Local COVID-19 updates
Mar. 16th, 2023 06:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
edschweppeJust to make it even more official, the state is now including an alert about lifting the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11 at the top of their COVID-19 Response Reporting page.
As of 5PM today (Thursday March 16, 2023), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is reporting 49 newly reported confirmed deaths (12 less than last Thursday - down 19.7%) for a total of 22,414 deaths, 2,612 newly reported confirmed cases (91 less than last Thursday - down 3.4%) for a total of 2,027,015 cases, and 57,051 newly reported molecular tests (611 less than last Thursday - down 1.1%). Note that today's death data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 7.0 newly reported deaths per day (54 less than last Thursday - down 88.5%).
Note that today's case/test data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 373.1 newly reported cases per day (2,330 less than last Thursday - down 86.2%), and 8,150.1 newly reported molecular tests per day (49,512 less than last Thursday - down 85.9%).
Note that last Thursday's death data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 8.7 newly reported deaths per day and today's newly reported deaths are 40 more than last Thursday's values - up 462.3%.
Note that last Thursday's case/test data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 386.1 newly reported cases per day and today's newly reported cases are 2,226 more than last Thursday's values - up 576.4%. There were 8,237.4 newly reported molecular tests per day and today's newly reported tests are 48,814 more than last Thursday's values - up 592.6%.
The seven day average positivity rate is 4.49%, compared to 4.85% last Thursday. The state also reported 9 newly reported probable deaths (14 less than last Thursday - down 60.9%) for a total of 1,977 and 661 newly reported probable cases (11 less than last Thursday - down 1.6%) for a total of 200,595. Combining the confirmed and probable numbers gives 58 new deaths for a total of 24,391 and 3,273 new cases for a total of 2,227,610. There were 423 COVID-19 patients in hospital (35 less than last Thursday - down 7.6%), 47 COVID-19 patients in ICUs (6 less than last Thursday - down 11.3%) and 15 COVID-19 patients on ventilators (intubated) (7 more than last Thursday - up 87.5%).
Of the four overview trends (formerly the Page 2 "key metrics"), the 7-day average of newly confirmed cases is 262.0 (26 less than last Thursday - down 9.0%), 309% above the lowest observed value of 64.0 on 6/25/2021 and 99.0% below the highest observed value of 23,233.0 on 1/8/2022. The 7-day weighted average of positive molecular test rate is 4.49% (0 less than last Thursday - down 7.5%), 1,358% above the lowest observed value of 0.3% on 6/25/2021 and 84% below the highest observed value of 27.7% on 4/15/2020. The 7-day average number of COVID-19 patients in hospital is 424.0 (57 less than last Thursday - down 11.9%), 404% above the lowest observed value of 84.0 on 7/8/2021 and 90% 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 less than last Thursday - down 14.3%), 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 8,565 non-ICU beds, of which 7,646 (89.3%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 376 (4.4%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 543 (6.3%) remained available. Hospitals also reported 1,209 ICU beds, of which 930 (76.9%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 47 (3.9%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 232 (19.2%) remained available. By comparison, hospitals reported last Thursday a total of 8,674 non-ICU beds, of which 7,754 (89.4%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 405 (5%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 515 (5.9%) remained available. Hospitals also reported last Thursday a total of 1,225 ICU beds, of which 945 (77.1%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 53 (4.3%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 227 (18.5%) remained available.
One week ago (March 9), the 7 day confirmed case average was 288.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 7.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 481.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 4.85%.
Two weeks ago (March 2), the 7 day confirmed case average was 348.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 9.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 565.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 5.88%.
One year ago (March 16, 2022), the 7 day confirmed case average was 449.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 9.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 243.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 1.53%.
