Here’s where the Mace stands in its battle against COVID-19 as we begin 2021 – NBC Boston

New Years Eve in Boston was a far cry from the chaotic and wild scenes of previous years as the state set a record for daily coronavirus cases. Many heeded the warnings from state officials to celebrate with caution as the state grapples with an increase in cases and an ongoing response. Here’s a look at the state’s situation in its battle against COVID-19 as we head into 2021.

Record cases, increase in deaths

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 6,887 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, setting a one-day record in the state.

The previous one-day record was December 3, although that day’s report included nearly 700 overdue cases. There were 7,424 cases reported on December 26, but that included two days of cases, as the Department of Public Health did not report any on Christmas Day.

There have now been 359,445 confirmed cases in Massachusetts, with the 81 deaths on Thursday bringing the toll to 12,157, according to health officials. Another 266 deaths are considered likely related to COVID-19.

The percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive, on average, rose to 8.6%, according to the report.

The number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 has risen to 2,271. Of that number, 417 have been listed as being in intensive care units and 240 are intubated, according to DPH.

81 more deaths on Thursday bring the total number of deaths to 12,157, according to the Ministry of Public Health. Another 266 deaths are considered likely related to COVID-19.

More high-risk communities

More than half of the state’s communities are considered to be at the highest risk of transmitting the coronavirus.

Currently, 190 towns and cities in Massachusetts, including Boston, are in the red zone.

Continuous vaccine deployment

Gov. Charlie Baker said on Wednesday that about 78,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been administered statewide as of Tuesday, and about 20,000 people who live and work in long-term care facilities are expected to be vaccinated in one of 50 vaccination clinics by the end of this week.

“The progress in this regard obviously shows that while they are lumpy and bumpy, which we said they would be, they are moving forward and they reflect well what lies ahead in 2021,” he said.