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Massachusetts health officials reported 4,162 new coronavirus cases Sunday, another high count of cases, while state officials also reported 60 new deaths from the virus.
Sunday’s tally of 4,162 cases follows Saturday’s 3,995 cases, Friday’s 5,632 cases and Thursday’s 4,985 cases. Case counts have shot up in the weeks after Thanksgiving, and officials are advising people to limit Christmas gatherings to their households.
The state Department of Public Health on Sunday reported 60 more virus deaths, bringing the state’s total COVID-19 death toll to 11,717. The seven-day average of coronavirus daily deaths has dropped from a peak of 161 in May to 47 now.
Of Massachusetts’ 323,531 total recorded cases, at least 206,843 people have recovered. Health officials estimate there are 82,617 active cases across the state.
The seven-day weighted average of the state’s positive test rate — removing higher education institutions — remains at an elevated level.
That number at the start of September was 1.63%, but the rate is now 7.53%.
Statewide coronavirus hospitalizations on Sunday ticked down by eight patients, bringing the hospitalization total to 1,919.
There are currently 387 COVID-19 patients who are in intensive care units, and 205 patients who are intubated.
The 1,919 total 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 11,717 total coronavirus deaths, 7,139 are connected to long-term care facilities.
The U.S. has recorded more than 317,000 virus deaths. The country’s death toll is the highest in the world.
More than 17.8 million coronavirus cases have been recorded in the U.S. — also the most in the world. More than 6 million people have recovered.