MA Coronavirus Surge Expected In Mid-April

A surge in coronavirus patients in Massachusetts is expected in mid-April, Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday afternoon.

Calculations suggest the surge could be between April 7-17, Baker said. It was the first time a state official offered a timeline on when COVID-19 cases could hit such an acceleration.

Baker did not offer an estimate of how many patients there could be, saying he wanted to avoid a "cold, impersonal number."

As of Sunday afternoon, the coronavirus death toll in Massachusetts was 48, with 4,955 positive cases.

Baker said the state is considering extending the nonessential business closures that were set to expire April 7.

Baker also said that state received a shipment of medical supplies from the national strategic stockpile and expects 1,000 ventilators in early April.

President Donald Trump said Sunday the federal government was "dealing with the governor [Baker] very strongly, and trying to get things to Massachusetts as rapidly as possible."

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