Today being Thursday, the state also included city/town specific information in the daily download. My town of Acton is listed as having 4,232 total cases, with a two-week case count of 8 cases, a daily incidence rate of 2.4 which is lower than last week, with a corresponding risk color code of gray (if the state was still reporting color codes). Acton is also listed as having 114,582 total tests, with a two-week total test count of 294 and a two-week positive test count of 11, for a percent-positive rate of 3.74 which is lower than last week. The corresponding statewide figures are 2,027,015 total cases, with a two-week case count of 4,882 cases, a daily incidence rate of 5.0 which is lower than last week. Massachusetts is also listed as having 49,700,076 total tests, with a two-week total test count of 114,443 and a two-week positive test count of 5,731, for a percent-positive rate of 5.01 which is lower 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, 220 would be coded gray (compared to 204 last week), 51 would be coded green (compared to 26 last week), and 76 would be coded yellow (compared to 117 last week).The remaining 4 towns would be coded red (compared to 4 last week): Lunenburg, North Adams, Palmer, and Pittsfield.
1 cities/towns would be newly coded red this week (Lunenburg) and 1 cities/towns would no longer be coded red this week (Athol).
Of the 10 towns nearby (including my own town), 7 are coded gray (Acton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Littleton, Maynard, and Stow), none are coded green, 3 are coded yellow (Chelmsford, Sudbury, and Westford), and none are coded red.
Of the 10 towns near my church, 7 are coded gray (Acton, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Harvard, Maynard, and Stow), none are coded green, 3 are coded yellow (Hudson, Marlborough, and Sudbury), and none are coded red.
The daily raw data file used to create this report is available here.
As of March 16, 2023, the CDC reported a total of 1706 new deaths and 149955 new cases from 60 states and territories nationwide.
For Massachusetts, the CDC reported 58 new deaths and 3273 new cases.
The underlying query is available here.
This compares to the previous week:
As of March 9, 2023, the CDC reported a total of 2100 new deaths and 186793 new cases from 60 states and territories nationwide.
For Massachusetts, the CDC reported 84 new deaths and 3375 new cases.
The underlying query is available here.
As of March 16, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, of 3222 counties nationwide, 1129 counties (35.04% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of High, 726 counties (22.53% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial, 986 counties (30.60% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate, and 381 counties (11.82% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Low. The CDC also reported that, of the 14 counties in Massachusetts, 2 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial (Barnstable, Berkshire), and 12 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate (Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester).
Barnstable County has 63.38 cases per 100k, 6.51 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Berkshire County has 64.83 cases per 100k, 4.89 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Bristol County has 29.72 cases per 100k, 6.35 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Dukes County has 40.39 cases per 100k, 3.29 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Essex County has 38.91 cases per 100k, 3.87 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Franklin County has 27.07 cases per 100k, 3.82 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Hampden County has 47.6 cases per 100k, 4.34 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Hampshire County has 49.74 cases per 100k, 4.16 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Middlesex County has 36.42 cases per 100k, 4.71 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Nantucket County has 26.32 cases per 100k, 1.54 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Norfolk County has 32.26 cases per 100k, 4.31 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Plymouth County has 36.26 cases per 100k, 5.4 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Suffolk County has 32.09 cases per 100k, 4.23 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Worcester County has 39.37 cases per 100k, 4.96 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
The underlying query for this data is available here.
This compares to the previous week:
As of March 9, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, of 3222 counties nationwide, 1318 counties (40.91% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of High, 848 counties (26.32% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial, 829 counties (25.73% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate, and 227 counties (7.05% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Low. The CDC also reported that, of the 14 counties in Massachusetts, 3 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial (Barnstable, Berkshire, Hampden), and 11 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate (Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester).
Barnstable County has 58.22 cases per 100k, 5.94 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Berkshire County has 88.04 cases per 100k, 7.24 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Bristol County has 34.15 cases per 100k, 7.29 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Dukes County has 34.62 cases per 100k, 6.34 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Essex County has 38.78 cases per 100k, 4.51 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Franklin County has 31.35 cases per 100k, 3.58 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Hampden County has 50.6 cases per 100k, 5.12 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Hampshire County has 36.68 cases per 100k, 3.15 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Middlesex County has 39.34 cases per 100k, 5.44 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Nantucket County has 35.09 cases per 100k, 4.23 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Norfolk County has 29.57 cases per 100k, 4.79 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Plymouth County has 29.93 cases per 100k, 5.7 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Suffolk County has 35.33 cases per 100k, 4.76 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Worcester County has 44.18 cases per 100k, 6.01 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
The underlying query for this data is available here.
