Massachusetts has the fifth-highest rate of coronavirus testing per capita, according to new data published Friday by the COVID Tracking Project and The New York Times.
Health experts have said widespread testing is key to better gauging how much coronavirus has spread in an area and to be able to keep those who’ve tested positive in quarantine or receive proper medical care.
Massachusetts has tested nearly 24,000 people through Thursday afternoon, 342 per every 100,000 residents. That’s good for fifth nationally, behind New York, Washington, Louisiana and New Mexico, according to data compiled by the COVID Tracking Project and The New York Times.
New York has conducted 122,104 tests and 37,258 confirmed cases. It has conducted 627 tests per 100,000 residents. At the other end is Arizona, which has conducted 957 tests, or 13 per 100,000 people. The U.S. average is 177 tests per 100,000.
Massachusetts has a confirmed 2,417 cases and 25 deaths, according to the state Department of Public Health.
