January Archive: COVID-19 Daily Update

by Art and Maura Keene

The Indy’s COVID-19 Daily Update posts the daily confirmed case count for Coronavirus (COVID-19) for Massachusetts, for the nation and for the globe.  

Making Sense of the Numbers
Authorities caution that the confirmed case count is a substantial underestimate of the actual number of cases.  Only about 10% to 15% of all cases are being confirmed in the U.S. said Andrew Lover of UMass Amherst’s School of Public Health and Health Sciences. 

We rely on well-vetted sources to produce our daily update and draw mostly from the following: Center for Disease Control (CDC), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Johns Hopkins University, Yale School of Public Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Washington Post, New York Times, The Guardian, NPR, STAT News, and the Twitter feeds and/or blogs of Andy Slavitt, Greg Gonsolves, Ezekiel Emanuel, Marc Lipsich, and David Wallace-Wells.

Archives
The Indy began posting COVID-19 Daily Update on March 18. Here are links to archives of previous months’ posts. March, April , May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

UPDATE for SUNDAY January 31 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 521,360 (+4,108)
Deaths: 14,537 (+87)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1130 (+27) Currently Active – 103 -(+6)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 816 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 26,656,767 (+ 144,574)
Confirmed Deaths –450,387 (+2,928)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 103,219,580
Deaths: 2,231,233 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
MA Congressman Stephen Lynch Tests Positive For COVID-19 After Receiving Vaccine
(CBS News)
CDC Order Requires Masks For Travel In US
(New York Times)
Two New COVID Vaccines Show Less Efficacy Against South African Variant
(The Guardian)
As Virus Variants Spread, No One Is Safe Until Everyone Is Safe
(New York Times)
What Do Vaccines Mean For Daily Life In The Months Ahead
(Science News)
A California College Tries To Shield An Entire City Form Coronavirus
(New York Times)
The Pandemic Has Erased Entire Categories of Friendship
(The Atlantic)

UPDATE for SATURDAY January 30 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 517,252 (+3,118)
Deaths: 14,444 (+96)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1103 (+2) Currently Active – 97 -(-1)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 816 (+42). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 26,512,193 (+ 173,586)
Confirmed Deaths –447,459 (+3,690)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 102,725,,175
Deaths: 2,218,394 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:

State’s Hope Of Vaccinating Everyone By End Of Summer Depends On A Lot Going Right
(Boston Globe)
Children WIll Likely Get Vaccines In Late Spring or Early Summer Fauci Says
(The Guardian)
The One Shot Johnsson and Johnson Vaccine. How It Works And Why It Matters
(CNN)
J & J Posts Promising Data On Their Vaccine
(Time)
Here’s What You Need To Know About New Coronavirus Variants
(CNN)
WHO Criticizes EU For Export Controls On Coronavirus Vaccine
(BBC)
Trudeau Announces New Restrictions On International Travel To Canada
(The Hill)

UPDATE for FRIDAY January 29 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 514,134 (+4,631)
Deaths: 14,348 (+44)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1101 (+42) Currently Active – 98 -(20)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 774 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 26,338,607 (+ 172,184)
Confirmed Deaths –443,769 (+4,248)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 102,137,721
Deaths: 2,203,144 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Massachusetts Lawmakers Call On Governor Baker To Create Centralized Websie For COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
(Boston.com)
Baker Accelerates Vaccinations For Residents 65 And Older
(Boston Globe)
Novovax Coronavirus Vaccine Works Well Except On South African Variant
(New York Times)
Single Shot J & J Vaccine Is 66% Effective. A Weapon But Not A Knockout Punch
(StatNews)
Are COVID-19 Vaccination Programs Working?
(Nature)
Coronavirus Variants: What Are They And How Worried Should You Be?
(Ars Technica)
Black Americans Receiving COVID Vaccines at Lower Rates Than Whites
(The Guardian)
Israel Moves To Head Of Vaccine Queue After Offering Pfizer Access To National Health Records
(Washington Post)
Should You Wear Two Masks?
(ABC News)

