Local COVID-19 updates
Dec. 29th, 2022 06:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
edschweppeAs of 5PM today (Thursday December 29, 2022), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is reporting 113 newly reported confirmed deaths (17 more than last Thursday - up 17.7%) for a total of 21,262 deaths, 8,327 newly reported confirmed cases (889 less than last Thursday - down 9.6%) for a total of 1,968,237 cases, and 82,547 newly reported molecular tests (21,777 less than last Thursday - down 20.9%). Note that today's death data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 16.1 newly reported deaths per day (80 less than last Thursday - down 83.2%).
Note that today's case/test data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 1,189.6 newly reported cases per day (8,026 less than last Thursday - down 87.1%), and 11,792.4 newly reported molecular tests per day (92,532 less than last Thursday - down 88.7%).
Note that last Thursday's death data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 13.7 newly reported deaths per day and today's newly reported deaths are 99 more than last Thursday's values - up 724.0%.
Note that last Thursday's case/test data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 1,316.6 newly reported cases per day and today's newly reported cases are 7,010 more than last Thursday's values - up 532.5%. There were 14,903.4 newly reported molecular tests per day and today's newly reported tests are 67,644 more than last Thursday's values - up 453.9%.
The seven day average positivity rate is 11.17%, compared to 9.58% last Thursday. The state also reported 34 newly reported probable deaths (20 more than last Thursday - up 142.9%) for a total of 1,678 and 1,592 newly reported probable cases (59 less than last Thursday - down 3.6%) for a total of 186,649. Combining the confirmed and probable numbers gives 147 new deaths for a total of 22,940 and 9,919 new cases for a total of 2,154,886. There were 1,149 COVID-19 patients in hospital (241 more than last Thursday - up 26.5%), 105 COVID-19 patients in ICUs (4 more than last Thursday - up 4.0%) and 35 COVID-19 patients on ventilators (intubated) (3 less than last Thursday - down 7.9%).
Of the four overview trends (formerly the Page 2 "key metrics"), the 7-day average of newly confirmed cases is 911.0 (126 less than last Thursday - down 12.2%), 1,323% above the lowest observed value of 64.0 on 6/25/2021 and 97.0% below the highest observed value of 23,226.0 on 1/8/2022. The 7-day weighted average of positive molecular test rate is 11.17% (0 more than last Thursday - up 16.6%), 3,530% above the lowest observed value of 0.3% on 6/25/2021 and 60% below the highest observed value of 27.7% on 4/15/2020. The 7-day average number of COVID-19 patients in hospital is 987.0 (103 more than last Thursday - up 11.7%), 1,075% above the lowest observed value of 84.0 on 7/8/2021 and 75% below the highest observed value of 3,874.0 on 4/27/2020. The 7-day average number of COVID-19 deaths is 11.0 (1 less than last Thursday - down 8.3%), 1,000% above the lowest observed value of 1.0 on 7/10/2021 and 94% below the highest observed value of 176.0 on 4/24/2020.
Statewide, hospitals reported 8,696 non-ICU beds, of which 6,980 (80.3%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 1,044 (12.0%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 672 (7.7%) remained available. Hospitals also reported 1,171 ICU beds, of which 882 (75.3%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 105 (9.0%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 184 (15.7%) remained available. By comparison, hospitals reported last Thursday a total of 8,910 non-ICU beds, of which 7,593 (85.2%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 807 (9%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 510 (5.7%) remained available. Hospitals also reported last Thursday a total of 1,194 ICU beds, of which 959 (80.3%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 101 (8.5%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 134 (11.2%) remained available.
One week ago (December 22), the 7 day confirmed case average was 1,037.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 12.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 884.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 9.58%.
Two weeks ago (December 15), the 7 day confirmed case average was 931.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 9.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 780.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 8.68%.
One year ago (December 29, 2021), the 7 day confirmed case average was 6,195.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 26.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 1,633.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 13.58%.
