New Year’s Eve in Boston was far from the chaotic and wild scenes of previous years, as the state has set a record for daily coronavirus cases. Many followed the warnings from state officials to celebrate with caution, while the state struggles with rising cases and a continuing response. Here’s a look at where the state is in its COVID-19 battle when we entered 2021.
Record cases, increased deaths
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 6,887 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, setting a record for a day in the state.
The previous record for a single day was December 3, although that day’s report included almost 700 overdue cases. There were 7,424 cases reported on December 26, but that included two days of cases, as the Department of Public Health did not report any on Christmas Day.
There have already been 359,445 confirmed cases in Massachusetts, with 81 deaths on Thursday bringing the number of victims to 12,157, according to health officials. Another 266 deaths are likely to be linked to COVID-19.
The percentage of positive coronavirus tests, on average, rose to 8.6%, according to the report.
The number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 increased to 2,271. Of that number, 417 were registered in intensive care units and 240 are intubated, according to the DPH.
An additional 81 deaths on Thursday brings the total number of deaths to 12,157, according to the Department of Public Health. Another 266 deaths are likely to be linked to COVID-19.
More high-risk communities
More than half of communities across the state are considered to be at greatest risk for coronavirus transmission.
Currently, 190 cities and towns in Massachusetts, including Boston, are in the red zone.
Continued launch of vaccines
Governor Charlie Baker said on Wednesday that about 78,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine were administered across the state on Tuesday, and about 20,000 people living and working in long-term care facilities should be vaccinated in one of the 50 vaccination clinics by the end of this week.
“Progress obviously in this regard shows that while it is irregular and rugged, what we said it would be, is moving forward and speaks well with what is to come in relation to 2021,” he said.