Massachusetts 'Excessive Deaths' Falling To Normal Levels

MASSACHUSETTS — The number of people dying in Massachusetts is approaching normal levels after spiking in April during the height of the state's coronavirus crisis.

In a briefing to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Dr. Jeremy Faust said the "excessive mortality" rate has been near normal in Suffolk County for the past three weeks. Statewide, the number was still 113 percent of normal levels for the week ending June 17, but down from the peak of 230 percent for the week ending April 27.

"Massachusetts as a whole showed improvement from last week. Suffolk County counts appear stable/slightly improved as compared to last week, but still close to baseline (normal) levels," Faust wrote. "Overall, the number of deaths per week remains at historically high levels for this time of year for Massachusetts and near normal levels for Suffolk County."

Health experts have said the excessive death numbers give a clearer picture of the true toll and spread of the coronavirus than the daily, reported coronavirus death count released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

In April, experts warned that the actual coronavirus death toll was likely much higher than officials numbers released daily by Massachusetts and other states. Under-testing for coronavirus could mean people have died before getting diagnosed. It could also suggest some people are dying because they are not getting treatment for curable ailments out of fear of coming into contact with the virus at hospitals and other health care facilities.

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).