Local COVID-19 updates
May. 6th, 2022 05:32 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
edschweppeAs of 5PM today, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is reporting 17 newly reported confirmed deaths (4 more than yesterday - up 30.8%) for a total of 19,198 deaths, 3,836 newly reported confirmed cases (540 less than yesterday - down 12.3%) for a total of 1,638,144 cases, and 73,464 newly reported molecular tests (12,458 more than yesterday - up 20.4%).The seven day average positivity rate is 6.63%, compared to 6.17% yesterday. The state also reported 1 newly reported probable death (1 more than yesterday) for a total of 1,136 and 682 newly reported probable cases (48 more than yesterday - up 7.6%) for a total of 141,685. Combining the confirmed and probable numbers gives 18 new deaths for a total of 20,334 and 4,518 new cases for a total of 1,779,829. There were 567 COVID-19 patients in hospital (20 more than yesterday - up 3.7%), 47 COVID-19 patients in ICUs (2 more than yesterday - up 4.4%) and 22 COVID-19 patients on ventilators (intubated) (4 more than yesterday - up 22.2%).
Of the four overview trends (formerly the Page 2 "key metrics"), the 7-day average of newly confirmed cases is 2,324.0 (126 more than yesterday - up 5.7%), 3,531% above the lowest observed value of 64.0 on 6/25/2021 and 90.0% below the highest observed value of 23,206.0 on 1/8/2022. The 7-day weighted average of positive molecular test rate is 6.63% (0 more than yesterday - up 7.5%), 2,055% above the lowest observed value of 0.3% on 6/25/2021 and 76% below the highest observed value of 27.7% on 4/15/2020. The 7-day average number of COVID-19 patients in hospital is 510.0 (15 more than yesterday - up 3.0%), 507% above the lowest observed value of 84.0 on 7/8/2021 and 87% below the highest observed value of 3,874.0 on 4/27/2020. The 7-day average number of COVID-19 deaths is 6.0 (1 more than yesterday - up 20.0%), 500% above the lowest observed value of 1.0 on 7/11/2021 and 97% below the highest observed value of 176.0 on 4/24/2020.
Statewide, hospitals reported 8,923 non-ICU beds, of which 7,735 (86.7%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 520 (5.8%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 668 (7.5%) remained available. Hospitals also reported 1,258 ICU beds, of which 956 (76.0%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 47 (3.7%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 255 (20.3%) remained available. By comparison, hospitals reported yesterday a total of 8,914 non-ICU beds, of which 7,760 (87.1%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 502 (6%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 652 (7.3%) remained available. Hospitals also reported yesterday a total of 1,252 ICU beds, of which 962 (76.8%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 45 (3.6%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 245 (19.6%) remained available.
One week ago, the 7 day confirmed case average was 1,960.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 5.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 414.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 5.37%.
Two weeks ago, the 7 day confirmed case average was 1,431.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 4.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 355.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 4.56%.
One year ago, the 7 day confirmed case average was 653.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 8.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 526.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 1.37% (or 2.40% excluding higher education).
The daily raw data file used to create this report is available here.
As of May 5, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, of 3219 counties nationwide, 1085 counties (33.71% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of High, 629 counties (19.54% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial, 1076 counties (33.43% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate, and 429 counties (13.33% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Low. The CDC also reported that all 14 counties in Massachusetts have a Community Tranmission Level of High.
Barnstable County has 254.470 cases per 100k, 7.91 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Berkshire County has 500.220 cases per 100k, 6.92 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Bristol County has 179.580 cases per 100k, 5.39 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Dukes County has 126.930 cases per 100k, 5.26 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Essex County has 225.340 cases per 100k, 6.88 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Franklin County has 218.010 cases per 100k, 5.26 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampden County has 266.530 cases per 100k, 7.23 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampshire County has 363.120 cases per 100k, 2.98 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Middlesex County has 305.330 cases per 100k, 5.72 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Nantucket County has 166.680 cases per 100k, 8.33 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Norfolk County has 254.250 cases per 100k, 6.39 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Plymouth County has 167.880 cases per 100k, 5.41 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Suffolk County has 368.820 cases per 100k, 5.2 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Worcester County has 237.530 cases per 100k, 4.98 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
The underlying query for this data is available here.
