BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The state Department of Public Health announced another 6,167 coronavirus tests have been conducted across Massachusetts over the past day, with 1,588 of them returning a positive result.
That means roughly 26 percent of all tests conducted over the last day came back positive for COVID-19, which is a slight decrease from the rate of positive tests confirmed on Monday (30 percent) and Tuesday (28 percent.)
Hours before the new numbers were released, Gov. Charlie Baker said this week's increasing rate of positive tests indicated the state is still on an "upward slope" with the pandemic. However, Baker said his administration is "cautiously optimistic" social distancing is having an impact and flattening the curve of infection in Massachusetts.
The state DPH also reported 77 new deaths attributed to coronavirus since yesterday. One patient was a man in Bristol County in his 40's with pre-existing conditions.
Wednesday's update brings the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 16,790, and the total number of COVID-related deaths in the state to 433.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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