There were only 533 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms, and only 68 were on ventilators, according to the numbers the state reported Sunday morning — numbers the state hasn’t seen since last fall and numbers that are far lower than just a month ago.
On May 1, the state reported that there were 1,474 patients hospitalized for COVID, 226 of whom were on ventilators.
Keep in mind, the numbers released Sunday would not show any impact from Memorial Day weekend, which marked the first time large numbers of residents were in close contact without required face coverings since the start of the pandemic.
And, to be sure, COVID-19 has not been eradicated.
The state also said Sunday that there were 177 new cases — and 40 probable cases.
There were five additional lab-confirmed deaths.
The rate of transmission was 0.79 — far below the desired 1.0 or under mark.
Final word
Murphy:
“On Memorial Day, we honor all who gave their full measure on the battlefields, on the seas and in the air, so that the ideals of our nation could be a beacon of hope for the world. May we never forget their sacrifice.”