Today being Thursday, the state also included city/town specific information in the daily download. My town of Acton is listed as having 4,091 total cases, with a two-week case count of 37 cases, a daily incidence rate of 11.0 which is lower than last week, with a corresponding risk color code of red (if the state was still reporting color codes). Acton is also listed as having 112,646 total tests, with a two-week total test count of 529 and a two-week positive test count of 37, for a percent-positive rate of 6.99 which is lower than last week. The corresponding statewide figures are 1,968,237 total cases, with a two-week case count of 17,708 cases, a daily incidence rate of 18.0 which is higher than last week. Massachusetts is also listed as having 48,963,107 total tests, with a two-week total test count of 195,719 and a two-week positive test count of 19,423, for a percent-positive rate of 9.92 which is higher than last week.
As of July 1, 2021, the state is no longer reporting risk color codes. However, if it was, of the 351 cites and towns in the Commonwealth, 112 would be coded gray (compared to 123 last week), 31 would be coded green (compared to 25 last week), and 33 would be coded yellow (compared to 35 last week).The remaining 175 towns would be coded red (compared to 168 last week): Abington, Acton, Acushnet, Agawam, Amesbury, Andover, Arlington, Ashland, Athol, Attleboro, Auburn, Barnstable, Bedford, Belchertown, Bellingham, Belmont, Beverly, Billerica, Boston, Bourne, Braintree, Brewster, Bridgewater, Brockton, Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge, Canton, Carver, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Concord, Danvers, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dennis, Dracut, Dudley, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Falmouth, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Gloucester, Grafton, Greenfield, Hanover, Hanson, Harwich, Haverhill, Hingham, Holbrook, Holden, Holliston, Holyoke, Hopkinton, Hudson, Ipswich, Kingston, Lakeville, Lawrence, Leicester, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Longmeadow, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Mansfield, Marblehead, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mashpee, Maynard, Medfield, Medford, Medway, Melrose, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Milton, Nantucket, Natick, Needham, New Bedford, Newburyport, Newton, Norfolk, North Adams, North Andover, North Attleborough, North Reading, Northampton, Northborough, Northbridge, Norton, Norwell, Norwood, Orange, Oxford, Palmer, Peabody, Pembroke, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Reading, Revere, Rockland, Salem, Sandwich, Saugus, Scituate, Seekonk, Sharon, Shrewsbury, Somerset, Somerville, South Hadley, Southbridge, Southwick, Spencer, Springfield, Stoneham, Stoughton, Sudbury, Swampscott, Swansea, Taunton, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Ware, Wareham, Watertown, Wayland, Webster, Wellesley, West Springfield, Westfield, Westford, Weston, Westport, Westwood, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilbraham, Wilmington, Winchendon, Winchester, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester, Wrentham, and Yarmouth.
15 cities/towns would be newly coded red this week (Bedford, Canton, Ipswich, Lakeville, Lexington, Millbury, Newton, Orange, Sandwich, Sharon, Somerset, Wayland, Wellesley, Westwood, and Whitman) and 8 cities/towns would no longer be coded red this week (Charlton, Easton, Gardner, Hull, Monson, Montague, Uxbridge, and Westborough).
Of the 10 towns nearby (including my own town), 2 are coded gray (Boxborough, and Stow), none are coded green, one is coded yellow (Carlisle), and 7 are coded red (Acton, Chelmsford, Concord, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford).
Of the 10 towns near my church, 2 are coded gray (Boxborough, and Stow), 3 are coded green (Berlin, Bolton, and Harvard), none are coded yellow, and 5 are coded red (Acton, Hudson, Marlborough, Maynard, and Sudbury).
The daily raw data file used to create this report is available here.
As of December 29, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, of 3222 counties nationwide, 2278 counties (70.70% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of High, 497 counties (15.43% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial, 264 counties (8.19% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate, and 183 counties (5.68% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Low. The CDC also reported that, of the 14 counties in Massachusetts, 12 counties have a Community Transmission Level of High (Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester), 1 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial (Norfolk), and 1 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate (Dukes).
Barnstable County has 135.690 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Berkshire County has 144.060 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Bristol County has 120.130 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Dukes County has suppressed cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Essex County has 147.780 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Franklin County has 101.170 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampden County has 175.610 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampshire County has 110.050 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Middlesex County has 120.000 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Nantucket County has 201.770 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Norfolk County has 90.550 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Plymouth County has 102.650 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Suffolk County has 111.460 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Worcester County has 107.870 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
The underlying query for this data is available here.
