Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Coronavirus cases top 2,000 in PA, six more deaths reported

Coronavirus cases show no sign of easing in Pennsylvania, as the state Department of Health today reported 531 new positive cases.

The latest data bring the total to 2,218 cases statewide since the pandemic began, up from 1,687 yesterday. Moreover, the state Department of Health today reported six additional deaths from the virus, bringing that total to 22 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 50 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

Locally, Dauphin County now has 18 confirmed cases, Cumberland County has 16 cases, Lancaster County has 33 cases, York County has 29 cases, Lebanon County has 12 cases and Adams County has eight cases.

Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 530 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 374 cases.

Statewide, 23,234 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 21,016 testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 18,128 had been tested for the virus.

Of the patients who have tested positive to date, the age breakdown is as follows, according to the state health department:

  • Less than 1 percent are aged 0-4
  • Less than 1 percent are aged 5-12
  • Nearly 2 percent are aged 13-18
  • 11 percent are aged 19-24
  • 40 percent are aged 25-49
  • Nearly 28 percent are aged 50-64
  • 18 percent are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are aged 25 to 49, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date.

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police yesterday issued 21 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 78 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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