The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Massachusetts rose by 700 people yesterday. State officials now say nearly five-thousand people have tested positive for the virus since the pandemic began. The number of virus-related deaths in the state rose by four yesterday to 48. The four new deaths are all of people over the age of 70, and two of the victims had underlying medical issues.
President Donald Trump says he's working to get protective supplies to Massachusetts as soon as possible. President Trump indicated last night that he is working with Governor Charlie Baker to help the state. Baker said last week that the state's orders for masks and other needed items appear to be evaporating on a regular basis. The federal government recently impounded three-million masks the state had agreed to buy from BJ's Wholesale Clubs.
In Springfield, Mayor Dom Sarno says that he is waiting on 75 National Guard Troops that will be working in the city. Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood says that there are approximately 20 police officers who are recovering from the virus or who are in quarantine as a precaution.