Massachusetts health officials on Wednesday reported 1,362 new coronavirus cases, which was significantly down from the high point hit in last week’s daily reports as the positive test rate continued to trend lower.
Infection tallies have been up week-over-week amid the delta variant surge, but the daily report of 1,362 new virus cases was a drop from 1,796 infections last Wednesday.
The single-day average of COVID-19 cases is now 1,076.
The average percent positivity is now 2.38%. The rate has been coming down from 2.98% a few weeks ago.
State health officials also reported 15 new COVID deaths, bringing the state’s total recorded death toll to 18,314. The daily average of COVID deaths is now 6.7.
After COVID hospitalizations went up by 21 patients, the state’s overall patient count is now 622 patients.
There are now 167 patients in intensive care units, and 93 patients are intubated.
The COVID hospitalization total of 622 patients is now nearly eight times the total of 80 patients on July 4.
Of the total 622 patients, 164 patients are fully vaccinated — or about 26%. Those who are unvaccinated are at a much higher risk for a severe case and hospitalization.
The state Department of Public Health also released its weekly age group data, showing that the 20-29 age group continues to account for the most COVID cases.
The 20-29 age group had 4,335 cases during the last two weeks, followed by the 30-39 age group with 3,460 cases.
The next highest age group is 40-49 with 2,473 cases, and then it’s the 50-59 age group with 2,330 cases.
More than 4.53 million people in Massachusetts are fully vaccinated, and more than 5 million people have gotten at least one shot.
