Salem Hospital Blames Computer Error For False Coronavirus Report

SALEM, MA — Coronavirus-related hospitalizations are down significantly in recent weeks at the North Shore's biggest hospital.

They are just not quite down as far as some reports said they were on Monday.

"Today, a computer glitch led to an incorrect report of zero COVID-19 patients in our hospital," Salem Hospital said in a statement late Monday afternoon. "In fact, we have eight patients today.

"A number to celebrate, but not the same as zero."

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll was among those promoting the "zero" patient threshold earlier in the day, but was a good sport about the minor mixup.

The eight coronavirus patients are down from the 23 reported on April 20, according to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The state reported Monday there were 522 coronavirus-related patients hospitalized statewide with a seven-day positive test average of 1.49 percent.

"Let's all keep wearing masks, and maintaining distance indoors, and in crowds and we can get there!" the hospital said.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)