COVID-19 in the Commonwealth

May 7, 2020
Massachusetts ranks third in the country for the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases[i] and third for highest number of COVID-19 deaths as of this posting.

Massachusetts ranks third in the country for the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases[i] and third for highest number of COVID-19 deaths as of this posting.[ii] MDPH now maintains a COVID-19 Data Dashboard, which provides additional insights about COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. The following data was pulled from their dashboard May 3, 2020[iii]


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.

 

[i] https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html, accessed 5/4/2020

[ii] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html, accessed 5/6/2020

[iii] https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-dashboard-may-3-2020/download


share this

Related Articles

October 15, 2025
Get information about current vaccine recommendations and answers to common questions
October 14, 2025
Join us for a free webinar, November 14, 2025, from 12:00 - 1:15 pm, exploring the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities across Western Massachusetts, featuring State Senator Jo Comerford , Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district, Laura Kittross , Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and Phoebe Walker, Franklin Regional Council of Governments.
group photo of resident advisors and staff
October 14, 2025
On September 27th, resident advisors (RAs) from the Public Health Institute of Western MA gathered at Regreen Springfield for a Peer-to-Peer Learning Workshop. RAs from the following 5 coalitions shared successes, challenges, and key learnings. A team of RAs representing each initiative led presentations that sparked dialogue, allowing everyone to learn from one another, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of community efforts. Intergenerational Social Connections (ISC): Focuses on bringing youth and older adults together in Springfield to reduce loneliness, build relationships, and strengthen community across generations. Live Well Springfield Climate Change and Health Equity (CCHE): Focuses on advancing community choice energy for Springfield, creating strategies to address extreme heat, and developing a new Climate Change Action Plan for the city. Live Well Springfield Transforming Communities Initiative (TCI): Focuses on addressing Springfield’s housing needs by improving housing conditions, increasing affordability, and expanding opportunities for homeownership. Healthy Air Network: Focuses on monitoring air quality, exploring transportation issues, developing an innovative app, and tackling climate change challenges  The workshop also served as a warm welcome and orientation for new RAs joining the committees, especially our new Parent Advisors for the Youth Mental Health Coalition (YMHC), which is focused on youth mental health and problem gambling. Learn more about the resident advisor program .