Massachusetts reported 5,356 new coronavirus cases and 41 deaths Saturday, as new infections in the state continue to set records.

Saturday’s case total is the fourth day in a row new infections topped 4,000 in the state as cases continue to surpass totals seen at the virus’s first peak in late April. Experts have said the sudden rise is not connected to thanksgiving holiday travel or gatherings. 

At the virus’ first peak, in late April, daily cases in Massachusetts averaged just over 2,000, this week cases averaged over 3,000.  

The seven day test positivity rate with higher education testing removed sits at 7.45 percent. The positivity rate that includes higher education testing sits at 5.40 percent. 

Hospitalizations from COVID-19 are currently surging. On Sunday, the state reported 1,428 total hospitalizations, compared to 498 this time last month. 

Emerson does not update its COVID-19 dashboard on the weekends as no new tests are administered at Tufts Medical Center. Testing of community members has ticked down significantly in the past week, as in-person classes ended Wednesday and only a limited number of students living on campus over the break will continue to receive regular screening.