MA Coronavirus: 96 New Deaths, Total Cases Pass 20K

BOSTON — On the first day of a period state leaders have been warning of as a possible surge of coronavirus patients, health officials revealed the highest single-day coronavirus deaths yet.

The Department of Public Health announced 96 more deaths and 2,033 more cases, bringing the totals to 599 deaths and 20,974 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. There were 7,414 more tests administered for a total of 102,372.

The numbers were released Friday afternoon, the first day of what Gov. Charlie Baker and others have been warning could be the peak of the health crisis. Baker said models predict Massachusetts will average around 2,500 confirmed cases per day.

Hours before the numbers were revealed, Baker advised all residents to wear masks when at the grocery store, pharmacy and other essential public places during the coronavirus crisis. He also signed a bill suspending MCAS tests as a requirement for graduation for the 2019-20 school year.

Baker said the mask advisory is consistent with CDC-issued recommendations. He said anyone that cannot maintain a 6-foot distance from others should wear a mask.

Baker and CDC officials have said wearing a mask or a cloth face-covering can help flatten the curve. Surgical mask and N-95 respirators remain in short supply and should be reserved for health care workers and first responders combating COVID-19.

"This protects you from others and protects others from you," Baker said in a news conference Friday. "It works both ways."

Baker urged people to stay home and said social distancing is "the single greatest weapon" the state has at its disposal to flatten the curve.

Baker said the state's case fatality rate is 2.7 percent. He said it's less than some other states, but he expects it to rise.

Hospitals Hoping For Best, Preparing For Worst

"It's important people heed our guidance and stay home as much as possible," Baker said. "I cannot tell you enough how critical this is."

Massachusetts will also need more hospital beds for doctors and nurses to be able to handle the expected surge in COVID-19 patients, Baker said. As of Friday afternoon, Massachusetts hospital beds are at around 55 percent capacity.

Baker said 3,500 additional beds are being brought in. The state should have a target of more 2,700 ICU beds, with 2,200 of those being reserved for COVID-19 patients.

He said state officials are targeting five sites for temporary hospitals. Baker expects additional facilities to open in Merrimack Valley and Cape Cod next week, as well as a Springfield facility at a later date.

State officials are monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on different regions across Massachusetts, tracking beds in those areas and are prepared to move beds based on the level of care required, Baker said.

Baker said staying home will be difficult for families, especially those celebrating Easter Sunday, but emphasized the importance that people continue to play their part in social distancing.

“This will be the first Easter I haven't spent with my mom and dad in at least 50 years ..." Baker said. "It’s cruel at a time when we need hugs the most staying apart is the best thing we can do for one another."