public Health announced.

Statewide, an additional 2,288 new cases of the virus were reported on Friday, down from 2,532 cases reported Thursday.

Also Friday, 904 patients with confirmed cases of the virus remained hospitalized, down slightly from 917 patients on Thursday.

Of the patients hospitalized on Friday, 179 were in the intensive care unit and 75 were intubated.

The age group with the most total number of positive cases statewide as of Friday remained among people who are between 20-29 years old.

In total, there have been 194,338 total confirmed cases in the state, including an estimated 35,526 active cases.

The state also reported 71,269 new molecular tests administered, pushing the total number of molecular tests administered in Massachusetts to date to 7,648,243.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests was 3.28% on Friday, up from 3.17% on Thursday.

In total, 10,238 people have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.

Live updates for Thursday, November 19

New deaths and cases, uptick in hospitalizations Thursday

Hospitalizations for coronavirus cases in Massachusetts continued an upward trend on Thursday, according to the state Department of Public Health. Statewide, 917 patients with confirmed cases of the virus remained hospitalized, up from 885 on Wednesday, and up from 661 exactly one week ago.

Of the patients hospitalized on Thursday, 181 were in the intensive care unit and 75 were intubated.

On Thursday, DPH reported 27 more confirmed deaths from coronavirus, down from 47 deaths on Wednesday. The state also reported one death of a person with a probable case of the virus. Also, 2,532 new confirmed cases were reported on Thursday.

The age group with the most total number of positive cases statewide as of Thursday remained among people who are between 20-29 years old.

In total, there have been 192,050 total confirmed cases in the state, including an estimated 34,664 active cases.

The state also reported 92,139 new molecular tests administered, pushing the total number of molecular tests administered in Massachusetts to date to 7,576,974.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests was 3.17% on Thursday, down from 3.31% on Wednesday.

In total, 10,204 people have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.

Live updates for Thursday, November 19

NH officials issue statewide mask mandate as COVID-19 cases increase

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu issued on Thursday a statewide mask mandate as the cases of the novel coronavirus and hospitalization numbers continue to grow. A new record of 529 new cases were registered in the Granite State, the state’s highest total to date.

The mask mandate takes effect at 12:01 AM on Friday, November 20, 2020, and will remain in effect through January 15, 2021.

“With rising cases, substantial statewide community transmission, and an increase in hospitalizations – the data supports enacting a statewide mask mandate,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “Instituting this commonsense mask mandate today will allow us to keep our economy open and help ensure our health care system has the capacity and workforce it needs in the coming weeks. By wearing a mask, Granite Staters can keep our friends, family, neighbors, and critical workforce members and those they care for safe – without shutting down the economy.”

Starting on Friday, anyone over the age of five will be required to wear a face covering in public whenever they are unable to socially distance themselves from others. Public spaces include, but are not limited to, lobbies, waiting areas, outside plazas or patios, restaurants, retail businesses, streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, elevators, restrooms, stairways, parking garages, etc.

Live updates for Wednesday, November 18

New deaths more than double, uptick in new cases Wednesday

The number of new COVID-19 deaths from the virus more than doubled in one day in Massachusetts on Wednesday, according to the Department of Public Health. On Wednesday, DPH reported 47 more deaths from coronavirus, up from 20 reported deaths on Tuesday, and 2,744 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth.

The age group with the most total number of positive cases statewide as of Wednesday were people who are between 20-29 years old.

In total, there have been 189,518 total confirmed cases in the state, including an estimated 33,659 active cases.

The state also reported an increase in the number of new molecular tests administered in Massachusetts: 97,636 new molecular tests were reported, up from 65,468 the previous day. In total, there have been 7,484,835 molecular tests administered in Massachusetts since the outbreak began.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests rose to 3.31%, up from 3.25% on Tuesday.

Statewide, 885 people remained hospitalized with the virus as of Wednesday, up from 835 people hospitalized on Tuesday. Of the patients hospitalized on Wednesday, 173 were in the intensive care unit and 72 were intubated.

In total, 10,177 people have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.

