Overall, Western Massachusetts has fewer confirmed cases than much of the eastern part of the state. Of the four counties in Western MA, Hampden County has the highest rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The statewide average age of COVID-19 cases is 53 years, and the average age of cases reported as hospitalized is 69 years.
Hampden County has the highest rate of deaths among confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state. On a statewide level, 59% of COVID-19 deaths (2,368 out of 4,004) were reported in long-term care facilities in Massachusetts. The statewide average age of deaths in confirmed COVID-19 cases 82 years.
Interpreting COIVID-19 data is complex. For example, the rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases is dependent upon who is tested and not necessarily reflective of the distribution of COVID-19 in the general population. Testing has been limited thus far. Because many people who have the disease are asymptomatic and have not been tested, prevalence of people testing positive is unlikely to reflect the prevalence in communities. As testing and contact tracing increase, we will have a better understanding of impacts on communities and populations, and more targeted actions can take place to mitigate spread and support those who are disproportionately impacted.
[ii] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html, accessed 5/6/2020
