Massachusetts reports 4,257 coronavirus cases, nine new deaths

Nine more people have died from the novel coronavirus as cases soared to 4,257 on Saturday, according to the state Department of Public Health.

Nine more people have died from the novel coronavirus in Massachusetts as cases here soared to 4,257 on Saturday, according to the state Department of Public Health.

COVID-19 cases jumped by more than 1,000 from Friday. A total of 44 people have now died.

The nine new deaths reported Saturday included five women and four men. They ranged in age from a woman in her 60s in Essex County to a woman in her 90s in Hampden County. At least half of those who died were known to have pre-existing conditions.

A total of 350 patients have also been hospitalized due to the virus.

Suffolk County surpassed Middlesex County for the highest number of cases Saturday. Suffolk reported 843 cases, while Middlesex reported 842. Across the state, the 50-59 year old age group has the highest prevalence of cases, with 812.

More than 35,000 people have been tested for the virus in Massachusetts as of Saturday, up from 29,371 on Friday.

Boston reported 614 confirmed cases and two deaths on Saturday, as well as 47 patients who had recovered, according to the city’s public health commission. Cases in the United States crossed 119,000.

The number of health care workers contracting the virus also continues to rise. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reported 45 employees had tested positive for COVID-19, while another 79 cases were reported in hospitals across the Beth Israel Lahey Health system as of Saturday morning. Brigham and Women’s Hospital reported 58 employees had tested positive as of Friday evening.