State health officials confirmed another 4,178 cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the statewide active count to 79,406. This is based on 59,718 new molecular tests, according to the Department of Public Health.
The authorities also announced another 63 deaths related to COVID, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths from the virus to 12,464.
The seven-day average of positive tests is currently 8.57%.
There are now 2,428 Massachusetts residents hospitalized with COVID-19, including 425 intensive care patients, 264 of whom are currently intubated, the data show. The average age of patients hospitalized with COVID has increased in the last month and is now 73 years old.
The average age of those who tested positive for the virus in Massachusetts is currently 41 and the average age of deaths from COVID is 81.
About half of the people hospitalized for COVID are hospitalized in Suffolk County, Governor Charlie Baker said on Tuesday.
The latest totals were released when state officials revealed on Tuesday that some 70,000 health workers received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Officials said on Monday that Massachusetts residents over 75 and residents of all ages with two or more comorbid health conditions have risen in the vaccine priority and will be among the first groups to receive vaccines during Phase 2 – a change based on the new federal recommendations system stating that these groups are at high risk for serious complications from COVID-19 disease.
The state will begin vaccinating police and emergency personnel on January 11, officials said. Baker said early respondents could take the vaccine at one of 60 vaccination sites created by community health centers and other medical facilities for first responders, or at one of the new vaccine sites the state will create for the group, which includes 45,000 workers throughout the state.
The latest figures were also released at a time when Boston officials announced that they are extending restrictions to companies, gyms, museums and other cultural institutions for at least another three weeks, as cases of COVID and hospitalizations continue to rise.
Total COVID cases per county:
Barnstable County: 5,818
Berkshire County: 3,174
Bristol County: 36,957
Dukes County: 526
Essex County: 61,162
Franklin County: 1,338
Hampden County: 27,844
Hampshire County: 4,111
Middlesex County: 79,505
Nantucket County: 809
Norfolk County: 29,149
Plymouth County: 26,021
Suffolk County: 56,911
Worcester County: 45,139
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