The number of Covid 19 cases continue to grow in Massachusetts and Connecticut, with the death toll mounting as well.
According to the latest figures, 1,404 people have died in Massachusetts. Connecticut officials are reporting 1,036 deaths.
In Hampden County, in its entirety - 2,134 confirmed cases have been reported. Of those Helen Caulton Harris the Public Health Commissioner reports 668 of those cases are in Springfield.
Hampshire County 258 cases. Berkshire County 383 cases. Franklin County 173 cases.
In Connecticut, officials are reporting 172 cases in Enfield.
Governor Baker says that the surge is upon us, a message most medical people in the state have been echoing for some time but there has been no crush of patients yet impacting the hospital admissions. The Medical Community is getting patients home to recover, if they are not experiencing extreme issues in a short period of time.'
The Massachusetts Governor also says that a decision on what is going to happen with the school year is coming soon. He says that most superintendents around the state would like the kids to return to class before the end of the year. But he doesn't know if that is going to happen yet.
The Stay at Home Executive order expires May 4th in Massachusetts.
A similar order in Connecticut expires May 20th.
The Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed an Executive Order that requires face coverings or masks be word when social distancing of six feet or more is not possible. That order is going into effect at 8pm April 20th.
In Chicopee, police spokesman Mike Wilk tells us that there is a special task force in operation that will basically enforce social distancing guidelines. Wilk says that if a store owner asks you to adhere to social distancing and you refuse you will be fined. We don't know yet what that fine is yet. It is still being considered. Nor is it clear who will set the fine.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak, WHYN News)