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Updates from October 2021

Live updates for Tuesday, November 30

Positivity rate eclipses 4% for first time since Jan. 2021

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that the state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 4.46%, up from 3.72% Monday. That’s the first time the state has had a positivity rate above 4% since January 27, 2021.

Mass. DPH also reported that there were 31 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the coronavirus to 18,991.

DPH also reported 2,915 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 855,442 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that 63,676 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 32,442,164 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Tuesday, 906 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 190 were in intensive care units and 100 were intubated.

State releases latest data on breakthrough cases

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Tuesday released the latest data on the number of breakthrough COVID-19 cases in the state.

As of Nov. 27, there have been 77,647 cumulative breakthrough cases in the commonwealth, accounting for roughly 1.6% of fully vaccinated individuals. It’s also an increase of more than 6,000 breakthrough cases from the cumulative report a week ago, which showed 71,037 breakthrough cases in the state.

Of those total cases, 2,443 resulted in hospitalizations while 586 people with breakthrough cases in the state have died since January 2021, DPH reported.

Monday, November 29

21 new deaths, 5,497 new cases reported over weekend

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Monday that there were 21 new deaths over the weekend among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,960.

DPH also reported 5,497 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 852,527 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Monday that 103,125 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 33,378,488 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Monday, 839 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 178 were in intensive care units and 102 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 3.72% Monday, up from 3.37% Friday.

Friday, November 26

24 new deaths, 5,058 new cases reported over Thanksgiving holiday

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Friday that there were 24 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts over the Thanksgiving holiday. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the coronavirus to 18,939.

DPH also reported 5,058 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts over that timespan. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 847,030 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Friday that 171,111 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19 during that span. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 33,275,363 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Friday, 771 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 156 were in intensive care units and 84 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 3.37% Friday, up from 3.31% Wednesday.

Wednesday, November 24

18 new deaths, 2,978 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Wednesday that there were 18 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the coronavirus to 18,915.

DPH also reported 2,978 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 841,972 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Wednesday that 112,783 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 33,104,252 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Wednesday, 764 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 165 were in intensive care units and 89 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 3.31% Wednesday, up from 3.28% Tuesday.

Tuesday, November 23

24 new deaths, 2,616 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that there were 24 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the coronavirus to 18,897.

DPH also reported 2,616 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 838,994 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that 74,199 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 32,991,469 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Tuesday, 740 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 154 were in intensive care units and 80 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 3.28% Tuesday, up from 3.07% Monday.

State releases latest data on breakthrough cases

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Tuesday released the latest data on the number of breakthrough COVID-19 cases in the state.

As of Nov. 20, there have been 71,037 cumulative breakthrough cases in the commonwealth, accounting for roughly 1.5% of fully vaccinated individuals. It’s also an increase of nearly 7,000 breakthrough cases from the cumulative report a week ago, which showed 64,120 breakthrough cases in the state.

Of those total cases, 2,285 resulted in hospitalizations while 552 people with breakthrough cases in the state have died since January 2021, DPH reported.

MIAA releases mask guidelines for winter sports

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association released its mask guidelines for winter sports at associated MA schools. The guidelines are the same ones that the association used for the fall season as student-athletes, coaches and officials are required to wear masks indoors.

“This information is consistent with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [DESE], and set forth by the Commissioner of Education,” the MIAA wrote.

“Continue the practice of communicating with member schools that may or may not have reached the 80% vaccination threshold.”

DESE will reassess its masking guidelines on January 15, 2022.

Monday, November 22

17 new deaths, 6,801 new cases reported over weekend

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Monday that there were 17 new deaths over the weekend among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,873.

DPH also reported 6,801 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 836,378 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Monday that 215,631 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 32,917,270 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Monday, 708 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 143 were in intensive care units and 81 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests was 3.07% Monday.

Wednesday, November 17

DESE approves 18 school requests to lift mask mandates

The state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved 18 of 24 requests from local schools to lift their mask mandates after reaching the 80% vaccination threshold, the organization told Boston 25 News on Wednesday.

“DESE approval does not necessarily mean that the schools have chosen to lift their mask requirement yet; to find out whether they’re doing so, you would have to contact the districts,” DESE wrote.

The following districts had their requests granted:

• Hopkinton High School
• Ashland High School
• Westborough High School
• Westwood HS
• Sarah Gibbons Middle School in Westborough
• Algonquin Regional High School (in Northborough)
• Norwell High School
• Medway High School
• Franklin High School
• King Phillip Regional HS (in Wrentham)
• Dover-Sherborn Regional High School
• Longmeadow High School
• Scituate High School
• Weston High School
• Milford High School
• New England Academy School - approved special ed school
• Corwin-Russell School @ Broccoli Hall - approve special ed school
• Cotting School - approved special ed school

20 new deaths, 2,650 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Wednesday that there were 20 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the coronavirus to 18,826.

DPH also reported 2,650 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 823,800 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Wednesday that 97,274 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 32,487,213 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Wednesday, 642 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 124 were in intensive care units and 63 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 2.84% Wednesday, up from 2.61% Tuesday.

Tuesday, November 16

24 new deaths, 1,848 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that there were 24 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the coronavirus to 18,806.

DPH also reported 1,848 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 821,150 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that 53,779 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 32,389,939 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Tuesday, 599 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 124 were in intensive care units and 63 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 2.61% Tuesday, up from 2.32% Monday and Friday.

Monday, November 15

24 new deaths, 5,248 new cases reported over weekend

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Monday that there were 24 new deaths over the weekend among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,782.

