Bay State’s new COVID cases jump by 2,716

Massachusetts health officials on Wednesday reported a spike of 2,716 new coronavirus cases, which was the highest single-day tally since early February.

Infections have surged amid the more highly contagious delta variant. The 2,716 COVID cases is the most infections reported in one day since Feb. 7’s count of 3,004 cases.

The single-day average of COVID-19 cases is now 1,381, compared to 200 cases two months ago.

The average percent positivity is now 2.44%. The rate has been coming down from 2.98% a few weeks ago.

The positive test average for Wednesday’s count was 2.26%. The 119,979 tests were the most in one day since Feb. 6.

State health officials also reported 15 new COVID deaths, bringing the state’s total recorded death toll to 18,408. The daily average of COVID deaths is now 9.3, compared to the record-low average of 1.3 in mid July.

After COVID hospitalizations declined by one patient, the state’s overall patient count is now 706 patients.

There are now 173 patients in intensive care units, and 93 patients are intubated.

The COVID hospitalization total of 706 patients is now nearly nine times the total of 80 patients on July 4.

Of the total 706 patients, 200 patients are fully vaccinated — or about 28%. 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 4,911 cases during the last two weeks, followed by the 30-39 age group with 3,549 cases.

The next highest age group is 40-49 with 2,616 cases, and then it’s the 50-59 age group with 2,435 cases.

More than 4.56 million people in Massachusetts are fully vaccinated, and more than 5 million people have gotten at least one shot.