Live updates for Tuesday, November 17

New cases, deaths, hospitalizations increase Tuesday

The number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths from the virus in Massachusetts increased on Tuesday, according to the Department of Public Health. On Tuesday, DPH reported 20 more deaths from coronavirus, up from 12 reported deaths on Monday, and 2,263 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth.

In total, there have been 186,774 total confirmed cases in the state, including an estimated 32,309 active cases.

The state also reported an increase in the number of new molecular tests administered in Massachusetts: 65,468 new molecular tests were reported, up from 53,265 the previous day. In total, there have been 7,387,199 molecular tests administered in Massachusetts since the outbreak began.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests rose to 3.25%, up from 3.17% on Monday.

Statewide, 835 people remained hospitalized with the virus as of Tuesday, up from 781 people hospitalized on Monday. Of the patients hospitalized on Tuesday, 159 were in the intensive care unit and 73 were intubated.

In total, 10,130 people have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.

Live updates for Monday, November 16

New cases, deaths, testing numbers all decrease Monday

For the second straight day, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts has dropped, according to the state’s latest COVID-19 dashboard. On Monday, DPH reported that there are 1,967 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the commonwealth.

In total, there have been 184,511 total confirmed cases in the state, including an estimated 31,768 active ones.

The state also saw a decrease in the number of new molecular tests administered in Massachusetts for the second consecutive day. DPH reported that 53,265 new molecular tests were administered in the state, a decrease of more than 18,000 from Sunday. In total, there have been 7,321,731 molecular tests administered in Massachusetts since the outbreak began.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests rose to 3.17% Monday.

Additionally, DPH announced Monday that 12 more people in the state have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, a decrease of more than 20 new fatalities from Sunday. In total, 10,110 people in the commonwealth have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Sunday, November 15

Mass. sees decrease in number of new COVID-19 cases, increase in number of new deaths

The number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Mass. fell to 2,076 on Sunday after two consecutive days of increases, according to the state’s daily COVID-19 dashboard. The number of new confirmed cases Sunday is more than 700 fewer cases than Saturday’s total of 2,841.

Since the beginning of the outbreak in Mass., there have been 182,544 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, including an estimated 30,374 active ones.

Mass. DPH also announced Sunday that 33 more people in the commonwealth have died while having confirmed cases of the virus, an increase from Saturday’s total of 27 new COVID-19-related fatalities.

That pushes the total number of fatalities in Mass. among people who had confirmed cases of COVID-19 to 10,098.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, Mass. DPH announced that 71,371 new molecular tests have been administered in the commonwealth, nearly 30,000 fewer tests administered than were announced Saturday.

In total, 7,268,466 molecular tests have been administered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since the outbreak began in the state.

Massachusetts' seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests saw a slight dip Sunday, moving from 3.07% Saturday to 3.06%.

Saturday, November 14

Number of new COVID-19 cases, deaths increase for second straight day

For the second day in a row, the number of new COVID-19 cases in the state and the number of people in Mass. who have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19 have both increased, according to the latest dashboard from the state’s Department of Public Health.

DPH reported that there are 2,841 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state as of Saturday. Since the beginning of the outbreak in Mass., there have been 180,468 total confirmed cases in the state, including an estimated 29,082 active cases currently.

Additionally, DPH announced that 27 more people in the state have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of people who have died in Mass. while having COVID-19 to 10,065.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH said that 111,066 new molecular tests have been administered in Mass. In total, there have been 7,197,095 molecular tests taken in the state since the beginning of the outbreak.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests dipped down to 3.07% on Saturday.

Friday, November 13

DPH: 2,674 new COVID-19 cases, 23 more deaths

Massachusetts' seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests for COVID-19 climbed to 3.12% on Friday, up from 2.9% Wednesday as positive cases for the virus increased statewide, the Department of Public Health reported.

The state reported 2,674 new COVID-19 cases, up from 2,482 new confirmed cases reported Thursday. Friday was the fourth consecutive day where the state has seen more than 2,000 new confirmed cases of the virus.

The state also reported that 23 more people in Massachusetts have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of people in the state who have died with confirmed cases of the virus to 10,038.

