Coronavirus Hospitalizations Continue Climbing Across MA
Coronavirus hospitalizations continued their ascent in the Department of Public Health's daily update, a troubling trend following a weekend spike of confirmed cases.
There were 418 COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts hospitals as of midday Monday, the most since July 23. It's an increase of 10 from Sunday, which itself had an increase of 54 from Saturday. Saturday's numbers did have a decrease of 35 hospitalizations from Friday.
The three-day average of COVID-19 hospitalizations is at 393, which is 85 more than the average just two weeks ago. The current three-day average is 30 percent higher than it was at its minimum level.
There were 367 newly confirmed coronavirus cases and 11 deaths related to the virus Monday, which is typically one of the lower reporting days. The positive rate for 13,049 molecular tests was 2.8 percent.
The weekend saw more than 1,100 confirmed coronavirus cases and 31 deaths, as well the spike in hospitalizations and a sharp increase in positive test rate.
There were 515 confirmed cases Saturday with a positive test rate of 3.6 percent. On Sunday, there were 594 confirmed cases Sunday with a positive test rate of 3.2 percent.
Related: Latest Town-By-Town Coronavirus Data
The state has designated 15 cities and towns as high-risk communities for COVID-19 infections. Last week, Holliston and Marlborough joined Chelsea, Everett, Framingham, Lawrence, Lynn, Nantucket, New Bedford, Revere, Saugus, Tyngsborough, Winthrop, Worcester and Wrentham in the red, meaning there are more than eight confirmed cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks.
It's not known if the recent increase is the precursor to a second COVID-19 spike during the fall and winter months. Some officials have talked about expecting a bump in the weeks after Labor Day.
The climb comes as the state pushes for communities categorized as low-risk to get students back in class and relaxes some dining restrictions. Changes that allow for bar seating at restaurants and increase the number of people who can sit at a table take effect Monday.
Related: Massachusetts Restaurant Rule Changes Go Into Effect
This article originally appeared on the Boston Patch