As of March 16, 2023, the CDC reported COVID Community Levels for 3220 counties nationwide: 27 counties (0.84%, representing 0.15% of the population) with High community level, 295 counties (9.16%, representing 6.27% of the population) with Medium community level, and 2898 counties (90.00%, representing 93.58% of the population) with Low community level. The CDC also reported that all 14 counties in Massachusetts (population 6892503) have a COVID Community Level of Low.
Barnstable County (population 212990) has 63.38 cases per 100k (implying 134.99 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Low.
Berkshire County (population 124944) has 64.83 cases per 100k (implying 81.00 cases in the county), 5.6 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.1 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Low.
Bristol County (population 565217) has 29.72 cases per 100k (implying 167.98 cases in the county), 5.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Dukes County (population 17332) has 40.39 cases per 100k (implying 7.00 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Essex County (population 789034) has 38.91 cases per 100k (implying 307.01 cases in the county), 3.5 hospitalizations per 100k and 1.6 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Franklin County (population 70180) has 27.07 cases per 100k (implying 19.00 cases in the county), 7.0 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Hampden County (population 466372) has 47.6 cases per 100k (implying 221.99 cases in the county), 4.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.6 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Hampshire County (population 160830) has 49.74 cases per 100k (implying 80.00 cases in the county), 4.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.6 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Middlesex County (population 1611699) has 36.42 cases per 100k (implying 586.98 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Nantucket County (population 11399) has 26.32 cases per 100k (implying 3.00 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Norfolk County (population 706775) has 32.26 cases per 100k (implying 228.01 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Plymouth County (population 521202) has 36.26 cases per 100k (implying 188.99 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Suffolk County (population 803907) has 32.09 cases per 100k (implying 257.97 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Worcester County (population 830622) has 39.37 cases per 100k (implying 327.02 cases in the county), 7.0 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
The CDC community level data implies a total of 2,610.94 cases statewide.
The underlying query for this data is available here.
This compares to the previous week:
As of March 9, 2023, the CDC reported COVID Community Levels for 3219 counties nationwide: 61 counties (1.89%, representing 0.27% of the population) with High community level, 420 counties (13.05%, representing 9.48% of the population) with Medium community level, and 2738 counties (85.06%, representing 90.24% of the population) with Low community level. The CDC also reported the following COVID Community Levels for the 14 counties in Massachusetts (population 6892503): 3 counties (representing 14.88% of the state's population) with Medium community level (Berkshire, Franklin, Worcester), and 11 counties (representing 85.12% of the state's population) with Low community level (Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk).
Barnstable County (population 212990) has 58.22 cases per 100k (implying 124.00 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Low.
Berkshire County (population 124944) has 88.04 cases per 100k (implying 110.00 cases in the county), 11.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Medium.
Bristol County (population 565217) has 34.15 cases per 100k (implying 193.02 cases in the county), 6.5 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.9 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Dukes County (population 17332) has 34.62 cases per 100k (implying 6.00 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Essex County (population 789034) has 38.78 cases per 100k (implying 305.99 cases in the county), 5.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Franklin County (population 70180) has 31.35 cases per 100k (implying 22.00 cases in the county), 10.3 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.8 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Medium.
Hampden County (population 466372) has 50.6 cases per 100k (implying 235.98 cases in the county), 4.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Low.
Hampshire County (population 160830) has 36.68 cases per 100k (implying 58.99 cases in the county), 4.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Middlesex County (population 1611699) has 39.34 cases per 100k (implying 634.04 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Nantucket County (population 11399) has 35.09 cases per 100k (implying 4.00 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Norfolk County (population 706775) has 29.57 cases per 100k (implying 208.99 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Plymouth County (population 521202) has 29.93 cases per 100k (implying 156.00 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Suffolk County (population 803907) has 35.33 cases per 100k (implying 284.02 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Worcester County (population 830622) has 44.18 cases per 100k (implying 366.97 cases in the county), 10.3 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.8 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Medium.
The CDC community level data implies a total of 2,710.01 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.)
