Updated 6:53 p.m.
Hampden County in Massachusetts officially has its first case of COVID-19 on Sunday, according to the latest numbers from the state — which rose to 164.
Berkshire County's tally held steady on Sunday, at 9 reported cases of the coronavirus. Hampshire and Franklin counties have no reported cases as of Sunday afternoon. Worcester County now has 6 cases, 4 more than in Saturday's report.
The previous total number of cases in Massachusetts reported Saturday was 138. Officials expect the number of cases to keep rising as testing capabilities expand.
In Connecticut, the number of positive cases increased to 26 as of Sunday evening. There are three cases in Hartford County and four in Litchfield County.
In New Hampshire, cases rose to 13. In Vermont, the number remained at 4 cases; Rhode Island’s cases stood at 20, and Maine now has 12 cases, according to the state's Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Many New England states are closing schools temporarily
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced Sunday evening that all public and private elementary and secondary schools will close for three weeks — starting Tuesday, March 17, until April 6. The order does not apply to special education schools or residential schools, Baker said. Child care services and preschools are not ordered to close, but they are urged to observe strict state health guidelines.
In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont announced Sunday he's ordering all public schools statewide to cancel classes beginning Tuesday, March 17 through at least March 31. "This date may be extended if determined necessary," Lamont said on Twitter.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott ordered the closure of all Vermont schools as of Wednesday, March 18, through at least April 6. Scott said the closure may last longer. School is optional Monday and Tuesday for students, but Scott’s directive asks school employees to report to work in part to help districts arrange food and special needs services for children.
In New Hampshire, Governor Chris Sununu announced Sunday that public schools will close for three weeks, beginning immediately. They're expected to implement "remote instruction" by the second week.
Restrictions on gatherings, restaurants in Massachusetts
Baker has expanded a ban on large gatherings in Massachusetts, restricting them to no more than 25 people. He said this includes events of all kinds as well as fitness centers and private clubs. Baker also tightened rules for restaurants and bars effective Tuesday, March 17: They may offer food takeout and delivery, but there will be no more dining in. That rule is in effect through April 17, and does not apply to supermarkets or pharmacies.
Hampden County case of COVID-19
Late Saturday night, Baystate Health released a statement confirming a case of COVID-19 at its Springfield hospital. The statement said no additional information would be provided. CEO Mark Keroack said the person is “recovering at home.” In an interview Friday with The Republican, Keroack said the hospital had two dozen patients in isolation, suspected of having COVID-19.
More cases suspected in Hampshire County
There was confusion Saturday about a series of emails sent out by the superintendent of the Amherst Regional Public Schools, Michael Morris. His initial email, sent Saturday morning, said a parent/guardian of a student at Amherst Regional High School was “diagnosed as presumptive positive for COVID-19.” But a follow-up email said the diagnosis was “based on symptoms, not on an initial positive COVID-19 test.”
The state's daily report only lists cases that are "presumptive positive" (based on a test done in-state) or "confirmed" by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There was similar confusion involving a suspected case of the virus connected to Anne T. Dunphy School in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, according to The Daily Hampshire Gazette. That case, too, is presumed based on symptoms, not a test.
Boston state of emergency
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh issued a citywide public health emergency on Sunday, and ordered bars, restaurants and clubs to reduce their capacity by 50%. Establishments will have to remove tables and chairs and cannot allow people to line up outside. Closing time will be moved up to 11 p.m. nightly. Walsh said establishments that violate the requirements will be shut down automatically for 30 days. Boston public schools are closing on Tuesday until April 27.
Mass. COVID-19 response command center
Baker announced Saturday a COVID-19 response command center to identify cases and coordinate the state's response to the virus, headed by Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders.
Under new testing rules, health care professionals won't have to seek approval for testing at-risk individuals.
Sudders also announced significant changes to MassHealth, the state's public health insurance covering 1.8 million people, including the expansion of telehealth services to include health guidance over the phone for patients. MassHealth will now allow for 90-day prescriptions and early refills for all who qualify. Medical professionals can also offer to enroll hospital patients in MassHealth who have been confirmed presumptively positive for coronavirus.
How transit is handling coronavirus
Transit agencies in the region say they’re adjusting schedules and ramping up cleaning efforts amid COVID-19 concerns. The Hartford Line is going to a Saturday schedule as of Monday, March 16, and a few days ago announced extra cleaning measures. Amtrak is doing the same, also with extra cleaning. The PVTA says it’s in the midst of schedule adjustments now that the Five Colleges are closed. And Peter Pan announced an “elevated level of cleaning.”
MGM Springfield will pay some employees
With Massachusetts casinos shutting down temporarily amid COVID-19 concerns, MGM Springfield said it will pay full-time employees while closed. Part-timers are not guaranteed pay, according to the company. The casino said there will be security and cleaning staff working during the closure.
NEPR’s Sam Hudzik, Adam Frenier and Heather Brandon contributed to this report, which includes information from NHPR, VPR, WBUR and The Associated Press.
