2 More Coronavirus Deaths In Framingham, Cases Jump

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham reported two new coronavirus deaths on Thursday, bringing the city's total during the pandemic to 11. Framingham also saw a leap of 80 new coronavirus cases, bringing the citywide total so far to 515.

Framingham officials said the increase is partially attributable to a high number of people in long-term care facilities who have tested positive, but are not symptomatic.

Health Director Dr. Samuel Wong said that increased testing at long-term care facilities would mean a continued rise in overall cases in the city.

"As more long term care facilities test all of their residents and staff, regardless if they are symptomatic or not, we are going to see the number of those who test positive for COVID-19 increase, and we anticipate those higher numbers to continue for the time being," Wong said.

Framingham is also offering help to senior care facilities through the fire and health departments by helping with testing, medical supplies, and even staffing.

Massachusetts saw an enormous increase of more than 3,000 cases on Thursday — the largest so far — but that was largely due to a record 14,000 coronavirus tests. The total number of coronavirus cases is at 46,023, while the total number of deaths is 2,360.

MCI-Framingham continues to be a hot spot in the city. The state Department of Corrections said Thursday that 28 inmates and 13 staff members have tested positive so far.