This compares to the previous week:
As of December 22, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, of 3222 counties nationwide, 2475 counties (76.82% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of High, 472 counties (14.65% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial, 198 counties (6.15% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate, and 77 counties (2.39% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Low. The CDC also reported that, of the 14 counties in Massachusetts, 13 counties have a Community Transmission Level of High (Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester), and 1 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate (Dukes).
Barnstable County has 170.430 cases per 100k, 11.25 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Berkshire County has 140.060 cases per 100k, 8.16 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Bristol County has 115.000 cases per 100k, 9.35 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Dukes County has suppressed cases per 100k, 4.65 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Essex County has 156.650 cases per 100k, 10.39 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Franklin County has 126.820 cases per 100k, 7.92 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampden County has 210.350 cases per 100k, 11.71 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampshire County has 137.410 cases per 100k, 6.53 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Middlesex County has 128.250 cases per 100k, 9.29 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Nantucket County has 228.090 cases per 100k, 11.81 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Norfolk County has 106.680 cases per 100k, 8.28 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Plymouth County has 121.450 cases per 100k, 8.36 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Suffolk County has 131.980 cases per 100k, 9.56 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Worcester County has 111.240 cases per 100k, 8.85 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
The underlying query for this data is available here.
As of December 29, 2022, the CDC reported COVID Community Levels for 3219 counties nationwide: 289 counties (8.98%, representing 13.68% of the population) with High community level, 1296 counties (40.26%, representing 53.63% of the population) with Medium community level, and 1634 counties (50.76%, representing 32.70% of the population) with Low community level. The CDC also reported the following COVID Community Levels for the 14 counties in Massachusetts (population 6892503): 1 counties (representing 0.17% of the state's population) with High community level (Nantucket), 11 counties (representing 90.73% of the state's population) with Medium community level (Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester), and 2 counties (representing 9.10% of the state's population) with Low community level (Hampden, Hampshire).
Barnstable County (population 212990) has 135.69 cases per 100k (implying 289.01 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Berkshire County (population 124944) has 144.06 cases per 100k (implying 179.99 cases in the county), 13.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.9 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Bristol County (population 565217) has 120.13 cases per 100k (implying 679.00 cases in the county), 17.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 8.6 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Dukes County (population 17332) has 17.31 cases per 100k (implying 3.00 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Medium.
Essex County (population 789034) has 147.78 cases per 100k (implying 1,166.03 cases in the county), 14.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 7.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Franklin County (population 70180) has 101.17 cases per 100k (implying 71.00 cases in the county), 16.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Hampden County (population 466372) has 175.61 cases per 100k (implying 819.00 cases in the county), 9.2 hospitalizations per 100k and 9.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Low.
Hampshire County (population 160830) has 110.05 cases per 100k (implying 176.99 cases in the county), 9.2 hospitalizations per 100k and 9.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Low.
Middlesex County (population 1611699) has 120.0 cases per 100k (implying 1,934.04 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Nantucket County (population 11399) has 201.77 cases per 100k (implying 23.00 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Norfolk County (population 706775) has 90.55 cases per 100k (implying 639.98 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Medium.
Plymouth County (population 521202) has 102.65 cases per 100k (implying 535.01 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Suffolk County (population 803907) has 111.46 cases per 100k (implying 896.03 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Worcester County (population 830622) has 107.87 cases per 100k (implying 895.99 cases in the county), 16.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
The CDC community level data implies a total of 8,308.08 cases statewide.
The underlying query for this data is available here.
This compares to the previous week:
As of December 22, 2022, the CDC reported COVID Community Levels for 3218 counties nationwide: 343 counties (10.66%, representing 17.38% of the population) with High community level, 1303 counties (40.49%, representing 46.29% of the population) with Medium community level, and 1572 counties (48.85%, representing 36.33% of the population) with Low community level. The CDC also reported the following COVID Community Levels for the 14 counties in Massachusetts (population 6892503): 2 counties (representing 6.93% of the state's population) with High community level (Hampden, Nantucket), 11 counties (representing 91.26% of the state's population) with Medium community level (Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester), and 1 counties (representing 1.81% of the state's population) with Low community level (Berkshire).
Barnstable County (population 212990) has 170.43 cases per 100k (implying 363.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Berkshire County (population 124944) has 140.06 cases per 100k (implying 175.00 cases in the county), 9.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.1 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Low.
