Nearly 1 In 5 MA COVID-19 Tests Positive In Latest 7-Day Average

MASSACHUSETTS — The seven-day, average positivity rate for coronavirus tests in Massachusetts was 19.87 percent, up from 18.42 percent Friday, in the latest report released Monday afternoon by the state department of public health.

The state also reported 31,184 new, confirmed COVID-19 virus cases in Massachusetts, up from Friday's record-breaking 21,397 cases. Monday's report includes cases confirmed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There have been 91,147 additional COVID-19 cases confirmed in Massachusetts since last Tuesday, when the state reported its 1 millionth case.

According to Monday's report, 2,221 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, including 402 patients in intensive care and 245 who were on ventilators. There were also 39 reported coronavirus deaths, bringing the total to 19,860 since the first Massachusetts COVID-19 death was reported on March 20, 2020.

Earlier on Monday: COVID Cases, Chaos Surge As MA Goes Back To School, Work

The actual numbers, however, are likely much higher. Massachusetts residents have struggled to find at-home testing kits, and many testing sites have had to begin taking appointments because of the increased demand. In Salem, a staff shortage forced a test site to limit hours this week.

While not unexpected after two holiday weekends to end 2021, the report comes as public schools scrambled to test teachers and staff after the winter break and as worker shortages added to travelers' woes. As of 4:30 p.m. Monday, 134 flights to and from Boston's Logan International Airport had been canceled in the previous 24 hours as major airlines continued to try to find crews healthy enough to fly.

State officials have largely left handling the current surge to local governments. While the state implemented a mask advisory last month, Gov. Charlie Baker has resisted calls for a mask mandate and rejected moving schools to remote or hybrid learning models.

Several local governments are now moving to implement local mask mandates, which require a face covering in any public space, including businesses. Beverly's health board will try again to discuss and vote on a mask mandate Wednesday after last week's virtual meeting was overrun by more than 300 participants and had to be halted. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said some city employees would work remotely for the next two weeks in an effort to slow the surge.