Statewide COVID-19 deaths on the decline, but we must remain diligent

May 20, 2020

On May 18th the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center began providing updates on six key public health indicators to monitor the situation before and during reopening of the state. These metrics can be found on the MDPH Data Dashboard. Metrics include positive test rate, number of individuals who have died from COVID-19, number of patients with COVID-19 in hospitals, healthcare system readiness, testing capacity, and contract tracing capabilities. 


In the last month, COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths have been declining across the Commonwealth.


On May 18th the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center began providing updates on six key public health indicators to monitor the situation before and during reopening of the state.

Images from MDPH Data Dashboard https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-dashboard-may-18-2020/download accessed 5/18/2020

County-level data available on the MDPH website also suggest a decline in COVID-19 deaths in Western Massachusetts since April 21st when examining 3-day average number of COIVD-19 deaths. While this seems promising, it is important to stay vigilant and to continue taking steps to prevent the spread the COVID-19.  Visit our COVID-19 Prevention webpage to learn more. As the state begins to reopen, it will be important to monitor the data as there could be a resurgence in cases.

Graph created by PHIWM using data from MDPH Archive of COVID-19 data https://www.mass.gov/info-details/archive-of-covid-19-cases-in-massachusetts#may-2020-

share this

Related Articles

Recording posted! Vaping/Nicotine Pouch Webinar

October 2, 2025
Access materials from the September 16 webinar, Vaping & Nicotine Pouches: Understanding the New Landscape, which featured Dr. Nicole Porther, Chair of the Department of Health Professions, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Catherine Brooks , Senior Research Evaluation Specialist, Collaborative for Educational Services. Recording Slides Written responses to submitted questions coming soon!

New speaker announced for Sept 25 Vaping Webinar

September 22, 2025
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Heather Warner is unable to join the webinar. Catherine Brooks has agreed to participate in her place.

Upcoming Webinar Sept 26 About Vaping & Nicotine Pouches

September 12, 2025
Vaping & Nicotine Pouches: Understanding the New Landscape Date: Friday, September 26, 2026 Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Join us for an informative webinar as we explore the evolving landscape of tobacco and nicotine use, with a special focus on vaping and nicotine pouches like Zyns. This session will offer a high-level overview of emerging products, usage trends, and potential mitigation strategies—especially relevant for youth, families, community-based organizations (CBOs), and municipalities. Featured Speakers: Dr. Nicole Porther, Chair of the Department of Health Professions, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Heather Warner, MPH, Hampshire Franklin Tobacco-Free Community Partnership Coordinator, Collaborative for Educational Services Moderator: Jessica Collins, Executive Director, Public Health Institute of Western MA