Since the outbreak began in Massachusetts, there have been 177,627 total confirmed cases in the state, including 27,431 estimated active cases, per DPH.

The average age of people who have died in the state with confirmed cases of COVID-19 remained at 80 years old on Friday.

Hospitalizations for the virus continue to rise. As of Thursday, 687 people with coronavirus remained hospitalized in Massachusetts, up from 661 the day prior; of these patients, 153 were in the intensive care unit and 71 were intubated.

The state reported 81,305 new molecular tests for COVID-19 on Friday. There have been 7,086,029 molecular tests administered since the outbreak began.

Live updates for Friday, November, 13

MA residents no longer exempt from Maine’s travel order

Maine officials announced on Friday Massachusetts residents will soon be required to once again either provide a negative COVID-19 test before traveling to the state or quarantining upon arrival.

Effective Nov. 16, Massachusetts residents will no longer be a part of Maine’s list of exemptions from their travel order, which currently only includes New Hampshire and Vermont.

This policy applies to Maine residents who travel to non-exempt states as well as non-exempt states' residents who travel to Maine. It also applies for day trips (e.g., a trip from Maine to Rhode Island for medical appointments or shopping).

Live updates for Thursday, November 12

Mass. surpasses 10,000 deaths from COVID-19, 2,482 new confirmed cases reported

Massachusetts surpassed 10,000 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday, and for the third consecutive day, the state has seen more than 2,000 new confirmed cases of the virus statewide, the DPH reported. In total, 2,482 new confirmed cases of the virus were reported Thursday.

Since the outbreak began in Massachusetts, there have been 174,953 total confirmed cases in the state, including 26,201 estimated active cases, per DPH.

The state also reported that 21 more people in Massachusetts have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of people in the state who have died with confirmed cases of the virus to 10,015. The average age of people who have died in the state with confirmed cases of COVID-19 remained at 80 years old Thursday.

Hospitalizations for the virus continue to rise. As of Thursday, 661 people with coronavirus remained hospitalized in Massachusetts; of these patients, 151 were in the intensive care unit and 68 were intubated.

In addition to an increase in the number of new positive cases and the number of new deaths, the state also saw an uptick in the number of new molecular tests for COVID-19 on Thursday. The state reported 98,075 new tests administered, up from 80,321 tests administered on Wednesday.

Also Thursday, the state surpassed 7 million molecular tests administered since the outbreak began. Statewide, 7,004,724 molecular tests were administered as of Thursday. Additionally, DPH reported that the seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 2.9% Wednesday, up from 2.88% on Wednesday.

Middlesex County, with 528 new cases, led the state with the most new cases reported Thursday, followed by Essex County with 447 new cases and Worcester County with 373 new cases as of Thursday.

Wednesday, November 11

Mass. sees spike in COVID-19 deaths, cases while testing numbers also increase

For the second consecutive day, Massachusetts has seen more than 2,000 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state as Mass. DPH reported Wednesday that there are 2,495 new cases of the virus in the commonwealth, a more than 400-case increase from Tuesday’s daily total.

Since the outbreak began in Massachusetts, there have been 172,471 total confirmed cases in the state, including 25,055 estimated active ones, per DPH.

The state also reported that 37 more people in Mass. have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of people in the state who have died while having confirmed cases of the virus to 9,994. The average age of people who have died in Mass. with confirmed cases of COVID-19 remained at 80 years old Wednesday.

DPH announced that, in addition to an increase in the number of new positive cases and the number of new deaths, the state also saw an uptick in the number of new molecular tests for COVID-19 on Wednesday. The state reported that 80,321 new tests were administered, nearly 22,000 more new tests than were announced yesterday.

In total, there have been 6,906,649 total molecular tests administered in the commonwealth since the outbreak began. Additionally, DPH reported that the seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 2.88% Wednesday, a 0.15% increase from Tuesday’s rate.

Tuesday, November 10

New COVID-19 cases, deaths increase again as state sees more than 2,000 confirmed cases

After two consecutive days with declining new COVID-19 cases and deaths, Mass. DPH reported Tuesday an increase in both daily categories. The state announced that there are 2,047 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, a near 900-case increase from yesterday’s daily total.