Statewide, newly reported confirmed deaths are down substantially to 49 and newly reported confirmed cases are down a bit to 2,612. Newly reported probable deaths and cases are also down from last week; in a not particularly pleasant milestone, the total number of probable cases broke the two hundred thousand mark this week. Hospitalization counts are down compared to last week at this time, as are all four seven-day averages. Unfortunately, the number of formally reported tests is also down, which rather reduces my confidence that the reported case numbers accurately reflect the actual infection numbers. The state last had a trailing-seven-day count of newly reported cases this low on July 23, 2021, when 2,603 new cases were reported over the previous week, compared to today's 2,612; for the seven days prior to and including July 23, the state reported almost four times as many tests (207,630 then versus 57,051 now).
The numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also trending in good directions, with eleven of fourteen counties (including my own county of Middlesex) in Massachusetts showing moderate community transmission and all fourteen showing low COVID Community Level. The current CDC guidance (based on community level) would imply no need for indoor public masking, as would the older guidance (based on community transmission level). However, as I note above, I don't buy that there are really that few a number of infectious folks wandering around as the official case rates imply.
Oh, and just in case anyone wants to claim that COVID isn't a problem? Maternal mortality climbed dramatically during the pandemic, according to a new study:
As of 5PM today (Thursday March 16, 2023), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is reporting 49 newly reported confirmed deaths (12 less than last Thursday - down 19.7%) for a total of 22,414 deaths, 2,612 newly reported confirmed cases (91 less than last Thursday - down 3.4%) for a total of 2,027,015 cases, and 57,051 newly reported molecular tests (611 less than last Thursday - down 1.1%). Note that today's death data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 7.0 newly reported deaths per day (54 less than last Thursday - down 88.5%).
Note that today's case/test data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 373.1 newly reported cases per day (2,330 less than last Thursday - down 86.2%), and 8,150.1 newly reported molecular tests per day (49,512 less than last Thursday - down 85.9%).
Note that last Thursday's death data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 8.7 newly reported deaths per day and today's newly reported deaths are 40 more than last Thursday's values - up 462.3%.
Note that last Thursday's case/test data covers 7 days. Averaged over that period, there were 386.1 newly reported cases per day and today's newly reported cases are 2,226 more than last Thursday's values - up 576.4%. There were 8,237.4 newly reported molecular tests per day and today's newly reported tests are 48,814 more than last Thursday's values - up 592.6%.
The seven day average positivity rate is 4.49%, compared to 4.85% last Thursday. The state also reported 9 newly reported probable deaths (14 less than last Thursday - down 60.9%) for a total of 1,977 and 661 newly reported probable cases (11 less than last Thursday - down 1.6%) for a total of 200,595. Combining the confirmed and probable numbers gives 58 new deaths for a total of 24,391 and 3,273 new cases for a total of 2,227,610. There were 423 COVID-19 patients in hospital (35 less than last Thursday - down 7.6%), 47 COVID-19 patients in ICUs (6 less than last Thursday - down 11.3%) and 15 COVID-19 patients on ventilators (intubated) (7 more than last Thursday - up 87.5%).
Of the four overview trends (formerly the Page 2 "key metrics"), the 7-day average of newly confirmed cases is 262.0 (26 less than last Thursday - down 9.0%), 309% above the lowest observed value of 64.0 on 6/25/2021 and 99.0% below the highest observed value of 23,233.0 on 1/8/2022. The 7-day weighted average of positive molecular test rate is 4.49% (0 less than last Thursday - down 7.5%), 1,358% above the lowest observed value of 0.3% on 6/25/2021 and 84% below the highest observed value of 27.7% on 4/15/2020. The 7-day average number of COVID-19 patients in hospital is 424.0 (57 less than last Thursday - down 11.9%), 404% above the lowest observed value of 84.0 on 7/8/2021 and 90% 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 less than last Thursday - down 14.3%), 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 8,565 non-ICU beds, of which 7,646 (89.3%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 376 (4.4%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 543 (6.3%) remained available. Hospitals also reported 1,209 ICU beds, of which 930 (76.9%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 47 (3.9%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 232 (19.2%) remained available. By comparison, hospitals reported last Thursday a total of 8,674 non-ICU beds, of which 7,754 (89.4%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 405 (5%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 515 (5.9%) remained available. Hospitals also reported last Thursday a total of 1,225 ICU beds, of which 945 (77.1%) were occupied by non-COVID patients, 53 (4.3%) were occupied by COVID patients, and 227 (18.5%) remained available.