UPDATE for THURSDAY January 28 as of 7 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 509,503 (+3,320)
Deaths: 14,304 (+84)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1069 (+0) Currently Active – 78 -(+4)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 774 (+17). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 26,166,423 (+ 155,301)
Confirmed Deaths –439,521 (+4,069)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 101,535,332
Deaths: 2,186,716 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Massachusetts Seniors Are Frustrated By Inability To Sign Up For Coronavirus Vaccine
(Boston Globe)
Older Americans Face A Bewildering Online Sign Up System That May Leave The Most Vulnerable Waiting
(The Guardian)
Why Are COVID-19 Case Numbers Falling And Will The Trend Last?
(New York Times)
New COVID-19 Cases Plunge 25% As Behavior Changes
(Kaiser Health News)
Coronavirus Numbers Are Trending Downward But 80,000 More Could Die In Next Three Weeks
(CNN)
Biden Advisers Say US Will Remain Vulnerable To COVID Unless Congress Acts
(New York Times)
Coronavirus Variant Sweeps South Africa Exhibiting Terrifying Dominance
(Washington Post)
Here’s What It Will Take To Keep The New Coronavirus Variants In Check
(NBC News)
Cuba Aims To Immunize Its Population This Year With Its Own Vaccine
(Euronews)
The Coronavirus Hunger Crisis
(Washington Post)

UPDATE for WEDNESDAY January 27 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 506,183 (+2,495)
Deaths: 14,220 (+42)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1069 (+0) Currently Active – 74 -(+0)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 757 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 26,011,222 (+ 148,237)
Confirmed Deaths –435,452 (+4,055)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 100,932,703
Deaths: 2,169,711 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
In Massachusetts, People 75 And Older Can Begin Signing Up For Coronavirus Vaccine Today
(WCVB)
Global COVID-19 Cases Top 100 Million
(NBC News)
January Has Been The Deadliest Month For COVID-19 With 80,000 Deaths In US So Far
(CNN)
Why The New Vaccine Rollout Is Not Enough To Curb Infections
(New York Times)
Biden Administration To Buy 200 Million More Coronavirus Vaccine Doses
(NPR)
Biden Vows To Vaccinate 300 Million People In US By End Of Summer
(The Guardian)
Eli Lily Says Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Cuts Hospitalizations By 70% For High Risk Patients
(USA Today)
CDC Says Schools Can Reopen During Pandemic But Precautions Are Crucial
(NBC News)
MA Teachers Unions Alarmed After Educators Moved Down On Vaccination Priority List
(Boston Globe)
FDA Warns Consumers To Not Use Hand Sanitizers From Mexico
(StatNews)
Vaccine 2.0: Moderna and Other Vaccine Manufacturers Plan Tweaks To Counter New Coronavirus Variants
(Science)
The Pandemic Is Finally Softening. Will That Last?
(The Atlantic)

UPDATE for TUESDAY January 26 as of 9 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 503,688 (+3,651)
Deaths: 14,178 (+45)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1069 (+15) Currently Active – 74 -(-69)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 757 (+11). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 25,862,985 (+ 158,612)
Confirmed Deaths –431,397 (+1,891)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 100,387,088
Deaths: 2,152,433 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Why Has The Massachusetts Vaccine Rollout Gone So Slowly?
(Boston.com)
The New Massachusetts Vaccine Schedule
(NBC Boston)
Everyday Activities Are More Dangerous Now That COVID-19 Variants Are Circulating
(CNN)
Remote Workers Are Moving To Hawaii In Response To COVID-19
(The Guardian)

UPDATE for MONDAY January 25 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 500,037 (+3,944)
Deaths: 14,133 (+69)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1054 (+0) Currently Active -143 -(+0)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 746 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 25,704,372 (+ 137,583)
Confirmed Deaths –429,506 (+1,871)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 99,850,971
Deaths: 2,140,682 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:

Relaxed Coronavirus Restrictions In MA Take Effect Today. Here’s What That Means
(Boston Globe)
Biden To Implement New Travel Restrictions To Combat New Coronavirus Variants
(NPR)
Moderna Says Its Vaccine Generates A Weaker Immune Response To South African Coronavirus Variant
(Boston Globe)
“Healthy Young” Will Likely Get GOVID Vaccine Mid-Late Summer
(CNN)
Merck’s Two COVID Vaccines Fail
(StatNews)
Undercounting Of US COVID-19 Deaths Greatest In Pro-Trump Areas
(StatNews)
Double Masking: Why Two Masks Are Better Than One
(New York Times)
COVID-19 Ravaging Local Newspapers, Facilitating The Spread Of Misinformation
(Time)

UPDATE for SUNDAY January 24 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 496,093 (+4,641)
Deaths: 14,064 (+77)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1054 (+0) Currently Active -143 -(+0)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 746 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 25,566,789 (+ 176,747)
Confirmed Deaths –427,635 (+3,458)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 99,406,775
Deaths: 2,132,043 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Massachusetts Lagging Behind Other States In Vaccine Rollout
(Boston Globe)
University of Michigan Will Shut Down All Athletics Due To Outbreak Of Coronavirus Variant
(Detroit Free Press)
Why Vaccines Will Not End The Pandemic
(New York Times)
The World Is Desperate For More Vaccines
(New York Times)
If Poor Countries Go Unvaccinated Rich Ones Will Pay
(New York Times)
The Face Mask That Could End The Pandemic
(CNN)

UPDATE for SATURDAY January 23 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 491,452 (+5,272)
Deaths: 13,987 (+81)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1054 (+8) Currently Active -143 -(+4)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 746 (+2). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 25,390, 042 (+ 193,956)
Confirmed Deaths –424,177 (+3,892)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 98,843,534
Deaths: 2,118,418 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
US COVID-19 Case Numbers Fall As Variant Spreads
(New York Times)
Denmark’s Alarming View Of Rapidly Spreading UK Coronavirus Variant
(Washington Post)
Moderna And Pfizer Fall Behind On Supplying Vaccine
(NPR)
Poll: Americans’ Willingness To Take Coronavirus Vaccine On The Rise
(CNN)
Second Generation Coronavirus Vaccines Are Coming
(Scientific American)
Resistance To Acknowledging Asymptomatic Infection Let Coronavirus Spin Out Of Control
(StatNews)

UPDATE for FRIDAY January 22 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 486,180 (+5,140)
Deaths: 13,906 (+77)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1046 (+8) Currently Active -139 -(+1)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 744 (+22). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 25,196,086 (+ 197,211)
Confirmed Deaths –420,285 (+4,391)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 98,191,933
Deaths: 2,102,829 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Baker Announces Plans To Ease COVID-19 Restrictions
(Boston Globe)
Biden Unveils “Full Scale, Warime” Coronavirus Strategy
(New York Times)
Banished By Trump, Brought Back By Biden, Fauci Aims To Let Science Speak
(New York Times)
Fauci Says Lack Of Candor From Trump Admin Very Likely Cost Lives
(CNN)
Biden Signs Order Requiring Masks For Interstate Travel
(CNN)
Nation’s Vaccine Supply Is Running Low. Here’s How Biden Plans To Fix That
(StatNews)
The Vaccine Road Trip That Revealed How Poorly The US Has Dealt With Coronavirus
(New York Times)

UPDATE for THURSDAY January 21 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 481,040 (+4,514)
Deaths: 13,829 (+80)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1038 (+16) Currently Active -138 -(+26)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 722 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 24,998,875 (+ 189,034)
Confirmed Deaths –415,894 (+4,374)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 97,408,558
Deaths: 2,085,827 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Biden Pledges To Vaccinate 100 Million Americans In 100 Days
(The Guardian)
Biden Is Inheriting A Nonexistent COVID-19 Plan From Trump And Must Start From Scratch
(CNN)
Biden Ramps Up COVID Fight With Orders Nixing Trump Policies
(Bloomberg)
CDC Forecasts Up To 100,000 New COVID-19 Deaths In Next Few Weeks
(CNN)
Current Coronavirus Surge Has Peaked Researchers Say
(NPR)
Emerging Coronavirus Variants May Pose Challenges To Vaccines
(New York Times)
Pfizer Vaccine Works Just As Well Against UK Coronavirus Variant
(StatNews)