Since the outbreak began in Massachusetts, there have been 169,976 total confirmed cases in the commonwealth, with an estimated 23,702 active cases currently.

Additionally, Mass. DPH reported that 21 more people in the state have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of people in Mass. who have died while having confirmed cases of the virus to 9,957.

The average age of people who have died in Mass. with confirmed cases of COVID-19 remains at 80-years-old, however Mass. DPH says that that metric has not been updated since November 4.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH announced that there have been 58,341 new molecular tests reported Tuesday, pushing the total number of molecular tests administered in the commonwealth to 6,826,328. The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests jumped to 2.63% Tuesday as well.

Monday, November 9

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 rise, as new cases, deaths drop

While the state saw a drop in both new COVID-19 cases and deaths on Monday, the number of people hospitalized for the virus continued to rise, the state Department of Public Health reported. Statewide, 588 people were in the hospital with confirmed cases of the virus, up from 568 people on Sunday.

Of the patients hospitalized as of Monday, 143 people were in the intensive care unit and 66 were intubated.

On Monday, 13 new deaths were reported, along with 1,184 new confirmed cases of the virus. In addition, one person with a probable case of the virus also died. In total, there have been 167,929 confirmed cases in Massachusetts since the outbreak began in Massachusetts.

There are currently 22,815 estimated active cases in Mass.

Additionally, 9,936 people in the state have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The average age of people who have died while having confirmed cases of the virus in Massachusetts is 80 years old, as of Monday.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH reported that there have been 47,461 new molecular tests reported in Mass. There have been 6,767,987 molecular tests administered in the state since the beginning of the outbreak in Massachusetts.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 2.3% on Monday.

Live updates for Sunday, November 8

Number of new COVID-19 cases, deaths decline Sunday

After two consecutive days of new COVID-19 cases being over the 2,000-mark, Mass. DPH reported Sunday that there are 1,809 new cases of the virus in the state. In total, there have been 166,745 confirmed cases in Massachusetts since the outbreak began in the commonwealth.

There are currently 22,023 estimated active cases in Mass.

Additionally, DPH reported that 20 more people in the state have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, a decrease from Saturday’s total of 23 new deaths. In total, 9,923 people in the state have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The average age of people who have died while having confirmed cases of the virus in Massachusetts is 80 years old, as of Wednesday, Nov. 4.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH reported that there have been 80,572 new molecular tests reported in Mass. There have been 6,720,526 molecular tests administered in the state since the beginning of the outbreak in Massachusetts.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 2.27% Sunday.

Saturday, November 7

Mass. sees over 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 in state for second straight day

For the second consecutive day, Massachusetts has seen more than 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 as the state’s Department of Public Health announced Saturday that 2,200 more people in the commonwealth have confirmed cases of the virus.

In total, 164,936 people in Mass. have had confirmed cases of coronavirus since the outbreak began in the state. There are 20,720 estimated active cases in the commonwealth.

Mass. DPH also reported that 23 more people in the state have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the death toll in the state among people who had confirmed cases of the virus to 9,903.

The average age of people who have died from COVID-19 in Mass. is 80 years old, as of Wednesday, Nov. 4.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH announced that there have been 92,286 new molecular tests reported in the state. In total, 6,639,954 molecular tests have been administered in the commonwealth.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests rose to 2.27% Saturday, an increase from Friday’s 2.1%.

Friday, November 6

DPH reports 2,038 new COVID-19 cases, 21 new deaths

New cases of the novel coronavirus surpassed 2,000 on Friday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported. A total of 2,038 new cases were reported as the state has been seeing a steady increase in cases in recent days.

Also Friday, 21 new deaths from confirmed cases of the virus were reported, pushing the total number of fatalities from COVID-19 to 9,880.

In total, there have been 162,736 confirmed cases in the state since the outbreak began while there are currently 19,366 estimated active cases in Massachusetts.

The state announced 86,357 new molecular tests on Friday. In total, 6,547,668 total molecular tests have been administered in the state. The commonwealth’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 2.1%.

