Local COVID-19 updates

As of 4PM today, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is reporting 12 newly reported confirmed COVID-19 deaths (for a total of 8,213), 218 newly reported confirmed cases (for a total of 106,882), and 13,624 new patients tested by molecular tests (for a total of 1,033,883), with a total of 1,328,399 molecular tests administered to date. The ratio of newly confirmed cases to individuals tested by molecular test is 1.6%. The state also reported zero newly reported probable deaths (for a total of 218), 78 newly reported probable cases (for a total of 6,652), and 542 patients tested by antibody tests (for a total of 86,165). Combining the confirmed and probable numbers gives 12 new deaths (for a total of 8,431) and 296 new cases (for a total of 113,534).

Deaths down, which is always good; molecular test counts are also up, which may have something to do with recently opened test sites that are free for any resident. However, new cases are also up, and not just due to additional testing; the percent-positive rate also ticked up, and that's never good news. On the other hand, the number of hospitals using surge capacity dropped all the way down to one (from five yesterday).

The town of Acton has yet to post an update today. As of the most recent report at 12:30PM on July 16, the town reported 180 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Acton with 3 individuals in isolation, 156 recovered and 21 fatalities.