In Peabody, 80 Percent Of Coronavirus Deaths In Nursing Homes

PEABODY, MA — Nursing homes continue to be the front line in Peabody's fight against the new coronavirus.

In a message to residents, Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt said 44 percent of the city's 758 confirmed cases and 80 percent of the reported, coronavirus-related death were either residents or staff members at one of the Peabody's long-term care facility. Statewide, cases originating in long-term care facilities account for more than half of all COVID-19 deaths.

"Our community grieves for all those who have lost their lives to this disease and we offer our love and support to their families during this extremely difficult time," Bettencourt said in a message posted on social media.

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In a weekly report from the state Department of Public Health released Wednesday, Peabody had 1,326.98 confirmed coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents. The statewide infection rate is 1,033.83 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents.

Of the 758 total cases, 112 patients, or 15 percent, are listed as "recovered." There were other bright spots in a report released by the city this week, including a downward trend in the number of new confirmed cases in recent days. After 22 new cases were reported on April 28, the number has gone down, with just a single new confirmed case in Peabody on May 4.

"Area hospitals report that they are not being overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and our physical distancing and face covering efforts are reducing transmission and flattening the curve," Bettencourt said.

More Coronavirus Coverage On Massachusetts Patch:

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• Coronavirus Case Counts For Every Massachusetts Town (Updated May 6)

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).