COVID-19 Numbers Continue to Climb Statewide & Locally

COVID-19 Numbers Continue to Climb Statewide & Locally

According to a release for the Statehouse News Department, as of today, the state was tracking 22,023 active cases of COVID-19 after public health officials reported 4,009 new cases of the coronavirus over the weekend and 43 new confirmed deaths from the disease.

The Department of Public Health reported on Sunday that 568 people were in the hospital for confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 144 patients who were in intensive care units.

That was an increase of 55 patients hospitalized with the virus since Friday and 26 patients newly being treated in ICUs around the state. The state reported a combined 172,858 new molecular tests on Saturday and Sunday, which put the state's seven-day average positivity rate at 2.27 percent. When removing repeat higher education testing from the equation, the positivity rate over the past week was 3.92 percent.

This past weekend was the first since Gov. Charlie Baker put in place a new mandatory mask policy in public, and began imposing curfews on some businesses, forcing them to close by 9:30 p.m. so that people have time to return home and comply with the new statewide advisory that people remain in their homes from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m.

Locally, Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer recently commented on the uptick in Berkshire County. This past Friday, Tyer said over the last 14 days, 46 new positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Pittsfield. Today, health officials announced 16 new cases in Berkshire County, the largest single-day increase the county has seen. She said the concerning spike is mainly attributed to large private gatherings, including house parties and group dining at restaurants.
"This is highly concerning. Please pay close attention to the following information. We must all adhere to the safety protocols that helped our community during the height of the pandemic. Wear a mask. Mind your social distance. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently. Avoid indoor gatherings. Stay home if you feel ill, and follow all of the newly issued public health orders." 
Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer
Filed Under: Berkshire County, COVID-19: Coronavirus, Massachusetts, State Department of Public Health
Categories: Articles, Local News

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