Dramatic drop in newly reported COVID-19 deaths in Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed 33 new COVID-19-related deaths across the state Tuesday, bringing the state's total to 5,141.

The number of newly reported deaths marks a dramatic drop from recent reports. State health officials, however, note that due to a later reporting deadline on Monday, May 11, some deaths that may have been included in Tuesday's report were instead included in Monday's report.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 79,332 after 870 new cases were reported by state health officials on May 12.

To date, 401,496 tests for the virus have been conducted in Massachusetts after 6,768 new tests were reported Tuesday.

State health officials said about 4% of all coronavirus patients are currently hospitalized.

About 60% of the deaths reported statewide occurred at long-term care facilities as of Tuesday, according to state health officials.

In its weekly update released May 6, the DPH said 32,019 Massachusetts residents have been subject to quarantine since the COVID-19 outbreak began.