Bristol County (population 565217) has 115.0 cases per 100k (implying 650.00 cases in the county), 12.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 6.8 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Dukes County (population 17332) has 46.16 cases per 100k (implying 8.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Medium.
Essex County (population 789034) has 156.65 cases per 100k (implying 1,236.02 cases in the county), 11.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 6.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Franklin County (population 70180) has 126.82 cases per 100k (implying 89.00 cases in the county), 14.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Hampden County (population 466372) has 210.35 cases per 100k (implying 981.01 cases in the county), 10.5 hospitalizations per 100k and 8.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Hampshire County (population 160830) has 137.41 cases per 100k (implying 221.00 cases in the county), 10.5 hospitalizations per 100k and 8.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Middlesex County (population 1611699) has 128.25 cases per 100k (implying 2,067.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Nantucket County (population 11399) has 228.09 cases per 100k (implying 26.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Norfolk County (population 706775) has 106.68 cases per 100k (implying 753.99 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Plymouth County (population 521202) has 121.45 cases per 100k (implying 633.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Suffolk County (population 803907) has 131.98 cases per 100k (implying 1,061.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Worcester County (population 830622) has 111.24 cases per 100k (implying 923.98 cases in the county), 14.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
The CDC community level data implies a total of 9,188.00 cases statewide.
The underlying query for this data is available here.
(The town of Acton has stopped updating its COVID-19 Information Center and Google Data Studio dashboard.)
First the seemingly good news: newly confirmed cases are actually down nearly ten percent from last week (8,327 versus 9,216). However, newly confirmed deaths are up nearly twenty percent (113 versus 96) and hospitalizations are up over twenty five percent (1,149 versus 908). The death figure breaks last week's record for the highest reported number since the state went to weekly counts, and is the first time since March 14 (at the tail end of last winter's Omicron surge) that the state reported more than a hundred deaths in a seven-day period. The hospital census is the highest reported since 1,161 were reported on February 10.
That's not what I think the really bad news is, though. The really bad news, in my not terribly humble opinion, is that the percent-positive ratio jumped above eleven percent, to 11.17%. That's the highest that's been since the state reported 11.40% on January 25, in the middle of that Omicron surge. More importantly to me, anything above ten percent means you aren't doing (or at least reporting) enough tests to put any faith in your case counts. So that nice drop in reported cases week-over-week isn't actually anything to celebrate.
Happy New Year?
Note that today's case/test data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 1,189.6 newly reported cases per day (8,026 less than last Thursday - down 87.1%), and 11,792.4 newly reported molecular tests per day (92,532 less than last Thursday - down 88.7%).
Note that last Thursday's death data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 13.7 newly reported deaths per day and today's newly reported deaths are 99 more than last Thursday's values - up 724.0%.
Note that last Thursday's case/test data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 1,316.6 newly reported cases per day and today's newly reported cases are 7,010 more than last Thursday's values - up 532.5%. There were 14,903.4 newly reported molecular tests per day and today's newly reported tests are 67,644 more than last Thursday's values - up 453.9%.
The seven day average positivity rate is 11.17%, compared to 9.58% last Thursday. The state also reported 34 newly reported probable deaths (20 more than last Thursday - up 142.9%) for a total of 1,678 and 1,592 newly reported probable cases (59 less than last Thursday - down 3.6%) for a total of 186,649. Combining the confirmed and probable numbers gives 147 new deaths for a total of 22,940 and 9,919 new cases for a total of 2,154,886. There were 1,149 COVID-19 patients in hospital (241 more than last Thursday - up 26.5%), 105 COVID-19 patients in ICUs (4 more than last Thursday - up 4.0%) and 35 COVID-19 patients on ventilators (intubated) (3 less than last Thursday - down 7.9%).
Of the four overview trends (formerly the Page 2 "key metrics"), the 7-day average of newly confirmed cases is 911.0 (126 less than last Thursday - down 12.2%), 1,323% above the lowest observed value of 64.0 on 6/25/2021 and 97.0% below the highest observed value of 23,226.0 on 1/8/2022. The 7-day weighted average of positive molecular test rate is 11.17% (0 more than last Thursday - up 16.6%), 3,530% above the lowest observed value of 0.3% on 6/25/2021 and 60% below the highest observed value of 27.7% on 4/15/2020. The 7-day average number of COVID-19 patients in hospital is 987.0 (103 more than last Thursday - up 11.7%), 1,075% above the lowest observed value of 84.0 on 7/8/2021 and 75% below the highest observed value of 3,874.0 on 4/27/2020. The 7-day average number of COVID-19 deaths is 11.0 (1 less than last Thursday - down 8.3%), 1,000% above the lowest observed value of 1.0 on 7/10/2021 and 94% below the highest observed value of 176.0 on 4/24/2020.