DPH also reported 5,248 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 819,302 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Monday that 210,294 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 32,336,160 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Monday, 554 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 127 were in intensive care units and 71 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests remained at 2.32% Monday.

Friday, November 12

19 new deaths, 3,700 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Friday that there were 19 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the coronavirus to 18,758.

DPH also reported 3,708 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 815,054 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Friday that 187,430 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 32,125,866 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Friday, 522 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 131 were in intensive care units and 66 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 2.32 % Friday, up from 2.15% Wednesday.

Wednesday, November 10

20 new deaths, 1,745 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Wednesday that there were 20 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,739.

DPH also reported 1,745 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 810,346 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Wednesday that 90,440 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 31,938,436 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Wednesday, 527 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 141 were in intensive care units and 74 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 2.15% Wednesday, up from 2.05% Tuesday.

Tuesday, November 9

24 new deaths, 1,397 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that there were 24 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,719.

DPH also reported 1,397 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 808,601 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that 63,441 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 31,847,996 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Tuesday, 515 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 143 were in intensive care units and 81 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 2.05% Tuesday, up from 1.86% Monday.

Monday, November 8

6 new deaths, 4,039 new cases reported over weekend

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Monday that there were six new deaths over the weekend among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,695.

DPH also reported 4,039 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 807,204 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Monday that 211,037 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 31,784,555 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Monday, 516 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 138 were in intensive care units and 72 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests decreased to 1.86% Monday, down from 1.92% Friday.

Friday, November 5

18 new deaths, 1,598 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Friday that there were 18 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,689.

DPH also reported 1,598 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 803,165 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Friday that 98,364 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 31,573,518 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Friday, 502 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 145 were in intensive care units and 82 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 1.92% Friday, up from 1.84% Thursday.

Thursday, November 4

DESE releases last 2 weeks worth of COVID data

The state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released a pair of reports Thursday on the number of COVID-19 cases in the state’s participating schools. While those updates are usually released on a weekly basis, DESE had to forgo last week’s report due to the fall nor’easter that knocked out power across numerous parts of the commonwealth.

For the week of Oct. 21 through Oct. 27, DESE reported that 1,502 students reported positive cases of COVID-19. Additionally, DESE said that 243 teachers reported positive cases of COVID-19 between those same dates.

“The weekly COVID case reports for October 28th and November 4th were impacted by the weather events and resulting power outages from last week. Many school districts, education collaboratives, and approved special education schools were unable to report positive cases on the normal schedule as a result of the power outages,” DESE wrote Thursday. “Therefore, it is possible that some positive cases from the week of October 28th have been included in the report for the week of November 4th. Please keep this in mind when looking at the weekly trends of reported positive cases.”

For the week of Oct. 28 through Nov. 3, DESE reported that 1,879 students reported positive cases of COVID-19. Additionally, DESE said that 339 teachers reported positive cases of COVID-19 between those same dates.

“More than 2,200 public and private schools across the Commonwealth are participating in COVID testing of students and staff members being offered at no cost by the state, either rapid testing, pooled testing, test and stay, or a combination of all three,” DESE wrote. “This is more than double the number of schools that participated in testing last year.”

There are an estimated 920,000 students -- 185,000 more than were in school last spring -- and 140,000 teachers participating in in-person learning in MA public and private school buildings, meaning that 0.20% of students and 0.24% of teachers reported COVID-19 cases between Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 while 0.16% of students and 0.17% of teachers reported positive cases the prior week.

23 new deaths, 1,586 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Thursday that there were 23 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,671.

DPH also reported 1,586 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 801,567 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Thursday that 104,430 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 31,475,154 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Thursday, 509 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 147 were in intensive care units and 83 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests increased to 1.84% Thursday, up from 1.81% Wednesday.

Wednesday, November 3

15 new deaths, 1,290 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Wednesday that there were 15 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,648.

DPH also reported 1,290 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 799,981 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Wednesday that 91,096 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 31,370,724 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Wednesday, 524 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 141 were in intensive care units and 71 were intubated.

The state’s seven-day weighted average of positive molecular tests was 1.81% Wednesday.

Tuesday, November 2

25 new deaths, 1,066 new cases reported

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that there were 25 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,633.

DPH also reported 1,066 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 798,691 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that 48,887 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 31,279,628 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Tuesday, 522 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 130 were in intensive care units and 70 were intubated.

State unveils latest data on breakthrough COVID-19 cases

The state’s Department of Public Health published new data Tuesday on the amount of breakthrough COVID-19 cases - defined as COVID-19 cases in people who were fully vaccinated more than 14 days ago - in Massachusetts.

Per Mass. DPH, there have been 54,199 breakthrough cases of COVID-19 in the state as of Saturday, October 30. That’s an increase of more than 3,000 cases from the 51,007 breakthrough cases reported in Massachusetts as of October 23. The most recent number of breakthrough cases in the commonwealth represents 1.1% of fully vaccinated individuals.

Of those cases, 1,793 resulted in hospitalizations while 438 people with breakthrough cases in the state died, DPH reported.

Monday, November 1

7 new deaths, 3,243 new cases reported over weekend

The state’s Department of Public Health reported Monday that there were seven new deaths over the weekend among people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That pushes the total number of deaths in the commonwealth among people with confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus to 18,608.

DPH also reported 3,243 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the commonwealth has seen 797,625 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

In an update to the state’s testing numbers, the Department of Public Health reported Monday that 195,506 new molecular tests have been administered in Massachusetts for COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has given out 31,230,74 total molecular tests for the virus.

As of Monday, 531 people remained hospitalized with coronavirus statewide. Of these patients, 137 were in intensive care units and 75 were intubated.

RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

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