MA Coronavirus Case, Death Count Higher Than Most Countries

BOSTON — Massachusetts had 873 new coronavirus cases and 76 additional reported COVID-19 deaths Tuesday, according to the state Department of Public Health.

The new numbers bring total confirmed cases to 87,925 and reported deaths to 5,938 since the first COVID-19 death was reported March 20. With the new numbers, Massachusetts has more confirmed cases than have been reported in all but 11 countries and more deaths than have been recorded in all but eight countries, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, which track worldwide case and death counts.

By comparison, in China, where the virus was first detected, there have been 4,638 reported coronavirus deaths and 84,063 confirmed cases of COVID-19.The high number of cases in Massachusetts is likely attributable to high levels of testing.

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The closely-watched IHME model is now projecting Massachusetts will have 8,949 reported coronavirus deaths by Aug. 4. In the worst-case scenario, IHME said Massachusetts deaths could rise to as high as 12,057 by Aug. 4.

The new numbers, however, reflect a general downward trend in both new cases and reported deaths, which are crucial components in the four-phase reopening of the state economy outlined by Gov. Charlie Baker Monday. Tuesday's report showed a continued decline in the rate of positive tests, hospitalizations and the number of hospitals using surge capacity.

More Coronavirus Coverage On Massachusetts Patch:

• Record Unemployment Hits Some MA Communities Harder Than Others
• MA Small Business Hit Harder Than Most By Coronavirus Shutdown
• CVS Opens Coronavirus Testing Sites In 10 MA Towns
• Coronavirus Case Counts For Every Massachusetts Town (Updated May 13)

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).