State health officials confirmed another 6,887 cases of COVID-19 on New Year’s Eve, bringing the number of active cases across the state to 80,359.
The seven-day average of positive tests increased slightly to 8.60%, the data show. There are currently 2,271 people hospitalized with the virus or with symptoms similar to those of COVID, including 417 patients in intensive care. There are currently 240 patients on ventilators.
Authorities also announced another 81 COVID-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths since the pandemic began to 12,157.
There have been 359,445 confirmed cases of respiratory infection in Massachusetts since the pandemic began.
Governor Charlie Baker said on Wednesday that the first phase of vaccine distribution is underway across the state, as officials prepare to administer vaccines to first responders next week.
“We also placed our first order for the second dose of the vaccine,” said Baker. “They will be distributed to hospitals that received the first shipments of the vaccine in mid-December.”
The authorities expressed deep concern about a possible second post-holiday increase in COVID cases at the turn of the new year. Hospitals across the state are approaching capacity limits, with some receiving patients from neighboring hospitals that are already full.
“It is extremely important that everyone continues to be cautious and careful and especially cautious and careful when dealing with people who are not part of their immediate home, because that is actually a big part of our challenge,” said Baker.
The latest figures come just days after Baker’s new business restrictions and meeting limits took effect. Temporary restrictions will run for at least two weeks, officials said.
Total COVID cases per county:
Barnstable County: 5,396
Berkshire County: 2,907
Bristol County: 34,655
Dukes County: 483
Essex County: 58,429
Franklin County: 1,278
Hampden County: 26,282
Hampshire County: 3,832
Middlesex County: 75,615
Nantucket County: 748
Norfolk County: 27,296
Plymouth County: 24,296
Suffolk County: 54,556
Worcester County: 42,595
Unknown location: 1,077
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