Statewide, hospitals reported 8,696 non-ICU beds, of which 6,980 (80.3%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 1,044 (12.0%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 672 (7.7%) remained available. Hospitals also reported 1,171 ICU beds, of which 882 (75.3%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 105 (9.0%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 184 (15.7%) remained available. By comparison, hospitals reported last Thursday a total of 8,910 non-ICU beds, of which 7,593 (85.2%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 807 (9%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 510 (5.7%) remained available. Hospitals also reported last Thursday a total of 1,194 ICU beds, of which 959 (80.3%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 101 (8.5%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 134 (11.2%) remained available.
One week ago (December 22), the 7 day confirmed case average was 1,037.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 12.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 884.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 9.58%.
Two weeks ago (December 15), the 7 day confirmed case average was 931.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 9.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 780.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 8.68%.
One year ago (December 29, 2021), the 7 day confirmed case average was 6,195.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 26.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 1,633.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 13.58%.
Today being Thursday, the state also included city/town specific information in the daily download. My town of Acton is listed as having 4,091 total cases, with a two-week case count of 37 cases, a daily incidence rate of 11.0 which is lower than last week, with a corresponding risk color code of red (if the state was still reporting color codes). Acton is also listed as having 112,646 total tests, with a two-week total test count of 529 and a two-week positive test count of 37, for a percent-positive rate of 6.99 which is lower than last week. The corresponding statewide figures are 1,968,237 total cases, with a two-week case count of 17,708 cases, a daily incidence rate of 18.0 which is higher than last week. Massachusetts is also listed as having 48,963,107 total tests, with a two-week total test count of 195,719 and a two-week positive test count of 19,423, for a percent-positive rate of 9.92 which is higher than last week.
As of July 1, 2021, the state is no longer reporting risk color codes. However, if it was, of the 351 cites and towns in the Commonwealth, 112 would be coded gray (compared to 123 last week), 31 would be coded green (compared to 25 last week), and 33 would be coded yellow (compared to 35 last week).The remaining 175 towns would be coded red (compared to 168 last week): Abington, Acton, Acushnet, Agawam, Amesbury, Andover, Arlington, Ashland, Athol, Attleboro, Auburn, Barnstable, Bedford, Belchertown, Bellingham, Belmont, Beverly, Billerica, Boston, Bourne, Braintree, Brewster, Bridgewater, Brockton, Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge, Canton, Carver, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Concord, Danvers, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dennis, Dracut, Dudley, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Falmouth, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Gloucester, Grafton, Greenfield, Hanover, Hanson, Harwich, Haverhill, Hingham, Holbrook, Holden, Holliston, Holyoke, Hopkinton, Hudson, Ipswich, Kingston, Lakeville, Lawrence, Leicester, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Longmeadow, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Mansfield, Marblehead, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mashpee, Maynard, Medfield, Medford, Medway, Melrose, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Milton, Nantucket, Natick, Needham, New Bedford, Newburyport, Newton, Norfolk, North Adams, North Andover, North Attleborough, North Reading, Northampton, Northborough, Northbridge, Norton, Norwell, Norwood, Orange, Oxford, Palmer, Peabody, Pembroke, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Reading, Revere, Rockland, Salem, Sandwich, Saugus, Scituate, Seekonk, Sharon, Shrewsbury, Somerset, Somerville, South Hadley, Southbridge, Southwick, Spencer, Springfield, Stoneham, Stoughton, Sudbury, Swampscott, Swansea, Taunton, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Ware, Wareham, Watertown, Wayland, Webster, Wellesley, West Springfield, Westfield, Westford, Weston, Westport, Westwood, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilbraham, Wilmington, Winchendon, Winchester, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester, Wrentham, and Yarmouth.
