The Coronavirus continues to take lives in the region and around the country. This as the two newest debates are over whether you should wear a facemask and whether the White House used politics rather than need when sending value medical equipment. At least one Senator, Chris Murphy, a democrat from Connecticut wants a review of that.

What you need to know this morning:

The National Death Toll from Covid 19 has climbed to more than 7 thousand. 275 thousand cases across the county. NY and NJ have the most.

The CDC says non medical cloth face covering is an additional public health measure. The President says he won’t wear one. And, even doctors say that it won’t prevent you from getting the virus, but it may help if you have symptoms and don’t knowit.

The President says there will be NO national stay at home order. He has left that up to the governors. He says states that don’t have such an order aren’t in jeopardy.

In Massachusetts there were 6354 new tests conducted. More than 63 thousand so far. Friday there were 38 new tests. The total is 192. The Massachusetts totals this week have seen the youngest person to die from the virus, a 31 year old man from Boston. And now a woman, who state officials only say “was in her 100’s” from Barnstable County also died from the virus.

In Connecticut, there are more than 5 thousand cases. 131 deaths.

Cases By County:

Barnstable 314

Berkshire 240

Dukes-- 7

Franklin-- 89

Hampden 661

Hampshire 114

Nantucket- 9

Plymouth -- 745

Worcester- 825

Suffolk, Middlesex and Essex Counties have more than 62 hundred cases between them.

The Cape is not immune from the virus. Cases have tripled there in some places in a week. The town of Barnstable among the hardest hit.

In Worcester, City Manager Ed Augustus says 55 new cases were recorded Friday. 267 cases total.

At the Holyoke Soldiers Home, 21 people are dead. 15 had the coronavirus. 59 tests have come back positive.

In Springfield, Mayor Dom Sarno says they are keeping an eye on Chapin Center Nursing Home on Kendall Street where there are 43 people who have tested positive for the virus and one person has died.

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Local News