State health officials on Wednesday reported a spike of nearly 5,000 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily count since last winter’s surge, while COVID-19 hospitalizations again jumped.
The Department of Public Health’s report of 4,838 infections is the most in one day since Jan. 22’s count of 4,935 cases — when the general population had not been vaccinated.
Infections had been plateauing, but case counts are now significantly up in the last few weeks as Bay Staters scramble to get booster shots for extra protection. The highly transmissible omicron variant has now been confirmed in the U.S.
Cases are rising for a variety of reasons: More than 2 million people are still not fully vaccinated in Massachusetts, immunity is waning six months after getting the vaccine and more people are gathering indoors. Health officials are urging residents to get a booster if they’re eligible for it.
The single-day average of daily COVID-19 cases is now 1,972, significantly up from 1,129 cases a few weeks ago.
The average percent positivity has now spiked to 5.14%. The rate has tripled from 1.67% a few weeks ago. The positive test average for Wednesday’s count was 3.98%.
State health officials reported 25 new COVID deaths, bringing the state’s total recorded death toll to 19,430. The daily average of COVID deaths is now 9.4, compared to the record-low average of 1.3 in mid-July.
After COVID hospitalizations increased by 51 patients, the state’s overall patient count is now 957 patients. That count of 957 patients is a 91% spike in less than a month.
There are now 204 patients in intensive care units, and 104 patients are intubated.
Of the total 957 patients, 355 patients are fully vaccinated — or about 37%. Those who are unvaccinated are at a much higher risk for a severe case and hospitalization.
More than 4.8 million people in Massachusetts are fully vaccinated, and more than 5.7 million people have gotten at least one shot of the vaccine.
The state reported that more than 1.1 million people — 1,144,982 — have received a booster dose.