UPDATE for WEDNESDAY January 20 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 476,526 (+3,085)
Deaths: 13,749 (+41)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1022 (+8 ) Currently Active -112 -(-6)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 722 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 24,809,841 (+ 181,713)
Confirmed Deaths –411,520 (+2,897)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 96,728,720
Deaths: 2,068,341 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
400 Lights For 400,000 Dead Illuminate Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
(NPR)
US Death Toll Exeeeds 400,000 Amid Grim Forecast For Winter
(The Guardian)
The Nine Biggest Challenges Biden Will Face On COVID-19 From Day One
(StatNews)
Biden’s Transition Finds Culture of Coronavirus Denial Throughout Trump’s Government
(CNN)
What You Can Do To Avoid The New Coronavirus Variant Right Now
(New York Times)
Florida Has More Cases Of Highly Infectious UK Coronavirus Variant Than Any Other State
(Miami Herald)
At Least 19 Capitol Police Officers Have Tested Positive For COVID-19 After Riot
(New York Times)
How Operation Warp Speed Created Vaccine Chaos
(ProPublica)
World On Brink Of Catastrophic Moral Failure Due To Unfair Vaccine Rollouts
(CNBC)
Coronavirus Is An Occupational Disease That Spreads At Work
(Jacobin)

UPDATE for TUESDAY January 19 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 473,441 (+3,301)
Deaths: 13,705 (+53)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1014 (+4 ) Currently Active -118 -(-26)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 722 (+10). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 24,628,128 (+ 144,5450
Confirmed Deaths –408,623 (+1,411)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 96,110,225
Deaths: 2,052,076 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
California Is First State To Pass 3 Million COVID Cases
(The Guardian)
Global Coronavirus Death Toll Exceeds Two Million
(The Guardian)
UK Coronavirus Variant Now Circulating In US Believed To Be 50% More Contagious
(New York Times)
What We Now Know And What We Don’t About COVID-19 Variant
(StatNews)
Biden’s Vaccine Plan vs. The UK Variant
(The American Prospect)
Underselling The Vaccine. Why The News May Be Better Than You Think
(New York Times)
One Mask Is Good. Would Two Be Better?
(New York Times)
Why Aren’t We Wearing Better Masks
(The Atlantic)

UPDATE for MONDAY January 18 as of 8AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 470,140 (+4,414)
Deaths: 13,652 (+69)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1010 (+0 ) Currently Active -144 -(-0)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 702 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 24,483,583 (+ 175,557)
Confirmed Deaths –407,212 (+1,950)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 95,566,768
Deaths: 2,041,418 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Area Colleges Prepare For Students Return
(Daily Hampshire Gazette)
Highly Contagious COVID-19 Variant Detected In Massachusetts
(MassLive)
US Has “Screaming Level” Of Coronavirus Transmission As Country Adds Four Million Cases This Month
(CNN)
As Los Angeles County Becomes First In Nation With One Million Cases, Vaccine Plans Struggle
(New York Times)
One Year, 400,000 Deaths: How the US Guaranteed Its Own Failure
(New York Times)
Five Countries, Five Experiences With The Pandemic
(The New Yorker)

UPDATE for SUNDAY January 17 as of 9AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 465,726 (+5,799)
Deaths: 13,583 (+74)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1010 (+8 ) Currently Active -144 -(-16)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 702 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 24,308,026 (+ 245,086)
Confirmed Deaths –405,262 (+3,704)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 95,053,496
Deaths: 2,032,904 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
523 Students 407 Staffers Tested Positive For COVID-19 In Massachusetts Schools Last Week
(MassLive)
When Will Pandemic Peak In Massachusetts?
(Boston Globe)
Biden Outlines $1.9 Trillion Package To Combat Virus And Downturn
(New York Times)
World Braces For Spread Of Coronavirus Variants
(New York Times)
The Next President Actually Has A COVID Plan
(New York Times)

