No New Coronavirus-Related Deaths In Newton For Third Week

NEWTON, MA — It's been three weeks since a Newton resident died because of complications related to the coronavirus, according to city data.

Still, state officials are cautioning residents to continue to wear face coverings, stay 6 feet away from people not in their household, wash hands frequently and stay home when not feeling well in an effort to help keep the virus from making a comeback.

Gov. Charlie Baker said he's encouraged by the progress Massachusetts has made in containing the spread of the coronavirus.

While other states such as Florida and Texas have seen recent spikes in cases, Massachusetts has continued to see sharp declines in new cases and hospitalization rates, Baker said during a news conference Tuesday.

As of Monday, 937 people statewide were hospitalized with COVID-19, which was a 74 percent drop since April 15. Epidemiologits say the commonwealth ison track to contain the coronavirus.

Newton might be a good example of that. Across the city as of June 30, some 765 Newton residents have tested positive for the virus, up eight since June 16. About 42 percent of those who tested positive were people residing in congregant living-facilities such as nursing, or assisted living facilities. During the pandemic 118 people in Newton have died because of complications to the illness the virus causes, COVID-19.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, a column, event or opinion piece.