The number of deaths reported in about the last week at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home has increased to eighteen after the state reported three more deaths yesterday.
Of that total, twelve tested positive for the novel coronavirus, two veterans that died tested negative, three tests are pending, and the test status of one other remains unknown.
Governor Charlie Baker announced Wednesday that his office had hired a former federal prosecutor to independently investigate the deaths, with a focus on whether the facility's administrators tried to cover up the virus outbreak.
The home's superintendent has been placed on leave.
Meantime there is a continued legislative call for a separate independent investigation.