Statewide, 513 people remained hospitalized with confirmed cases of the virus as of Friday, up from 498 the previous day. Of these patients, 118 were in the intensive care unit and 57 were intubated.

Of the state’s COVID-19 fatalities, the average age of people who have died from the virus in Massachusetts is 80, as of Nov. 4.

Live updates for Thursday, November 5

DPH reports 1,761 new COVID-19 cases, 23 new deaths

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 1,761 new coronavirus cases on Thursday--a number of daily new cases not seen since May--along with 23 new deaths from confirmed cases of the virus. To date, the state has seen a total number of 9,859 fatalities from COVID-19.

In total, there have been 160,698 confirmed cases in the state since the outbreak began while there are currently 18,279 estimated active cases in Massachusetts.

The state announced 86,359 new molecular tests on Thursday. In total, 6,461,311 total molecular tests have been administered in the state. The commonwealth’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 1.9%.

Statewide, 498 people remained hospitalized with confirmed cases of the virus as of Thursday. Of these patients, 115 were in the intensive care unit and 56 were intubated.

Of the state’s COVID-19 fatalities, the average age of people who have died from the virus in Massachusetts is 80, as of Nov. 5.

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Note: DPH officials announced shortly after 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5 the new COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Report, which was expected to be published today, containing the town-by-town information, including the weekly listing of city and town risk levels, will be released on Friday, Nov. 6.

The daily COVID-19 Dashboard is still expected to be released by today at 5 p.m.

Live updates for Wednesday, November 4

DPH reports 1,629 new COVID-19 cases, 27 new deaths

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 1,629 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, along with 27 new deaths from confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of fatalities from COVID-19 in the state to 9,836.

In total, there have been 158,937 confirmed cases in the state since the outbreak began while there are currently 17,455 estimated active cases in Massachusetts.

Of the state’s COVID-19 fatalities, the average age of people who have died from the virus in Massachusetts is 80, as of Nov. 4.

The state saw nearly double the number of molecular tests administered on Wednesday--DPH announced 103,066 new molecular tests on Wednesday, up from 54,843 new molecular tests reported in the state on Tuesday.

In total, 6,374,952 total molecular tests have been administered in the state. The commonwealth’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 1.9%, up from 1.8% the day prior.

Statewide, hospitalizations from the virus are also up. As of Wednesday, 502 people with confirmed cases of coronavirus remained hospitalized, up from 485 people on Tuesday. Of these patients, 109 were in the intensive care unit.

Live updates for Tuesday, November 3

DPH reports 923 new COVID-19 cases, 12 new deaths

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 923 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, along with 12 new deaths from confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of fatalities from COVID-19 in the state to 9,809.

In total, there have been 157,308 confirmed cases in the state since the outbreak began while there are currently 16,681 estimated active cases in Massachusetts.

Of the state’s COVID-19 fatalities, the average age of people who have died from the virus in Massachusetts is 81, as of Nov. 3.

In an update to state’s testing numbers, DPH announced that there have been 54,843 new molecular tests reported in the state. In total, 6,271,886 total molecular tests have been administered in the state. The commonwealth’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests is currently at 1.8%.

Statewide, 485 people remained hospitalized with the virus as of Tuesday. Of these patients, 96 were in the intensive care unit and 51 remained intubated.

Live updates for Monday, November 2

DPH reports 725 new COVID-19 cases, 9 new deaths as state unveils new dashboard

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health unveiled a new COVID-19 daily dashboard on Monday in an attempt to, “continue to provide critical information for the public’s understanding of the current and cumulative impact of the pandemic in Massachusetts, [while] reflecting the metrics that are most useful to track on a daily basis.”

The biggest change in DPH’s daily dashboard is the creation of the “Cases Growth by Age Group” category, which, DPH says, “will help contextualize the impact of COVID-19 on different age ranges over time. The commonwealth is currently seeing a larger proportion of cases in younger people compared to earlier in the pandemic.”

View the new daily dashboard here

With the new dashboard in place, DPH reported Monday that there are 725 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, a stark drop in the daily report of the number of new cases, which had exceeded more than 1,000 for the last nine days. In total, there have been 156,385 confirmed cases in the state since the outbreak began while there are currently 16,561 estimated active cases in the commonwealth.