15 cities/towns would be newly coded red this week (Bedford, Canton, Ipswich, Lakeville, Lexington, Millbury, Newton, Orange, Sandwich, Sharon, Somerset, Wayland, Wellesley, Westwood, and Whitman) and 8 cities/towns would no longer be coded red this week (Charlton, Easton, Gardner, Hull, Monson, Montague, Uxbridge, and Westborough).
Of the 10 towns nearby (including my own town), 2 are coded gray (Boxborough, and Stow), none are coded green, one is coded yellow (Carlisle), and 7 are coded red (Acton, Chelmsford, Concord, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford).
Of the 10 towns near my church, 2 are coded gray (Boxborough, and Stow), 3 are coded green (Berlin, Bolton, and Harvard), none are coded yellow, and 5 are coded red (Acton, Hudson, Marlborough, Maynard, and Sudbury).
The daily raw data file used to create this report is available here.
As of December 29, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, of 3222 counties nationwide, 2278 counties (70.70% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of High, 497 counties (15.43% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial, 264 counties (8.19% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate, and 183 counties (5.68% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Low. The CDC also reported that, of the 14 counties in Massachusetts, 12 counties have a Community Transmission Level of High (Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester), 1 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial (Norfolk), and 1 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate (Dukes).
Barnstable County has 135.690 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Berkshire County has 144.060 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Bristol County has 120.130 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Dukes County has suppressed cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Essex County has 147.780 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Franklin County has 101.170 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampden County has 175.610 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampshire County has 110.050 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Middlesex County has 120.000 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Nantucket County has 201.770 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Norfolk County has 90.550 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Plymouth County has 102.650 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Suffolk County has 111.460 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Worcester County has 107.870 cases per 100k, percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
The underlying query for this data is available here.
This compares to the previous week:
As of December 22, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, of 3222 counties nationwide, 2475 counties (76.82% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of High, 472 counties (14.65% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial, 198 counties (6.15% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate, and 77 counties (2.39% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Low. The CDC also reported that, of the 14 counties in Massachusetts, 13 counties have a Community Transmission Level of High (Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester), and 1 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate (Dukes).
Barnstable County has 170.430 cases per 100k, 11.25 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Berkshire County has 140.060 cases per 100k, 8.16 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Bristol County has 115.000 cases per 100k, 9.35 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Dukes County has suppressed cases per 100k, 4.65 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Essex County has 156.650 cases per 100k, 10.39 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Franklin County has 126.820 cases per 100k, 7.92 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampden County has 210.350 cases per 100k, 11.71 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Hampshire County has 137.410 cases per 100k, 6.53 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Middlesex County has 128.250 cases per 100k, 9.29 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Nantucket County has 228.090 cases per 100k, 11.81 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Norfolk County has 106.680 cases per 100k, 8.28 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Plymouth County has 121.450 cases per 100k, 8.36 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Suffolk County has 131.980 cases per 100k, 9.56 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
Worcester County has 111.240 cases per 100k, 8.85 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of high
The underlying query for this data is available here.
As of December 29, 2022, the CDC reported COVID Community Levels for 3219 counties nationwide: 289 counties (8.98%, representing 13.68% of the population) with High community level, 1296 counties (40.26%, representing 53.63% of the population) with Medium community level, and 1634 counties (50.76%, representing 32.70% of the population) with Low community level. The CDC also reported the following COVID Community Levels for the 14 counties in Massachusetts (population 6892503): 1 counties (representing 0.17% of the state's population) with High community level (Nantucket), 11 counties (representing 90.73% of the state's population) with Medium community level (Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester), and 2 counties (representing 9.10% of the state's population) with Low community level (Hampden, Hampshire).
Barnstable County (population 212990) has 135.69 cases per 100k (implying 289.01 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Berkshire County (population 124944) has 144.06 cases per 100k (implying 179.99 cases in the county), 13.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.9 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Bristol County (population 565217) has 120.13 cases per 100k (implying 679.00 cases in the county), 17.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 8.6 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Dukes County (population 17332) has 17.31 cases per 100k (implying 3.00 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Medium.
Essex County (population 789034) has 147.78 cases per 100k (implying 1,166.03 cases in the county), 14.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 7.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Franklin County (population 70180) has 101.17 cases per 100k (implying 71.00 cases in the county), 16.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Hampden County (population 466372) has 175.61 cases per 100k (implying 819.00 cases in the county), 9.2 hospitalizations per 100k and 9.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Low.
