Fall River confirms 363 total cases of COVID-19, Coogan addresses recent spike in cases

Fall River has seen 26 more confirmed positive cases of COVID-19.

According to Mayor Coogan’s Office, the City of Fall River has seen 363 total positive cases. As of Friday, 149 cases have cleared isolation.

The Fall River Health Department is in contact with the individuals who have tested positive as well as their contacts.

Sunday, Coogan confirmed 1 new case of COVID-19. Monday and Tuesday each saw 5 more cases. Wednesday saw 78 added cases to correct lab reporting issues and wasn’t a reflection of just the one day total. Thursday’s update revealed a high of 47 cases. Friday’s update revealed 23 addition cases of the coronavirus. Death’s in Fall River from the virus remain at 3.

Coogan believes that the recent spike in cases may be the result of reporting errors made by Quest, a national commercial laboratory, which affected case counts in multiple states including Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health received a backlog this week of almost 10,000 patient results (both positive and negative) from Quest dating back to April 13.

“Our public safety, medical personnel, caregivers, families and our city are in a ferocious battle right now that we will win with your help. Wear masks, wash hands, social distance and stay in as much as possible. Thanks guys!”

The Mayor continues to encourage residents to practice social distancing. This means keeping a distance of 6 feet between individuals. Continue to wash your hands on a regular basis, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and stay home as much as possible, especially when you are sick. These measures will help to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Today Freetown reported their first death due to COVID-19.