One week ago (March 9), the 7 day confirmed case average was 288.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 7.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 481.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 4.85%.
Two weeks ago (March 2), the 7 day confirmed case average was 348.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 9.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 565.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 5.88%.
One year ago (March 16, 2022), the 7 day confirmed case average was 449.0, the 7 day confirmed deaths average was 9.0, the 7 day hospitalization average was 243.0, and the 7 day weighted average positivity rate was 1.53%.
Today being Thursday, the state also included city/town specific information in the daily download. My town of Acton is listed as having 4,232 total cases, with a two-week case count of 8 cases, a daily incidence rate of 2.4 which is lower than last week, with a corresponding risk color code of gray (if the state was still reporting color codes). Acton is also listed as having 114,582 total tests, with a two-week total test count of 294 and a two-week positive test count of 11, for a percent-positive rate of 3.74 which is lower than last week. The corresponding statewide figures are 2,027,015 total cases, with a two-week case count of 4,882 cases, a daily incidence rate of 5.0 which is lower than last week. Massachusetts is also listed as having 49,700,076 total tests, with a two-week total test count of 114,443 and a two-week positive test count of 5,731, for a percent-positive rate of 5.01 which is lower 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, 220 would be coded gray (compared to 204 last week), 51 would be coded green (compared to 26 last week), and 76 would be coded yellow (compared to 117 last week).The remaining 4 towns would be coded red (compared to 4 last week): Lunenburg, North Adams, Palmer, and Pittsfield.
1 cities/towns would be newly coded red this week (Lunenburg) and 1 cities/towns would no longer be coded red this week (Athol).
Of the 10 towns nearby (including my own town), 7 are coded gray (Acton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Littleton, Maynard, and Stow), none are coded green, 3 are coded yellow (Chelmsford, Sudbury, and Westford), and none are coded red.
Of the 10 towns near my church, 7 are coded gray (Acton, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Harvard, Maynard, and Stow), none are coded green, 3 are coded yellow (Hudson, Marlborough, and Sudbury), and none are coded red.
The daily raw data file used to create this report is available here.
As of March 16, 2023, the CDC reported a total of 1706 new deaths and 149955 new cases from 60 states and territories nationwide.
For Massachusetts, the CDC reported 58 new deaths and 3273 new cases.
The underlying query is available here.
This compares to the previous week:
As of March 9, 2023, the CDC reported a total of 2100 new deaths and 186793 new cases from 60 states and territories nationwide.
For Massachusetts, the CDC reported 84 new deaths and 3375 new cases.
The underlying query is available here.
As of March 16, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, of 3222 counties nationwide, 1129 counties (35.04% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of High, 726 counties (22.53% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial, 986 counties (30.60% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate, and 381 counties (11.82% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Low. The CDC also reported that, of the 14 counties in Massachusetts, 2 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial (Barnstable, Berkshire), and 12 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate (Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester).
Barnstable County has 63.38 cases per 100k, 6.51 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Berkshire County has 64.83 cases per 100k, 4.89 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Bristol County has 29.72 cases per 100k, 6.35 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Dukes County has 40.39 cases per 100k, 3.29 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Essex County has 38.91 cases per 100k, 3.87 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Franklin County has 27.07 cases per 100k, 3.82 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Hampden County has 47.6 cases per 100k, 4.34 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Hampshire County has 49.74 cases per 100k, 4.16 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Middlesex County has 36.42 cases per 100k, 4.71 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Nantucket County has 26.32 cases per 100k, 1.54 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Norfolk County has 32.26 cases per 100k, 4.31 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Plymouth County has 36.26 cases per 100k, 5.4 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Suffolk County has 32.09 cases per 100k, 4.23 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Worcester County has 39.37 cases per 100k, 4.96 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
The underlying query for this data is available here.