Of the total cases in Massachusetts between Oct. 17 and Oct. 30, the largest age group impacted has been 0-to-19-year-olds, which has 2,701 total cases in that time frame. 20-to-29-year-olds are the second largest age group impacted, with 2,566 cases of COVID-19 in that time frame.

Additionally, the state reported that nine more people in Mass. have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of fatalities from COVID-19 in the state to 9,797. Of those fatalities, the average age of people who have died from the virus in Massachusetts is 81, as of Oct. 28.

In an update to Massachusetts' testing numbers, DPH announced that there have been 51,419 new molecular tests reported in the state. In total, 6,217,043 total molecular tests have been administered in the state. The commonwealth’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests is currently at 1.78%, down .02% from Sunday.

Sunday, November 1

Number of new COVID-19 deaths increases as new case numbers see dip

The state’s Department of Public Health announced Sunday that 22 more people in Massachusetts have died while having positive cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of people who have died in the commonwealth from the virus to 9,788.

Additionally, the state reported that there are 1,139 new cases of COVID-19 in Mass., marking the ninth day in a row that the number of new virus cases in the state have eclipsed the 1,000-mark.

In total, there have been 155,660 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the commonwealth since the outbreak began.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH announced that 16,724 new individuals in Mass. have taken molecular tests for COVID-19. In total, 2,758,047 people in the commonwealth have taken a combined 6,165,624 molecular tests for the virus.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests dropped to 1.8% Sunday.

Additionally, the state reported that 153 new people in Mass. have been administered antibody tests for COVID-19, pushing the total number of people who have taken that type of test for the virus to 127,372.

Saturday, October 31

Number of new COVID-19 cases remains above 1,000-mark despite drop in testing

For the eight consecutive day in a row, the number of new COVID-19 cases in the state has eclipsed the 1,000-mark after the Mass. Department of Public Health announced 1,292 new cases of the virus in the commonwealth on Saturday.

Since the outbreak began in Massachusetts, there have been 154,521 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, DPH reported.

The state also announced that 16 more people in the commonwealth have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of people who have died in Mass. while having the virus to 9,766.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH reported that 18,122 new people in Mass. have been administered molecular tests for COVID-19, more than 2,000 fewer people than yesterday. In total, 2,741,323 people in the commonwealth have taken a combined 6,103,161 molecular tests.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 1.9% Saturday.

Additionally, Mass. DPH reported that 203 new individuals in the state have taken antibody tests for COVID-19, pushing the total number of people in Mass. who have been administered that type of test for the virus to 127,219.

Friday, October 30

DPH reports 23 deaths from COVID-19, new cases surpass 1,000-mark for 7 days in row

Massachusetts reported more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 for the seventh straight day after the state’s Department of Public Health announced Friday an additional 1,488 new cases of the coronavirus in the Commonwealth. Since the beginning of the outbreak in Mass., there have been 153,229 confirmed cases of the virus in the state.

The state also announced that 23 more people have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19. That pushes the total number of fatalities from the virus in Mass. to 9,750 people.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the state surpassed 6 million molecular tests administered, according to data released Friday. DPH reported that 20,248 more people in the Commonwealth have been administered molecular tests for COVID-19. In total, 2,723,201 people in Massachusetts have taken a combined 6,009,927 molecular tests for COVID-19.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 1.9%. The state had earlier reported that figure as 1.8%, but data released Friday showed the average as being 1.9% for four days in a row, from Oct. 26 through Oct. 29.

Statewide, 571 people remained hospitalized with the virus on Friday. Of these patients, 106 remained in the intensive care unit and 47 were intubated.

Live updates for Thursday, October 29

DPH reports 27 deaths from COVID-19, new cases surpass 1,000-mark for 6 days in row

Massachusetts reported more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 for the sixth straight day after the state’s Department of Public Health announced Thursday evening an additional 1,243 new cases of the coronavirus in the Commonwealth. Since the beginning of the outbreak in Mass., there have been 151,741 confirmed cases of the virus in the state.