As of May 5, 2022, the CDC reported COVID Community Levels for 3224 counties nationwide: 79 counties (2.45%) with High community level, 318 counties (9.86%) with Medium community level, and 2827 counties (87.69%) with Low community level. The CDC also reported the following COVID Community Levels for the 14 counties in Massachusetts: 7 counties with High community level (Barnstable, Berkshire, Franklin, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Worcester), 6 counties with Medium community level (Dukes, Essex, Hampden, Hampshire, Nantucket, Plymouth), and 1 counties with Low community level (Bristol).
Barnstable County (population 212990) has 254.47 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Berkshire County (population 124944) has 500.22 cases per 100k, 15.5 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.6 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Bristol County (population 565217) has 179.58 cases per 100k, 6.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Low.
Dukes County (population 17332) has 126.93 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Essex County (population 789034) has 225.34 cases per 100k, 6.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.1 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Franklin County (population 70180) has 218.01 cases per 100k, 12.3 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Hampden County (population 466372) has 266.53 cases per 100k, 5.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.7 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Hampshire County (population 160830) has 363.12 cases per 100k, 5.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.7 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Middlesex County (population 1611699) has 305.33 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Nantucket County (population 11399) has 166.68 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Norfolk County (population 706775) has 254.25 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Plymouth County (population 521202) has 167.88 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Suffolk County (population 803907) has 368.82 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Worcester County (population 830622) has 237.53 cases per 100k, 12.3 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
The underlying query for this data is available here.
Day-to-day deaths way up, cases down a bit (but still way too damn high, and the worst Friday report since February 4), and hospitalizations up again. All four seven-day averages are also up, with percent-positive up to 6.63%.
When I posted yesterday's report, I noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hadn't yet updated their COVID Data Tracker to show the latest Community Level results. They did get that update out later last night, and this afternoon the Boston Globe (at least) finally noticed:
Seven Massachusetts counties now have "high" community levels of COVID-19 and people in those areas should wear masks in indoor public spaces, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
The counties are Berkshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Barnstable, according to the CDC's website, which rates virus levels in US counties as "a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take."
Hampshire, Hampden, Essex, Plymouth, Dukes, and Nantucket counties are ranked as having "medium" levels. The only county still at "low" levels is Bristol.
The CDC determines community COVID-19 levels by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area, according to the CDC website.
[ ... ]
The Boston Public Health Commission noted Friday in a tweet that Suffolk County, which includes Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, had moved into the "high" category and said, "We strongly recommend all residents wear masks in public indoor spaces, including public transportation, test for COVID-19, and stay up to date on vaccinations."
It also recommended getting tested before Mother's Day gatherings on Sunday.
Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, executive director of the commission, said in a telephone interview, "We're being vigilant. We're watching the data. And we're encouraging all Bostonians to take extra precautions to protect themselves, their families, and our community."
She said that city officials, noting rising COVID-19 metrics, had been asking people for weeks to wear masks in public indoor spaces and to take other protective steps. "We don't plan to recommend the city reinstate masking requirements at this time," she said.
A spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services said in a statement that the state "will continue to work with the healthcare community and the federal government to monitor all of the latest developments."
The statement also trumpeted Massachusetts' performance as "a national leader in vaccination rates," saying, it "has helped keep Massachusetts' positivity and hospitalization rates among the lowest in the nation currently. The people of Massachusetts have ready access to vaccines, rapid tests, and therapeutics – all the resources needed to stay safe from severe illness."
The Department of Public Health advises people to get vaccinated and boosted, to get tested, and, if they test positive, talk to their doctor right away about COVID-19 treatment options that are available for individuals who have mild to moderate symptoms.
Jonathan Levy, who chairs the department of environmental health at Boston University's School of Public Health, said in a telephone interview, "We should be concerned. We've seen growing case rates for a while, and a study just showed that the actual cases might be 3 1/2 times higher than what we're measuring because of the number of at-home tests."
"There's a lot of infection out there," he said, and it "certainly is starting to put more people in the hospital."
He said communities with high COVID-19 levels should "look at mask requirements carefully."
"I do think it's important to recognize that we need on-ramps and off-ramps," he said. "We need clear indications of when to take masks off and also when to put them back on, and the CDC community levels are telling us it's time to put them back on right now."