UPDATE for SATURDAY January 16 as of 8AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 459,927 (+5,525)
Deaths: 13,509 (+76)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 1002 (+14 ) Currently Active -160 -(+10)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 702 (+6). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 24,102,429 (+ 245,086)
Confirmed Deaths –401,859 (+3,704)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 94,414,994
Deaths: 2,020,124 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Virus Still Raging In Hampshire County
(Daily Hampshire Gazette)
World Marks 2 Million Coronavirus Deaths. Real Tally Is Likely Much Higher
(CNN)
CDC Warns Highly Contagious Coronavirus Variant To Become Dominant In US
(Science News)
Still Going To The Grocery Store? With New Coronavirus Variants Spreading It May Be Time To Stop
(Vox)

UPDATE for FRIDAY January 15 as of 9AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 454,402 (+5,955)
Deaths: 13,433 (+74)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 988 (+7 ) Currently Active -150 -(+2)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 696 (+9). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 23,857,343 (+ 239,528)
Confirmed Deaths –398,155 (+4,207)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 92,903,364
Deaths: 1,989,835 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
State Intervenes In Hadley Nursing Center Following 14 Coronavirus Deaths
(Daily Hampshire Gazette)
Local Vaccine Rollout Could Begin Next Month
(Daily Hampshire Gazette)
UMass Weekend Hockey Series Postponed As Team Undergoes Contact Tracing
(Daily Hampshire Gazette)
Governor Baker Defends Vaccine Rollout As MA Lags Behind Its Neighbors
(Boston.com)
US Coronavirus Death Toll Expected To Exceed 400,000 By Inauguration Day
(CNN)
China Places 22 Million On Lockdown Amid New Coronavirus Wave
(New York Times)
Social Distancing, Mask Wearing Have Improved But Not Enough
(NPR)
Biden Picks Former FDA Chief To Lead Vaccine Effort
(New York Times)
As Coronavirus Mutates The World Stumbles In Response
(New York Times)
Could Delaying A Second Vaccine Dose Lead To More Dangerous Coronavirus Strains?
(Science News)

UPDATE for THURSDAY January 14 as of 8 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 448,447 (+5,918)
Deaths: 13,359 (+86)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 981 (+11 ) Currently Active -148 -(+0)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 687 (+23). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 23,617,815 (+ 243,255)
Confirmed Deaths –393,948 (+4,158)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 92,903,364
Deaths: 1,989,835 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
MA Begins Vaccinating 94,000 Residents Of Jails, Homeless Shelters, And Nursing Homes On Monday
(Boston Herald)
Global Report: Lebanon Begins 11 Day 24 Hour Curfew. China Records First COVID Death Since May
(The Guardian)
WHO Team Arrives In Wuhan To Trace Coronavirus Origins
(New York Times)
Widespread Anti-vaccine Beliefs Slow COVID Vaccine Rollout In France
(NPR)
Talking With People In Your Life Who Are Hesitant About The Coronavirus Vaccine
(NPR)
Previous Coronavirus Infection Gives Five Months Of Immunity UK Study Suggests
(CNN)
Why Aren’t We Wearing Better Masks?
(The Atlantic)

UPDATE for WEDNESDAY January 13 as of 9 AM
Confirmed Cases in MA – 442,529 (+5,487)
Deaths: 13,273 (+67)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 970 (+43 ) Currently Active -148 -(+22)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 664 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 23,374,560 (+ 231,363)
Confirmed Deaths –389,790 (+4,541)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 92,138,953
Deaths: 1,973,295 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
US Records Worst Day Ever For COVID-19 Deaths
(CNN)
Massachusetts Daily COVID Rate Now Among Highest In Country
(MassLive)
CDC Requires COVID-19 Testing For All Passengers Entering US
(NPR)
Coronavirus Will Eventually Resemble Common Cold Scientists Predict
(New York Times)
Johnson and Johnson Expects COVID Vaccine Results Soon But Production Lags
(New York Times)

