NORTHAMPTON — The number of COVID-19 cases in Hampshire County climbed to 177 on Thursday, up from 164 the previous day, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The state experienced an overall increase of 2,151 confirmed cases on Thursday, bringing the statewide total to 18,941. The state also reported 70 new deaths, bringing the death toll to 503.
Of the 70 new deaths, none was reported in Hampshire County. However, Southampton town officials reported Thursday afternoon that a 69-year-old male resident had died of COVID-19.
“I am saddened to announce the first COVID-19-related death of a Southampton resident,” Town Administrator Edward Gibson said in a statement. “Our Select Board members’ along with my and our town’s prayers are with his family.”
Cooley Dickinson Hospital reported on Thursday that it is treating 12 inpatients with confirmed COVID-19 infections, five of whom are in the intensive care unit.
The hospital reported that 77 patients are under investigation for possible infection, including four inpatients. The hospital has had 115 cases come back positive among tests it has administered.
The hospital also corrected a previous report following a Gazette inquiry into statistics reported earlier this week. On Tuesday, the hospital was caring for 11 inpatients with confirmed COVID-19 infections, nine of whom were in the intensive care unit. The hospital had previously reported that it was caring for 24 individuals with confirmed COVID-19 infections on that day, with 13 in the intensive care unit.
Baystate Health is treating 179 inpatients across all of its hospitals, with 29 in critical care units. Twelve inpatients are under investigation for possible COVID-19 infections. The hospital system has tested 2,507 people overall, with 1,903 tests coming back negative, 568 positive and 36 pending results.
Jacquelyn Voghel can be reached at jvoghel@gazettenet.com.