Alas, the state still doesn't actually plan to, you know, do anything just yet. I could have sworn the whole point behind the CDC Community Level was to predict hospitals being overwhelmed far enough in advance for governments to take action proactively. Perhaps I was mistaken.
The town of Acton's current Google Data Studio dashboard is showing 49 active and 3,142 cumulative cases as of May 5. In the most recent "newsflash style update" at 7PM on December 21, 2021, the town reported 1538 cumulative cases with 89 individuals in isolation, 1417 recovered and 32 fatalities.
Of the four overview trends (formerly the Page 2 "key metrics"), the 7-day average of newly confirmed cases is 2,324.0 (126 more than yesterday - up 5.7%), 3,531% above the lowest observed value of 64.0 on 6/25/2021 and 90.0% below the highest observed value of 23,206.0 on 1/8/2022. The 7-day weighted average of positive molecular test rate is 6.63% (0 more than yesterday - up 7.5%), 2,055% above the lowest observed value of 0.3% on 6/25/2021 and 76% below the highest observed value of 27.7% on 4/15/2020. The 7-day average number of COVID-19 patients in hospital is 510.0 (15 more than yesterday - up 3.0%), 507% above the lowest observed value of 84.0 on 7/8/2021 and 87% below the highest observed value of 3,874.0 on 4/27/2020. The 7-day average number of COVID-19 deaths is 6.0 (1 more than yesterday - up 20.0%), 500% above the lowest observed value of 1.0 on 7/11/2021 and 97% below the highest observed value of 176.0 on 4/24/2020.
Statewide, hospitals reported 8,923 non-ICU beds, of which 7,735 (86.7%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 520 (5.8%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 668 (7.5%) remained available. Hospitals also reported 1,258 ICU beds, of which 956 (76.0%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 47 (3.7%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 255 (20.3%) remained available. By comparison, hospitals reported yesterday a total of 8,914 non-ICU beds, of which 7,760 (87.1%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 502 (6%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 652 (7.3%) remained available. Hospitals also reported yesterday a total of 1,252 ICU beds, of which 962 (76.8%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 45 (3.6%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 245 (19.6%) remained available.
One week ago, the 7 day confirmed case average was 1,960.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 5.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 414.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 5.37%.
Two weeks ago, the 7 day confirmed case average was 1,431.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 4.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 355.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 4.56%.
One year ago, the 7 day confirmed case average was 653.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 8.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 526.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 1.37% (or 2.40% excluding higher education).
The daily raw data file used to create this report is available here.
As of May 5, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, of 3219 counties nationwide, 1085 counties (33.71% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of High, 629 counties (19.54% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial, 1076 counties (33.43% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate, and 429 counties (13.33% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Low. The CDC also reported that all 14 counties in Massachusetts have a Community Tranmission Level of High.
Barnstable County has 254.470 cases per 100k, 7.91 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Berkshire County has 500.220 cases per 100k, 6.92 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Bristol County has 179.580 cases per 100k, 5.39 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Dukes County has 126.930 cases per 100k, 5.26 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Essex County has 225.340 cases per 100k, 6.88 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Franklin County has 218.010 cases per 100k, 5.26 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampden County has 266.530 cases per 100k, 7.23 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampshire County has 363.120 cases per 100k, 2.98 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Middlesex County has 305.330 cases per 100k, 5.72 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Nantucket County has 166.680 cases per 100k, 8.33 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Norfolk County has 254.250 cases per 100k, 6.39 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Plymouth County has 167.880 cases per 100k, 5.41 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Suffolk County has 368.820 cases per 100k, 5.2 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Worcester County has 237.530 cases per 100k, 4.98 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
The underlying query for this data is available here.
As of May 5, 2022, the CDC reported COVID Community Levels for 3224 counties nationwide: 79 counties (2.45%) with High community level, 318 counties (9.86%) with Medium community level, and 2827 counties (87.69%) with Low community level. The CDC also reported the following COVID Community Levels for the 14 counties in Massachusetts: 7 counties with High community level (Barnstable, Berkshire, Franklin, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Worcester), 6 counties with Medium community level (Dukes, Essex, Hampden, Hampshire, Nantucket, Plymouth), and 1 counties with Low community level (Bristol).