Hampshire County (population 160830) has 110.05 cases per 100k (implying 176.99 cases in the county), 9.2 hospitalizations per 100k and 9.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Low.
Middlesex County (population 1611699) has 120.0 cases per 100k (implying 1,934.04 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Nantucket County (population 11399) has 201.77 cases per 100k (implying 23.00 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Norfolk County (population 706775) has 90.55 cases per 100k (implying 639.98 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Medium.
Plymouth County (population 521202) has 102.65 cases per 100k (implying 535.01 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Suffolk County (population 803907) has 111.46 cases per 100k (implying 896.03 cases in the county), 18.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Worcester County (population 830622) has 107.87 cases per 100k (implying 895.99 cases in the county), 16.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
The CDC community level data implies a total of 8,308.08 cases statewide.
The underlying query for this data is available here.
This compares to the previous week:
As of December 22, 2022, the CDC reported COVID Community Levels for 3218 counties nationwide: 343 counties (10.66%, representing 17.38% of the population) with High community level, 1303 counties (40.49%, representing 46.29% of the population) with Medium community level, and 1572 counties (48.85%, representing 36.33% of the population) with Low community level. The CDC also reported the following COVID Community Levels for the 14 counties in Massachusetts (population 6892503): 2 counties (representing 6.93% of the state's population) with High community level (Hampden, Nantucket), 11 counties (representing 91.26% of the state's population) with Medium community level (Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester), and 1 counties (representing 1.81% of the state's population) with Low community level (Berkshire).
Barnstable County (population 212990) has 170.43 cases per 100k (implying 363.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Berkshire County (population 124944) has 140.06 cases per 100k (implying 175.00 cases in the county), 9.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.1 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Low.
Bristol County (population 565217) has 115.0 cases per 100k (implying 650.00 cases in the county), 12.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 6.8 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Dukes County (population 17332) has 46.16 cases per 100k (implying 8.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Medium.
Essex County (population 789034) has 156.65 cases per 100k (implying 1,236.02 cases in the county), 11.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 6.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Franklin County (population 70180) has 126.82 cases per 100k (implying 89.00 cases in the county), 14.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Hampden County (population 466372) has 210.35 cases per 100k (implying 981.01 cases in the county), 10.5 hospitalizations per 100k and 8.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Hampshire County (population 160830) has 137.41 cases per 100k (implying 221.00 cases in the county), 10.5 hospitalizations per 100k and 8.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Middlesex County (population 1611699) has 128.25 cases per 100k (implying 2,067.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Nantucket County (population 11399) has 228.09 cases per 100k (implying 26.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of High.
Norfolk County (population 706775) has 106.68 cases per 100k (implying 753.99 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Plymouth County (population 521202) has 121.45 cases per 100k (implying 633.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Suffolk County (population 803907) has 131.98 cases per 100k (implying 1,061.00 cases in the county), 15.8 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
Worcester County (population 830622) has 111.24 cases per 100k (implying 923.98 cases in the county), 14.4 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of High and a community level of Medium.
The CDC community level data implies a total of 9,188.00 cases statewide.
The underlying query for this data is available here.
(The town of Acton has stopped updating its COVID-19 Information Center and Google Data Studio dashboard.)
First the seemingly good news: newly confirmed cases are actually down nearly ten percent from last week (8,327 versus 9,216). However, newly confirmed deaths are up nearly twenty percent (113 versus 96) and hospitalizations are up over twenty five percent (1,149 versus 908). The death figure breaks last week's record for the highest reported number since the state went to weekly counts, and is the first time since March 14 (at the tail end of last winter's Omicron surge) that the state reported more than a hundred deaths in a seven-day period. The hospital census is the highest reported since 1,161 were reported on February 10.
That's not what I think the really bad news is, though. The really bad news, in my not terribly humble opinion, is that the percent-positive ratio jumped above eleven percent, to 11.17%. That's the highest that's been since the state reported 11.40% on January 25, in the middle of that Omicron surge. More importantly to me, anything above ten percent means you aren't doing (or at least reporting) enough tests to put any faith in your case counts. So that nice drop in reported cases week-over-week isn't actually anything to celebrate.
Happy New Year?