The COVID-19 pandemic shows no sign of easing, as the commonwealth today reported another record number of new cases.
The state Department of Health said that Pennsylvania had 1,404 new positive COVID-19 cases as of midnight, bringing the commonwealth’s total to 8,420 since the outbreak began in early March.
Yesterday, the department reported 1,211 new positive cases.
The health department also reported 12 more deaths statewide from COVID-19, with 102 total fatalities attributed to the virus.
Locally, Perry County reported its first death from the disease. In addition, five people have now died in Lancaster County and two in Cumberland County, one more than yesterday in each case. There remained one fatality in both Dauphin and York counties.
“The continued rise in cases combined with our increasing deaths from COVID-19 reflects the seriousness of this situation,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.
The virus has now spread to 63 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, one more than yesterday.
Locally, Dauphin County now has 79 confirmed cases, 12 more than yesterday. Cumberland County now has 45 cases, Lancaster County has 232 cases, York County has 121 cases, Lebanon County has 54 cases, Adams County has 19 cases and Perry County has four cases.
Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 2,284 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 875 cases.
“We need everyone to listen to the orders in place and to stay calm, stay home and stay safe,” Levine said. “We know that these prolonged mitigation effects have been difficult for everyone, but it is essential that everyone follows these orders and does not go out unless they absolutely must.”
Statewide, 55,099 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 53,695 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 54,714 people had been tested for the virus.
Of the patients who have tested positive to date, the age breakdown is as follows, according to the health department:
- Nearly 1 percent are aged 0-4
- Nearly 1 percent are aged 5-12
- 1 percent are aged 13-18
- 8 percent are aged 19-24
- Nearly 41 percent are aged 25-49
- Nearly 29 percent are aged 50-64
- Nearly 20 are aged 65 or older.
Most of the patients hospitalized are 65 or older, as are most of the reported deaths, according to the state. There have been no pediatric deaths to date.
In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police yesterday issued 27 warnings yesterday for failure to comply with Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that “non life-sustaining” businesses shut their physical locations. In all, the police have now issued 163 warnings, but have not yet issued any citations.
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.