UPDATE for TUESDAY January 12 as of 9 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 437,042 (+4,251)
Deaths: 13,206n (+55)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 927 (+0 ) Currently Active -126 -(+0)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 664 (+13). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 23,143,197 (+ 224,486)
Confirmed Deaths –385,249 (+1,954)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 91,548,402
Deaths: 1,955,682 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
COVID Tracker Moves Massachusetts To Severe Outbreak Status
(Boston.com)
US Averaged Over 3000 COVID Deaths Per Day Over Last Week
(CNN)
US Reported Over 200,000 New Coronavirus Cases Every Day Last Week
(CNN)
After Hiding With Maskless Republicans, Rep. Jaypal Feared She Would Catch Coronavirus. Now She’s Tested Positive
(Washington Post)
Was The US Capitol Riot A Super-spreader Event?
(New York Times)
Gorillas At San Diego Zoo Test Positive For COVID-19
(New York Times)
When Should Schools Reopen? There’s No Simple Answer
(The Guardian)
Moderna Says Its Vaccine Will Protect Against Coronavirus For At Least A Year
(CNN)
Deciding Who Gets Vaccinated First
(The New Yorker)

UPDATE for MONDAY January 11 as of 9AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 432,791 (+5,656)
Deaths: 13,151 (+77)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 927 (+0 ) Currently Active -126 -(+0)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 651 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 22,918,711 (+ 218,728)
Confirmed Deaths –383,295 (+1,815)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 90,751,283
Deaths: 1,944,894 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
In Five US States, Crushing Numbers And Hospitals At Capacity
(New York Times)
Lawmakers May Have Been Exposed To COVID-19 During Siege Of Capitol
(The Guardian)
A Year After Wuhan, China Locks Down City of 11 Million
(CNN)

UPDATE for SUNDAY January 10 as of 8 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 427,135 (+7,414)
Deaths: 13,074 (+89)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 927 (+0 ) Currently Active -126 -(+1)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 651 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 22,699,938 (+ 236,191)
Confirmed Deaths –381,480 (+3,252)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 90,179,474
Deaths: 1,936,679 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
ICUs Reaching Capacity Across Massachusetts As Covid Numbers Continue To Rise
(CBS Boston)
California Struggles Under A Staggering 2.5 Million Coronavirus Cases
(The Guardian)
Europe’s COVID-19 Crisis Deepens As Germany Sets New Death Record
(CNN)
1 In 30 Londoners Has COVID-19 As Mayor Declares Major Incident
(CNBC)
How Singapore Has Kept Coronavirus Off Campus
(New York Times)
Palestinians Excluded From Israeli Rollout Of Coronavirus Vaccine
(The Guardian)
How Badly Is Vaccination Going?
(The Atlantic)
The Coronavirus Is Mutating. What Does That Mean For Vaccines?
(Time)
What The San Francisco Bay Area Can Teach Us About The Pandemic
(The New Yorker)

UPDATE for SATURDAY January 9 as of 9 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 419,721 (+8,120)
Deaths: 12,985 (+76)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 927 (+9 ) Currently Active -126 -(+1)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 651 (+14). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 22,463,747 (+ 326,738)
Confirmed Deaths –378,228 (+4,031)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 89,479,121
Deaths: 1,924,526 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Several Area Towns Now In COVID-19 Red Zone. Coronavirus Deaths At Hadley Nursing Home
(Daily Hampshire Gazette)
When Can I Get My Coronavirus Vaccine In Massachusetts? Here’s What We Know At The Moment
(MassLive)
CDC Chief: US Capitol Riot Was Likely A Superspreader Event
(CNN)
Biden To Release Full Coronavirus Vaccine Supply
(Business Insider)
Second Doses Of Coronavirus Vaccine Happening Now
(NPR)

