Massachusetts coronavirus cases surge more than 5,000 for first time in 320 days
State health officials on Thursday reported a post-Thanksgiving surge of more than 5,000 new daily coronavirus cases, the highest daily count since last winter as COVID-19 hospitalizations keep climbing.
Infections have been spiking amid the more highly contagious delta variant, as more than 2 million people in Massachusetts are still not fully vaccinated and vax immunity is waning six months after the shots. More people are also gathering indoors, especially during Thanksgiving one week ago.
The daily count of 5,170 new virus cases was the highest daily case tally since Jan. 16’s tally of 5,657 infections — the last time the state had reported a count of more than 5,000 infections.
The daily average percent positivity has also been surging in recent weeks. The percent positivity is now 4.94%, almost tripling the rate of 1.67% a few weeks ago.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations have shot up. The total 989 patients — a daily increase of 32 patients — is a significant jump from the total of 502 patients a few weeks ago. The last time the state had about 1,000 patients was in mid-February.
State health officials reported 31 new COVID deaths, bringing the state’s total recorded death toll to 19,462. The daily average of deaths is now 13.3, compared to the record-low death count of 1.3 in mid-July.
There are now 206 patients in intensive care units, and 109 patients are currently intubated.
Of the 989 total patients, 370 patients are fully vaccinated — or about 37%. Those who are unvaccinated are at a much higher risk for a severe case.
Overall in the Bay State, more than 4.8 million people are fully vaccinated, and more than 5.7 million people have gotten at least one shot. The state reported that nearly 1.2 million people (1,169,799) people have received a booster dose.
Coronavirus cases continue to increase in Massachusetts schools as a total of 9,909 staff and students tested positive in the past two weeks.
The weekly report published on Thursdays by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education lists 8,513 students and 1,396 staff that tested positive for the coronavirus from Nov. 18 to Wednesday.
The count of 9,909 cases represents a dramatic increase from the last report, which tallied a total of 3,815 cases, however the most current report accounts for two weeks of data.
Alexi Cohan contributed to this report.
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3pnEabt
Post a Comment