This compares to the previous week:
As of March 9, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, of 3222 counties nationwide, 1318 counties (40.91% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of High, 848 counties (26.32% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial, 829 counties (25.73% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate, and 227 counties (7.05% of total) have a Community Transmission Level of Low. The CDC also reported that, of the 14 counties in Massachusetts, 3 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Substantial (Barnstable, Berkshire, Hampden), and 11 counties have a Community Transmission Level of Moderate (Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester).
Barnstable County has 58.22 cases per 100k, 5.94 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Berkshire County has 88.04 cases per 100k, 7.24 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Bristol County has 34.15 cases per 100k, 7.29 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Dukes County has 34.62 cases per 100k, 6.34 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Essex County has 38.78 cases per 100k, 4.51 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Franklin County has 31.35 cases per 100k, 3.58 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Hampden County has 50.6 cases per 100k, 5.12 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of substantial
Hampshire County has 36.68 cases per 100k, 3.15 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Middlesex County has 39.34 cases per 100k, 5.44 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Nantucket County has 35.09 cases per 100k, 4.23 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Norfolk County has 29.57 cases per 100k, 4.79 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Plymouth County has 29.93 cases per 100k, 5.7 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Suffolk County has 35.33 cases per 100k, 4.76 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
Worcester County has 44.18 cases per 100k, 6.01 percent positive, and a Community Transmission level of moderate
The underlying query for this data is available here.
As of March 16, 2023, the CDC reported COVID Community Levels for 3220 counties nationwide: 27 counties (0.84%, representing 0.15% of the population) with High community level, 295 counties (9.16%, representing 6.27% of the population) with Medium community level, and 2898 counties (90.00%, representing 93.58% of the population) with Low community level. The CDC also reported that all 14 counties in Massachusetts (population 6892503) have a COVID Community Level of Low.
Barnstable County (population 212990) has 63.38 cases per 100k (implying 134.99 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Low.
Berkshire County (population 124944) has 64.83 cases per 100k (implying 81.00 cases in the county), 5.6 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.1 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Low.
Bristol County (population 565217) has 29.72 cases per 100k (implying 167.98 cases in the county), 5.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Dukes County (population 17332) has 40.39 cases per 100k (implying 7.00 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Essex County (population 789034) has 38.91 cases per 100k (implying 307.01 cases in the county), 3.5 hospitalizations per 100k and 1.6 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Franklin County (population 70180) has 27.07 cases per 100k (implying 19.00 cases in the county), 7.0 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Hampden County (population 466372) has 47.6 cases per 100k (implying 221.99 cases in the county), 4.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.6 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Hampshire County (population 160830) has 49.74 cases per 100k (implying 80.00 cases in the county), 4.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 4.6 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Middlesex County (population 1611699) has 36.42 cases per 100k (implying 586.98 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Nantucket County (population 11399) has 26.32 cases per 100k (implying 3.00 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Norfolk County (population 706775) has 32.26 cases per 100k (implying 228.01 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Plymouth County (population 521202) has 36.26 cases per 100k (implying 188.99 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Suffolk County (population 803907) has 32.09 cases per 100k (implying 257.97 cases in the county), 6.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.3 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Worcester County (population 830622) has 39.37 cases per 100k (implying 327.02 cases in the county), 7.0 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
The CDC community level data implies a total of 2,610.94 cases statewide.
The underlying query for this data is available here.
This compares to the previous week:
As of March 9, 2023, the CDC reported COVID Community Levels for 3219 counties nationwide: 61 counties (1.89%, representing 0.27% of the population) with High community level, 420 counties (13.05%, representing 9.48% of the population) with Medium community level, and 2738 counties (85.06%, representing 90.24% of the population) with Low community level. The CDC also reported the following COVID Community Levels for the 14 counties in Massachusetts (population 6892503): 3 counties (representing 14.88% of the state's population) with Medium community level (Berkshire, Franklin, Worcester), and 11 counties (representing 85.12% of the state's population) with Low community level (Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk).
Barnstable County (population 212990) has 58.22 cases per 100k (implying 124.00 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Low.
Berkshire County (population 124944) has 88.04 cases per 100k (implying 110.00 cases in the county), 11.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.5 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Medium.
