Massachusetts COVID-19 reported cases and reported deaths dramatically increase due to data collection change

Massachusetts saw continued decreases in COVID-19 deaths overall and hospitalizations, however, data collection has undergone a change.

Today, the Department of Public Health began reporting both confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases and deaths.

This change is in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control to include “probable” COVID-19 cases and deaths in data collection and reporting efforts. This change has increased the number of cases and deaths reported in Massachusetts. Today’s newly reported totals are a result of a retrospective review of probable cases and deaths dating back to March 1, 2020.

Probable cases are individuals who have not been tested by the standard viral (molecular) test. They have either 1) had a positive antibody test and either had COVID symptoms or were likely to be exposed to a positive case or 2) did not have an antibody test but had COVID symptoms and were known to be exposed to a positive case.

Probable cases also include individuals whose death certificate listed COVID-19 as a cause of death, but who were not tested.

Also included is data on the total number daily and cumulative COVID-19 antibody tests performed. Antibody tests are blood tests used to determine if a person had COVID-19 in the past and now has antibodies against the virus.

Molecular, or viral, testing, which is performed by nasal swab, is conducted to determine if an individual is currently infected with COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, DPH has reported on the number of confirmed cases and deaths that had a POSITIVE COVID-19 molecular test result

Massachusetts has seen 3,840 more positive cases announced in the last 24 hours. A decrease from the previous 24 hour period.

The Massachusetts Department of Health statistics show a rise in total cases to 100,805 with 189 more reported dead for a total of 7,035.

Massachusetts had seen 664 more positive cases in the previous 24 hour period.

7,066 tests were performed, over 3,200 less than the total released yesterday, to increase the overall total to 599,919.

Hospitalizations have decreased in 18 of the last 20 days with a continued decline in deaths overall.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Dashboard

Governor Baker also announced which businesses will open in phases 2, 3 and 4.

Cases by City and Town as of May 27th

Count and Rate (per 100,000) of Confirmed COVID-19Casesand Persons Tested1in MA by City/Town, January 1, 2020 –May 27, 2020

Massachusetts residents subject to COVID-19 quarantine by current status up to May 26th
• Total of individuals subject to quarantine: 59,565
• Total of individuals who have completed monitoring (no longer in quarantine): 46,354
• Total of individuals currently undergoing monitoring/under quarantine: 13,211

According to the CDC, as of June 1st, the total amount of cases in the country is 1,787,680 with 104,396 dead.