There is no good news in today’s report. The 7 day average percentage of positive cases for newly tested individuals hit 2.6% today, the highest level since June 14th. This rate has been climbing for several days, after being below 2.0% from the end of June until the first week of September. Repeat testers are now over 70% of those tested, and they continue to have a very low positivity rate of 0.2%. However, the results for first-time testers are so bad that total test rate positivity hit 0.9% after being at 0.8% for over a week.
Table 1: Massachusetts Testing Statistics | ||||
7 Day Trailing Average | ||||
September 25, 2020 | ||||
Testing Statistic | Current | 7 Days Ago | 4 Weeks Ago | |
Test Positivity Rate (Individuals) | 2.6% | 2.1% | 1.5% | |
Test Positivity Rate (Include Suspected) | 2.8% | 2.3% | 1.6% | |
Test Positivity Rate (All Tests) | 0.9% | 0.8% | 1.0% | |
Test Positivity Rate (Newly Tested) | 2.6% | 2.1% | 1.5% | |
Test Positivity Rate (Repeat Testers) | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | |
Percentage Repeat Testers | 73.1% | 69.2% | 47.1% | |
Newly Tested (Lagged 1 Week) | 16,689 | 14,682 | 19,555 | |
All Tests (Lagged 1 Week) | 54,177 | 46,426 | 29,485 |
Hospitalization statistics are no better than the testing statistics. The 7 day average of patients hospitalized is now at its highest level since mid-August. The number of patients in the ICU is at its highest level since mid-to-late July, and the number of intubated patients is higher than at any point since late July.
Table 2: Massachusetts Hospitalization Statistics | ||||
7 Day Trailing Average | ||||
September 25, 2020 | ||||
Hospitalization Statistic | Current | 7 Days Ago | 4 Weeks Ago | |
Covid Patients Hospitalized | 370 | 332 | 324 | |
Covid Patients in ICU | 69 | 62 | 60 | |
Covid Patients Intubed | 29 | 23 | 26 | |
New Confirmed Patients | 22 | 19 | 16 | |
Percent ICU / Hospitalized | 19% | 19% | 19% | |
Percent Intubated / ICU | 42% | 37% | 43% |
Although I don’t think case statistics are the best way to measure progress against the pandemic, it is notable that the 7 day average of reported confirmed cases is at the highest level since early June. And the death count marches onward, with little improvement in the number of deaths or the percentage of deaths in long-term care facilities. In short, we’re heading backwards.
Table 3: Massachusetts Reported Case and Death Statistics | ||||
7 Day Trailing Average | ||||
September 25, 2020 | ||||
Statistic | Current | 7 Days Ago | 4 Weeks Ago | |
Total Deaths Including Suspected | 15 | 13 | 17 | |
Total Deaths Confirmed Only | 14 | 13 | 17 | |
Deaths in Long-Term Facilities (All Cases) | 10 | 9 | 11 | |
Percent from Long-Term Care | 70% | 69% | 65% | |
Total Cases Including Suspected | 414 | 371 | 343 | |
Total Confirmed Cases | 392 | 338 | 322 |
One reply on “Massachusetts Data Update September 25, 2020”
Thank you for this. We are so grateful for the work you’ve done! Hoping your back is on the mend!