Over ten thousand people have now died from coronavirus in Massachusetts.The state reported 21 new deaths yesterday, pushing the total number of lives lost to the pandemic to ten-thousand-15.The seven day average of people hospitalized with coronavirus is just under 600.Tests for coronavirus in area wastewater plants are showing a significant spike in activity that officials believe will soon result in a surge of hospitalizations.
In Chicopee, School Superintendent Lynn Clarke says because of spikes in the city --- the school system will go to remote learning for three weeks starting on the 18th.Clarke said in a news conference Thursday night that the uptick in cases has been caused by teens and young people in general.She contends that since the students have jobs and are more apt to get out a drive around they are most likely spreading the virus.
Pittsfield officials have also announced a return to virtual or remote learning beginning next week as well.
Springfield has also delayed a vote on a potential return to in-school learning for a few weeks while it puts together a town hall style meeting with parents in an effort to keep them informed of what is coming up.
Springfield, West Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke have all been added to the Hot Spot State List of Covid communities as released by the state.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak/WHYN Radio)