BOSTON (AP) — The number of COVID-19-related deaths in Massachusetts surged by 252 on Wednesday, the state’s single highest daily death total since the start of the pandemic.

The increase brought the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Massachusetts to 3,405. More than half of all deaths — 1,982 — occurred at long-term care facilities.

The state also reported more than 1,900 new cases of the coronavirus for a total of more than 60,200 confirmed cases since the pandemic’s start.

More than 1,000 COVID-19 patients are currently in intensive care units.

One glimmer of hope is a tiny decline in the number of people reported hospitalized with COVID-19. Gov. Charlie Baker has said a significant decline in the hospitalization number is key to reopening the state’s economy, now planned for May 18.