As of May 11, 2020, there were 6,225 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Western Massachusetts (78,462 statewide) and 583 COVID-19 deaths in Western Massachusetts (5,108 statewide).
As stated in previous newsletters, caution should be exercised when interpreting COIVID-19. 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.