Barnstable County (population 212990) has 254.47 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Berkshire County (population 124944) has 500.22 cases per 100k, 15.5 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.6 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Bristol County (population 565217) has 179.58 cases per 100k, 6.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Low.
Dukes County (population 17332) has 126.93 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Essex County (population 789034) has 225.34 cases per 100k, 6.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.1 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Franklin County (population 70180) has 218.01 cases per 100k, 12.3 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Hampden County (population 466372) has 266.53 cases per 100k, 5.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.7 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Hampshire County (population 160830) has 363.12 cases per 100k, 5.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.7 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Middlesex County (population 1611699) has 305.33 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Nantucket County (population 11399) has 166.68 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Norfolk County (population 706775) has 254.25 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Plymouth County (population 521202) has 167.88 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Suffolk County (population 803907) has 368.82 cases per 100k, 10.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Worcester County (population 830622) has 237.53 cases per 100k, 12.3 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
The underlying query for this data is available here.
Day-to-day deaths way up, cases down a bit (but still way too damn high, and the worst Friday report since February 4), and hospitalizations up again. All four seven-day averages are also up, with percent-positive up to 6.63%.
When I posted yesterday's report, I noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hadn't yet updated their COVID Data Tracker to show the latest Community Level results. They did get that update out later last night, and this afternoon the Boston Globe (at least) finally noticed:
Seven Massachusetts counties now have "high" community levels of COVID-19 and people in those areas should wear masks in indoor public spaces, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
The counties are Berkshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Barnstable, according to the CDC's website, which rates virus levels in US counties as "a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take."
Hampshire, Hampden, Essex, Plymouth, Dukes, and Nantucket counties are ranked as having "medium" levels. The only county still at "low" levels is Bristol.
The CDC determines community COVID-19 levels by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area, according to the CDC website.
[ ... ]
The Boston Public Health Commission noted Friday in a tweet that Suffolk County, which includes Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, had moved into the "high" category and said, "We strongly recommend all residents wear masks in public indoor spaces, including public transportation, test for COVID-19, and stay up to date on vaccinations."
It also recommended getting tested before Mother's Day gatherings on Sunday.
Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, executive director of the commission, said in a telephone interview, "We're being vigilant. We're watching the data. And we're encouraging all Bostonians to take extra precautions to protect themselves, their families, and our community."
She said that city officials, noting rising COVID-19 metrics, had been asking people for weeks to wear masks in public indoor spaces and to take other protective steps. "We don't plan to recommend the city reinstate masking requirements at this time," she said.
A spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services said in a statement that the state "will continue to work with the healthcare community and the federal government to monitor all of the latest developments."
The statement also trumpeted Massachusetts' performance as "a national leader in vaccination rates," saying, it "has helped keep Massachusetts' positivity and hospitalization rates among the lowest in the nation currently. The people of Massachusetts have ready access to vaccines, rapid tests, and therapeutics – all the resources needed to stay safe from severe illness."
The Department of Public Health advises people to get vaccinated and boosted, to get tested, and, if they test positive, talk to their doctor right away about COVID-19 treatment options that are available for individuals who have mild to moderate symptoms.
Jonathan Levy, who chairs the department of environmental health at Boston University's School of Public Health, said in a telephone interview, "We should be concerned. We've seen growing case rates for a while, and a study just showed that the actual cases might be 3 1/2 times higher than what we're measuring because of the number of at-home tests."
"There's a lot of infection out there," he said, and it "certainly is starting to put more people in the hospital."
He said communities with high COVID-19 levels should "look at mask requirements carefully."
"I do think it's important to recognize that we need on-ramps and off-ramps," he said. "We need clear indications of when to take masks off and also when to put them back on, and the CDC community levels are telling us it's time to put them back on right now."
Alas, the state still doesn't actually plan to, you know, do anything just yet. I could have sworn the whole point behind the CDC Community Level was to predict hospitals being overwhelmed far enough in advance for governments to take action proactively. Perhaps I was mistaken.
The town of Acton's current Google Data Studio dashboard is showing 49 active and 3,142 cumulative cases as of May 5. In the most recent "newsflash style update" at 7PM on December 21, 2021, the town reported 1538 cumulative cases with 89 individuals in isolation, 1417 recovered and 32 fatalities.