The state also announced that 27 more people have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19. That pushes the total number of fatalities from the virus in Mass. to 9,727 people.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH reported that 18,333 more people in the Commonwealth have been administered molecular tests for COVID-19. In total, 2,702,953 people in Massachusetts have taken a combined 5,931,323 molecular tests for COVID-19.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 1.8%.

Three hospitals statewide reported using surge capacity.

Live updates for Wednesday, October 28

DPH reports 36 deaths from COVID-19, new cases surpass 1,000-mark for 5 days in row

Massachusetts reported more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 for the fifth straight day after the state’s Department of Public Health announced Wednesday afternoon an additional 1,137 new cases of the coronavirus in the Commonwealth. Since the beginning of the outbreak in Mass., there have been 150,498 confirmed cases of the virus in the state.

The state also announced that 36 more people have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, more than five times the 7 deaths reported Tuesday. That pushes the total number of fatalities from the virus in Mass. to 9,700 people.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH reported that 18,645 more people in the Commonwealth have been administered molecular tests for COVID-19. In total, 2,684,620 people in Massachusetts have taken a combined 5,865,571 molecular tests for COVID-19.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 1.8%.

Four hospitals statewide reported using surge capacity.

DPH also announced that 321 more people in Massachusetts have taken antibody tests for COVID-19, pushing the total number of people who have taken that type of test in the state for the coronavirus to 126,476.

Live updates for Tuesday, October 27

Number of new COVID-19-related deaths decreases as new cases again eclipse 1,000-mark

Massachusetts has more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 for the fourth straight day after the state’s Department of Public Health announced Tuesday afternoon an additional 1,025 new cases of the coronavirus in the commonwealth. Since the beginning of the outbreak in Mass., there have been 149,361 confirmed cases of the virus in the state.

Additionally, the state announced that seven more people have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the total number of fatalities from the virus in Mass. to 9,664 people.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH reported that 13,727 more people in the commonwealth have been administered molecular tests for COVID-19, a decrease of more than 6,300 people from yesterday’s tally. In total, 2,665,975 people in the commonwealth have taken a combined 5,781,231 molecular tests for COVID-19.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests has increased to 1.7%, a monthly high; however, DPH amended their report to show that the 1.7% rate has been the current average for the state since October 23, despite their previous reports.

DPH also announced that 182 more people in Massachusetts have taken antibody tests for COVID-19, pushing the total number of people who have taken that type of test in the state for the coronavirus to 126,155.

Monday, October 26

New case numbers continue to climb as testing, positivity rate increases in Mass.

For the third consecutive day, Massachusetts has seen more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, according to the Mass. Department of Public Health. The department announced Monday afternoon that there are now 1,216 new cases of the coronavirus in Mass., the highest amount of new daily cases in that three-day trend.

Since the outbreak began in Massachusetts, there have been 148,336 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the commonwealth.

That case increase comes on the same day that DPH reported 20,086 new individuals have been tested for COVID-19 via molecular test. In total, 2,652,248 people in the state have taken a combined 5,723,873 molecular tests for the virus.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests has increased to 1.6%, a monthly high; however, DPH amended their report to show that the 1.6% rate has been the current average for the state since October 22, despite their previous reports.

Additionally, DPH announced that 17 more people in the commonwealth have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the death toll from the virus in Massachusetts to 9,657 people.

Rounding out the state’s update to their testing numbers, 144 new people in Mass. have taken antibody tests for COVID-19, DPH reported. In total, 125,973 people in the commonwealth have taken that type of test for the coronavirus.

Sunday, October 25

Number of new COVID-19 cases remains above 1,000 for second straight day

A day after the state saw more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19, Mass. DPH reported that there are 1,097 additional confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the commonwealth as of Sunday. Since the outbreak began in Massachusetts, there have been 147,120 confirmed cases of the virus in the state.

DPH additionally reported Sunday that 24 more people in Mass. have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, three times the number of new fatalities that were reported on Saturday. In total, 9,640 people in the commonwealth have died while having confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH announced that 17,020 new individuals have been administered molecular tests for COVID-19 in Massachusetts. In total, 2,632,162 in the state have taken a combined 5,668,015 molecular tests.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 1.5% on Sunday.

