Health Care

The state's number of confirmed coronavirus cases hit 3,240 on Friday, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, while Worcester County's total hit 219.

The House of Representatives on Friday afternoon passed the $2-trillion economic stimulus package, which includes $367-billion in forgivable loans for small businesses, meant to help the economy as the country battles the coronavirus.

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.

Hospitals in Central Massachusetts and elsewhere have delayed elective procedures to expand an ability to treat coronavirus-related patients. But other harms could soon become evident if people with medical needs aren't going to a hospital to seek help, medical experts say.

Massachusetts medical schools are allowing their students to graduate three months earlier than usual this year, a move that could inject 700 additional physicians into the healthcare system during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, UMass Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins said in an announcement on Thursday.

Confirmed coronavirus cases spiked again Thursday across Massachusetts, but with a slightly less steep incline than the day before.

With a $2 trillion stimulus package one House vote away from President Donald Trump's desk, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Thursday told small business owners that the coronavirus relief bill would make millions available to them, mostly through loans, as they try to weather the shutdown of economic life nationwide.

Framingham State University has donated more than $8,000 worth of medical supplies to the MetroWest Medical Center in response to organizations being asked to support healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Spencer manufacturer FLEXcon donated emergency supplies to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester on Wednesday, joining ranks with other Central Massachusetts businesses who are stepping up to support local hospitals dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.

Schoolchildren in Massachusetts won't return to their classrooms until at least May 4, Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday shortly after signing executive orders to extend the temporary closure of all schools and non-emergency child care centers through April.