MA Coronavirus Updates: 96 More Deaths, 1,365 New Cases

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced 96 more deaths from the new coronavirus, bringing the state's death toll to 356. It was the largest jump in deaths in a single day, eclipsing the previous high of 33.

Officials also announced 1,365 more cases, bringing the total to 15,202.

There were 4,915 new tests conducted, bringing the number of tests statewide to 81,344.

The increases reflect both community transmission and more testing. Gov. Charlie Baker said the number of tests conducted is expected to grow because the Department of Public Health issued enhanced guidelines, including rapid testing, for residents and workers at senior living facilities.

A new rapid-testing site at a CVS in Lowell will be able to handle some 1,000 tests a day, Baker said. Officials are expecting the results for COVID-19 tests to come back within minutes.

Baker said the state has become a leader in testing.

"Massachusetts is now one of the largest and most expansive testers in the country," Baker said.

The cases in Massachusetts have also spread to the prison, as 17 Department of Corrections staff have tested positive for COVID-19. Forty-five inmates tested positive and at least three have died.

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