Additionally, 190 new people in Mass. have taken antibody tests for COVID-19, the state announced. In total, 125,829 people in the commonwealth have taken that type of test.

Saturday, October 24

State announces 1,128 new COVID-19 cases, 8 additional fatalities

The state’s Department of Public Health announced on Saturday afternoon that Massachusetts has 1,128 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The high number of new cases comes after two consecutive days where the number of additional confirmed cases was in the 900s for Massachusetts. Since the outbreak began in the commonwealth, there have been 146,023 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Mass.

While the number of new cases increased, the number of new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 decreased to eight new fatalities Saturday, less than half of the 19 new deaths announced Friday. In total, 9,616 people in Mass. have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to Mass. DPH.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH announced that 19,168 new people have been administered molecular tests for COVID-19 in Mass. That means that, in total, 2,615,142 people in the state have taken a combined 5,585,169 molecular tests.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests pushed to 1.5% on Saturday, however, DPH amended their report to show that the average had reached that 1.5% mark on October 21, despite being initially reported as 1.4% by the state.

Additionally, DPH reported that 240 new people have been given antibody tests for COVID-19 in Mass. In total, 125,639 people in the state have been administered that type of test.

Friday, October 23

DPH reports 19 new COVID-19 deaths, 968 new confirmed cases

The state’s Department of Public Health announced on Friday that 19 more people in Massachusetts have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19. Those new fatalities, down from 30 deaths reported on Thursday, push the total number of people who have died while having COVID-19 in the state to 9,608.

Additionally, DPH reported that there are 968 new people in Mass. who have confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared to 986 a day ago. In total, there have been 144,895 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state since the outbreak began.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH said that 15,761 new individuals in the state have been given molecular tests for COVID-19. In total, 2,595,974 people in Mass. have taken a combined 5,515,148 molecular tests for the virus.

Two hospitals across the state reported using surge capacity; 570 people remained hospitalized in Massachusetts on Friday. Of these patients, 125 remained in the intensive care unit and 43 were intubated.

The state’s 7-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 1.4% on Friday.

Live updates for Thursday, October 22

DPH reports 30 new COVID-19 deaths, spike in new confirmed cases

The state’s Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that 30 more people in Massachusetts have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19. Those new fatalities push the total number of people who have died while having COVID-19 in the state to 9,589.

Additionally, DPH reported that there are 986 new people in Mass. who have confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared to 646 a day ago. In total, there have been 143,927 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state since the outbreak began.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH said that 17,966 new individuals in the state have been given molecular tests for COVID-19. In total, 2,580,213 people in Mass. have taken a combined 5,441,066 molecular tests for the virus.

Four hospitals across the state reported using surge capacity; 521 people remained hospitalized in Massachusetts on Thursday. Of these patients, 103 remained in the intensive care unit and 38 were intubated.

The state’s 7-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 1.4% on Thursday.

Additionally, 284 new individuals in Mass. were administered antibody tests for COVID-19, DPH announced. In total 125,118 people in the commonwealth have been administered that type of test.

Live updates for Wednesday, October 21

DPH reports number of new COVID-19 cases drops to 646 while new confirmed deaths spike to 22

The state’s Department of Public Health announced on Wednesday that 22 more people in Massachusetts have died while having confirmed cases of COVID-19. Those new fatalities, which are more than four times the number of new deaths reported Tuesday, push the total number of people who have died while having COVID-19 in the commonwealth to 9,559.

Additionally, DPH reported that there are 646 new people in Mass. who have confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared to 821 a day ago. In total, there have been 142,941 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the state since the outbreak began.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, DPH said that 12,722 new individuals in the state have been given molecular tests for COVID-19. In total, 2,562,247 people in Mass. have taken a combined 5,366,394 molecular tests for the virus.

The state’s 7-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 1.3% Wednesday.

Additionally, 123 new individuals in Mass. were administered antibody tests for COVID-19, DPH announced. In total 124,834 people in the commonwealth have been administered that type of test.


RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

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