Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

COVID-19 cases in PA exceed 1,000; state reports four more deaths

An image from the state’s Department of Health’s lab in Exton, Pa.

COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania now exceed 1,000, as the commonwealth today reported 276 new positive cases.

The state Department of Health today reported a total of 1,127 confirmed cases, compared to 851 yesterday. Eleven people have died from the disease, up from seven yesterday, the department stated.

“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 state Department of Health’s map of COVID-19 cases

Positive cases have now been reported in 44 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

Locally, Dauphin County now has 10 confirmed cases, Cumberland County has 13 cases, Lancaster County has 12 cases, York County has 20 cases, Lebanon County has three cases and Adams County has six cases.

Throughout the commonwealth, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 257, followed by Montgomery County with 172.

Statewide, 12,320 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 11,193 testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 9,494 had been tested for the virus.

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

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police yesterday issued 17 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 44 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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