State sets one-day record for virus cases

Massachusetts health officials on Wednesday reported 118 new coronavirus deaths and 6,135 new cases, a singleday record high for cases as Gov. Charlie Baker urged residents to stay home and not host large gatherings on New Year’s Eve.

Wednesday’s tally of 6,135 cases follows Tuesday’s 3,659 cases, and Monday’s 4,060 cases. Cases have skyrocketed since Thanksgiving, along with hospitalizations across the Bay State.

The previous high was 6,477 cases on Dec. 3, but 680 of those cases was backlogged. The 6,135 single-day cases on Wednesday exceeds the 5,797 single-day cases on Dec. 3.

Baker on Wednesday noted that hospitals are significantly strained, and he pleaded with people to stay home for New Year’s Eve, another holiday that medical experts say could be a national superspreading event.

“We’re again urging everyone, if they can, to stay home,” Baker said at a press conference. “Please don’t host big New Year’s gatherings at your own home, and do try to spend the time with people you live with.”

Wednesday’s 118 new virus deaths bring the state’s total COVID-19 death toll to 12,338. The 118 new deaths is more than double the sevenday average of daily deaths, which is now 58. The sevenday average of daily deaths peaked at 161 in May.

Of Massachusetts’ 367,918 total recorded cases, at least 229,910 people have recovered. Health officials estimate there are 78,810 active cases across the state.

The seven-day weighted average of the state’s positive test rate — removing higher education institutions — is spiking. That number at the start of September was 1.63%, but the rate is now 9.37%. It was 7.26% a week ago.

Statewide coronavirus hospitalizations on Wednesday went down by two patients, bringing the hospitalization total to 2,257.

The 2,257 patients is a significant increase from 436 patients at the start of November.

The highest peak of Massachusetts’ coronavirus hospitalizations was 3,965 on

April 21.

Of the state’s 12,338 total coronavirus deaths, 7,340 are connected to long-term care facilities.

The U.S. has recorded more than 341,000 coronavirus deaths. The country’s death toll is the highest in the world.

More than 19.6 million coronavirus cases have been recorded in the U.S. — also the most in the world.