Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Confirmed COVID-19 cases up substantially since yesterday across PA

The state Department of Health’s shaded map of COVID-19 cases across the state

Another day, another surge in COVID-19 cases around Pennsylvania, with the commonwealth today reporting 560 new positive cases.

The latest data bring the total to 1,687 positive cases statewide since the pandemic began, representing almost a 50 percent increase since yesterday. Moreover, the state Department of Health today reported five additional deaths from the virus, bringing that total to 16 fatalities.

“Our notable increase in cases over the last few days indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.

The virus has now spread to 48 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

Locally, Dauphin County has 13 confirmed cases, Cumberland County has 15 cases, Lancaster County has 21 cases, York County has 21 cases, Lebanon County has four cases and Adams County has seven cases. To date, there have been no fatalities in the region.

Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 402 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 282 cases.

Statewide, 18,128 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 16,441 testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 12,320 had been tested for the virus.

The state now has issued “stay at home” orders for 10 counties: Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Allegheny, Chester, Monroe, Delaware, Erie, Northampton and Lehigh counties. This order continues until April 6.

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police yesterday issued 13 warnings for failure to comply with Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that “non life-sustaining” businesses shut their physical locations. The police have now issued 57 warnings since Monday, but have not yet issued any citations.

“Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe,” Levine said. “We have seen case counts continue to increase and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home.”

Levine continued to emphasize that Pennsylvanians should do the following:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean surfaces frequently.
  • Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.

 For more information, visit the PA Department of Health’s COVID-19 website.

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