Mass. Announces Second Death From COVID-19 Related Illness

Massachusetts public health officials Saturday night announced the state's second death resulting from COVID-19.

A Middlesex County woman in her 50s died as a result of the illness caused by the coronavirus, according to the state Department of Public Health. DPH said the woman had a pre-existing condition that made her more susceptible to severe complications.

On Friday, DPH announced the state's first death from COVID-19 — a man in his 80s from Winthrop. He had been hospitalized and also had underlying medical issues that put him at increased risk of serious disease.

As of Saturday, 525 people had tested positive for the coronavirus in Massachusetts, according to DPH. That was up from 413 on Friday. So far more than 5,200 Massachusetts residents have been tested for the virus.

Public health officials say COVID-19 activity is on the rise in Massachusetts, and if people have symptoms, they should call their doctor or a medical facility before going to be examined or reporting to a testing site.