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BOSTON – Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced a total of 16,709 positive coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, April 8, an increase of 1,588 new cases. Yesterday, there were more than 15,202 cases.
That is a 9.9% increase in the last 24 hours of positive cases.
The state said today that ethnicity is now people tracked on positive cases, in addition to gender and age range.
The Commonwealth announced 77 new deaths from COVID-19 today. That brings the total since the pandemic began to 433 deaths.
Middlesex County has the second most positive cases at 3,545, behind Suffolk County, which includes Boston. Suffolk has 3,600 cases.
Framingham has the most cases in MetroWest, at 172 cases.
The City of Framingham announced there have been 5 COVID-19 deaths in the City.
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The Governor said the surge in cases could come between April 10-April 20.
“I know this is an incredibly difficult and trying time but these next couple of coming weeks will be crucial,’ said Gov. Baker.
He said the medical forecast is for as many as 172,000 cases in Massachusetts.
As of today at 4 p.m., the state has tested 87,511 individuals.
The United States now has the post confirmed cases worldwide at 419.975, as of 3:30 p.m. today, April 8.
Worldwide, there are almost 1.5 million confirmed cases.
In America, the Centers For Disease Control has reported 12,754 deaths as of noon today, April 8.
There is no tested vaccine for COVID-19 in the United States.
For all SOURCE reports related to the Coronavirus, click here.
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Last month, the Governor said anyone entering the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Governor Charlie Baker announced the earliest Massachusetts schools could re-open is Monday, May 4.
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The Governor announced a new coronavirus alert system this week that will let residents get updates from state officials sent directly to their cell phones. Text COVIDMA to 888-777 to sign up.
The CDC recommended last week, Americans were cloth masks in public.
Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer announced yesterday, April 6, she will be wearing a mask.
Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against coronavirus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
It is important for residents to continue to practice social distancing.
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Ashland is United 
MetroWest Medical Center