Massachusetts On Brink Of Grim Coronavirus Milestone

At some point Thursday, whenever the state releases its daily coronavirus update alongside its weekly map, Massachusetts will have officially passed a once-unimaginable milestone.

The number of confirmed deaths related to COVID-19 will pass 10,000, assuming there are six more reported. (There were 37 reported in Wednesday's report.)

In all likelihood, the state already passed 10,000 deaths related to the virus. The Department of Public Health reports there have been 10,222 deaths "total deaths in COVID-19 cases," though 228 of those haven't been confirmed to be related.

Whatever the exact number since the first coronavirus victim died in Massachusetts in early March, it partially represents the devastation wrought by a pandemic that shows no sign of slowing down.

There has been a startling spike in coronavirus cases since Labor Day, reversing what had been a much slower trend over the summer. On Wednesday there were 2,495 confirmed cases and a seven-day average positive test rate of 2.88 percent.

There are now 659 people hospitalized with the virus, 152 of which are in intensive care. More than 2 in 3 hospitals beds and half the intensive care beds are now being used, prompting the state to bring back field hospitals.

Even as the virus rages, the rate of deaths has slowed considerably since the early spring, when a high of 204 deaths was reported on April 24. An increasing knowledge of the virus, including what groups are most at risk, has helped bring the fatalities down.

The average age of those who have died is 80, according to state data. More than 60 percent of deaths were reported in long-term care facilities.

The recent deluge of case have targeted younger people, particularly as the weather worsens and people spend more time with one another inside.

Gov. Charlie Baker recently issued a new set of guidelines aimed at minimizing the spread of the virus. People are required to wear masks in all public places regardless of social distancing, many businesses must close at 9:30 p.m. and a stay-at-home advisory is in effect beginning at 10 p.m.