UPDATE for FRIDAY January 8 as of 8 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 411,601 (+7,548)
Deaths: 12,909 (+73)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 918 (+0 ) Currently Active -125 -(+0)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 637 (+68). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 22,137,009 (+ 277,065)
Confirmed Deaths –374,197 (+4,175)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 88,618,548
Deaths: 1,908,582 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Gov. Baker Extends Massachusetts Coronavirus Restrictions For Two Weeks
(NBC Boston)
Second Doses Of COVID-19 Vaccine Underway In Massachusetts
(MassLive)
US Sets New Death and Daily Case Records
(New York Times)
How the Wealthy Are Maneuvering To Get Vaccine First
(New York Times)
Pfizer Vaccine Appears Effective Against Mutation In New Study Of Coronavirus Variants
(Reuters)
Arizona Becomes World’s Top COVID-19 Hotspot As Governor Resists Restrictions
(The Guardian)
These Three States Have The Worst COVID Rates Anywhere In The World
(NBC News)

UPDATE for THURSDAY, January 7, as of 10 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 404,053 (+6,851)
Deaths: 12,836 (+102)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 918 (+16 ) Currently Active -125 -(+8)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 569 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 21,859,944 (+ 271,562)
Confirmed Deaths –370,022 (+4,282)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 87,790,453
Deaths: 1,894,396 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
COVID-19, Overshadowed by Washington Coup, Was Deadlier Than Ever In America Yesterday
(New York Times)
US Records Deadliest Day Of Pandemic
(Atlanta Journal Constitution)
Quebec To Enter Full Lockdown As COVID Cases Spiral
(The Guardian)
Japan Declares COVID-19 Emergency For Tokyo
(NPR)
Florida Seniors Face Long Lines And Haphazard Registration System For Coronavirus Vaccine
(CNN)
Scientists Monitor New Coronavirus Mutation That Could Affect Strength Of Vaccine
(Stat News)

UPDATE for WEDNESDAY, January 6, as of 10 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 397,202 (+9,540)
Deaths: 12,734 (+65)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 902 (+32 ) Currently Active -117 -(+24)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 569 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 21,588,382 (+ 234,196)
Confirmed Deaths –365,740 (+3,617)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 86,989,000
Deaths: 1,879,176 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
States Call In National Guard To Boost Vaccination Pace
(CNN)
Be Vigilant! Gov. Baker Says Highly Contagious COVID-19 Variant Probably Already Present In MA
(Boston Globe)
Life Without COVID. The Nations That Have Sidestepped The Pandemic So Far
(The Guardian)
COVID Vaccine Tracker: US Has Administered 4.66 Million Doses
(Bloomberg)
Why The Vaccine Rollout Has Been Such A Disaster
(Slate)
How COVID-19 Attacks The Brain And May Cause Lasting Damage
(NPR)
The Plague Year
(The New Yorker)

UPDATE for TUESDAY, January 5, as of 8 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 387,662 (+0) No reporting as of 8 AM
Deaths: 12,669 (+59)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 870 (+28 ) Currently Active -93 -(-8)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 569 (+25). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 21,354, 186 (+ 240,658)
Confirmed Deaths –362,123 (+2,045)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 86,210,710
Deaths: 1,863,497 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
COVD-19 Hammers California As Deaths And Hospitalizations Surge
(New York Times)
Massachusetts Tweaks COVID-19 Vaccine Priorities
(Boston.com)
FDA Says People Need Both Doses Of Coronavirus Vaccine
(CNN)
New UK COVID Lockdown Likely To Remain In Place Until March
(The Guardian)

UPDATE for MONDAY, January 4, as of 8 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 387,662 (+3,481)
Deaths: 12,610 (+108)
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 842 (+0) Currently Active -101 -(+0)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 544 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 21,113,528 (+ 208,827)
Confirmed Deaths –360,078 (+1,396)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 85,599,504
Deaths: 1,853,504 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
Scientists And Policy Makers Debate Delaying Second Coronavirus Vaccine Dose
(New York Times)
UK Takes Big Gamble With New Untested COVID-19 Vaccine Protocols
(StatNews)
Is It Wise For UK To Mix COVID-19 Vaccines?
(The Guardian)
Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine Approval May Be Most Important Yet
(Time)
MA, Other New England States Continue Youth Hockey Suspension
(Boston Herald)
Five Milestones That Could Change The Course Of The Pandemic In 2021
(StatNews)
Europe Has Kept Its Schools Open For Much Of Pandemic. Now, Closures Loom
(CNN)
The Influence Of The Anti-Vaccine Movement
(The New Yorker)