Bristol County (population 565217) has 34.15 cases per 100k (implying 193.02 cases in the county), 6.5 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.9 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Dukes County (population 17332) has 34.62 cases per 100k (implying 6.00 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Essex County (population 789034) has 38.78 cases per 100k (implying 305.99 cases in the county), 5.1 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.2 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Franklin County (population 70180) has 31.35 cases per 100k (implying 22.00 cases in the county), 10.3 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.8 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Medium.
Hampden County (population 466372) has 50.6 cases per 100k (implying 235.98 cases in the county), 4.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Substantial and a community level of Low.
Hampshire County (population 160830) has 36.68 cases per 100k (implying 58.99 cases in the county), 4.9 hospitalizations per 100k and 5.0 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Middlesex County (population 1611699) has 39.34 cases per 100k (implying 634.04 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Nantucket County (population 11399) has 35.09 cases per 100k (implying 4.00 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Norfolk County (population 706775) has 29.57 cases per 100k (implying 208.99 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Plymouth County (population 521202) has 29.93 cases per 100k (implying 156.00 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Suffolk County (population 803907) has 35.33 cases per 100k (implying 284.02 cases in the county), 8.7 hospitalizations per 100k and 2.4 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Low.
Worcester County (population 830622) has 44.18 cases per 100k (implying 366.97 cases in the county), 10.3 hospitalizations per 100k and 3.8 COVID bed utilization, for a community transmission level of Moderate and a community level of Medium.
The CDC community level data implies a total of 2,710.01 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.)
Statewide, newly reported confirmed deaths are down substantially to 49 and newly reported confirmed cases are down a bit to 2,612. Newly reported probable deaths and cases are also down from last week; in a not particularly pleasant milestone, the total number of probable cases broke the two hundred thousand mark this week. Hospitalization counts are down compared to last week at this time, as are all four seven-day averages. Unfortunately, the number of formally reported tests is also down, which rather reduces my confidence that the reported case numbers accurately reflect the actual infection numbers. The state last had a trailing-seven-day count of newly reported cases this low on July 23, 2021, when 2,603 new cases were reported over the previous week, compared to today's 2,612; for the seven days prior to and including July 23, the state reported almost four times as many tests (207,630 then versus 57,051 now).
The numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also trending in good directions, with eleven of fourteen counties (including my own county of Middlesex) in Massachusetts showing moderate community transmission and all fourteen showing low COVID Community Level. The current CDC guidance (based on community level) would imply no need for indoor public masking, as would the older guidance (based on community transmission level). However, as I note above, I don't buy that there are really that few a number of infectious folks wandering around as the official case rates imply.
Oh, and just in case anyone wants to claim that COVID isn't a problem? Maternal mortality climbed dramatically during the pandemic, according to a new study:
The rate of Americans dying while giving birth — or in the weeks afterward — increased by more than one-third in 2021 compared with a year earlier, with the burden of death disproportionately borne by communities of color, according to a report released Thursday by U.S. health officials.
The number of maternal deaths jumped to 1,205 in 2021, up from 861 the previous year, according to the report from the National Center for Health Statistics. This means the rate at which all people died of medical conditions caused or aggravated by pregnancy increased from 23.8 to 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births.
This was the third consecutive year the nation's maternal mortality rate, long the highest among high-income nations, increased, a jump the report said was "significant" for all racial and ethnic groups.
In 2021, according to the report, Hispanic women's maternal mortality rate jumped about 54 percent, White women's increased 39 percent and Black women's 26 percent. That was the year the nation marked a gruesome milestone in the pandemic: By September 2021, 1 in every 500 Americans had succumbed to the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Although the new report does not mention the pandemic, maternal health experts said it was natural to assume the coronavirus fueled the rise in maternal deaths. Research has shown that pregnant people infected with the coronavirus have a seven times higher risk of dying compared with pregnant individuals who are not infected.
Camille Clare, an obstetrician who is chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in New York, said people infected with the coronavirus also had higher rates of complications, were more likely to be admitted to intensive care and saw an increase in neonatal issues, meaning more preterm births.