COVID cases jump in state as 11 more deaths cited

Massachusetts health officials on Wednesday reported a jump of 1,796 coronavirus cases, which was the highest daily count in months as COVID-19 hospitalizations ticked back up over 600 patients.

State health officials also reported 11 new COVID deaths a day after the state recorded its highest daily death count in months.

Infection tallies have been up amid the delta variant surge. The daily count of 1,796 cases was the highest since April 16’s tally of 1,962 infections.

The single-day average of COVID-19 cases is now 1,110, which compares to the lowest average of 64 daily cases in late June.

The average percent positivity is now 2.57%. The rate has been coming down from 2.98% a few weeks ago.

After the 11 new COVID deaths, the state’s total recorded death toll is now 18,257. The daily average of COVID deaths is now 6.0, up from the record-low average of 1.1 in mid-July.

After COVID hospitalizations rose by 29 patients, the state’s overall patient count is now 620 patients.

There are now 169 patients in intensive care units, and 104 patients are intubated.

The COVID hospitalization total of 620 patients is now nearly eight times the total of 80 patients on July 4.

Of the total 620 patients, 159 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 3,930 cases during the last two weeks, followed by the 30-39 age group with 3,369 cases.

The next highest age group is 40-49 with 2,356 cases, and then it’s the 50-59 age group with 2,180 cases.

More than 4.5 million people in Massachusetts are fully vaccinated, and more than 5 million people have gotten at least one shot.