UPDATE for SUNDAY, January 3, as of 8 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 384,181 (+9,003) Increase reflects data for JAN 1 & 2.
Deaths: 12,502 (+79 ) Increase reflects data for JAN 1 & 2.
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 842 (+0) Currently Active -101 -(+0) No new data reported for New Year’s weekend.
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 544 (+0).  No data reported on New Year’s day
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 20,904,701 (+ 285,669)
Confirmed Deaths –358,682 (+2,232)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 85,058,807
Deaths: 1,845,300 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
More Than 350,000 Americans Have Died From COVID-19
(CNN)
US Surpasses 20 Million Coronavirus Cases
(NPR)
Confusion and Shortages Impede Some US Vaccination Campaigns
(New York Times)
Long Lines At MA COVID Testing Sites Following New Years Day
(WCVB)
CDC Says Teachers Should Be High Priority In Vaccine Schedule
(USA Today)
With UK Primary Schools Scheduled To Reopen On Monday, Widespread Calls For Remote Learning Amid New COVID-19 Surge
(BBC)
In Israel, Palestinians Excluded From Vaccine Rollout
(The Guardian)
The Mutated Coronavirus Variant Is A Ticking Time Bomb
(The Atlantic)

UPDATE for SATURDAY, January 2, as of 9 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 375,178 (+0) No data reported on New Year’s day.
Deaths: 12,423 (+0 ) No data reported on New Year’s day
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 842 (+9) Currently Active -101 -(+0) No data reported on New Year’s day
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 544 (+0).  No data reported on New Year’s day
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 20,619,032 (+ 170,331)
Confirmed Deaths –356,450 (+2,217)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 84,463,859
Deaths: 1,837,247 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
US Surpasses 20 Million COVID-19 Cases As New Year Dawns
(Huffington Post)
Here’s Where Massachusetts Stands With Coronavirus At The Dawn Of 2021
(NBC Boston)
December Was The Deadliest Most Infectious Month Since The Start Of The Pandemic
(NBC News)
How Taiwan Plans To Remain (Mostly) COVID-19 Free
(New York Times)
Israel Has Become World Leader In Vaccinating Against Coronavirus
(New York Times)
32 More Countries Have Recorded Cases Of New COVID-19 Variant First Seen In UK
(New York Times)
Despite Warnings, US Air Travel Is Now Highest Of Any Time During The Pandemic
(New York Times)
New Model Projects 115,000 New COVID-19 Deaths In US In Next Four Weeks
(CNN)
Many Frontline Health Care Workers Are Refusing Coronavirus Vaccine
(NBC News)
Fauci Says US Will Not Delay Second Coronavirus Vaccine Dose As Is Planned In UK
(The Guardian)
US Began 2020 By Flattening The Curve And Never Came Up With A Plan For What To Do Next
(Vox)

UPDATE for FRIDAY, January 1, as of 9 AM

Confirmed Cases in MA – 375,178 (+7,260)
Deaths: 12,423 (+85 )
Confirmed Cases Amherst – 842 (+9) Currently Active -101 -(1)
UMass: Cumulative Positive Cases: 544 (+0). 
Source For Amherst – Town Of Amherst Dashboard
Source For UMass UMass Dashboard
Source for Massachusetts: Mass DPH.NYT Daily Dashboard and  Boston.maps
Confirmed Cases in USA – 20,448,701 (+ 222,762)
Confirmed Deaths –354,233 (+3,325)
Source: Worldometers 
Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 83,934,175
Deaths: 1,828,437 Source: Worldometers see also: Johns Hopkins University.

News:
MA Reports Another Single Day Record For Coronavirus Cases
(Boston Herald)
US Vaccinations Lag As Fast Moving Coronavirus Variant Makes Inroads
(New York Times)
Republican Senator David Purdue (GA) To Quarantine After COVID-19 Exposure
(The Guardian)
In Trump’s Final Chapter, A Failure To Rise To The COVID-19 Moment
(New York Times)
The Plague Year
(The New Yorker)