The state Department of Health’s shaded COVID-19 map
More than 10,000 Pennsylvanians have now tested positive for the coronavirus, as the commonwealth today reported 1,597 new positive cases.
The state Department of Health said that Pennsylvania had 10,017 total positive COVID-19 cases as of midnight.
The nearly 1,600 cases reported today set another single-day mark for new cases. Yesterday, the department reported 1,404 new positive cases.
“Unfortunately, there is no evidence that the virus is slowing down,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.
The department also reported that 136 people have died from the virus since the outbreak began almost a month ago, 24 more than yesterday. Locally, five people have died in Lancaster County, two in Cumberland County, and each in Dauphin, Perry and York counties.
The virus has now spread to 64 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
Locally, Dauphin County now has 99 confirmed cases, Cumberland County has 54 cases, Lancaster County has 291 cases, York County has 144 cases, Lebanon County has 87 cases, Adams County has 21 cases and Perry County has five cases.
Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 2,610 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 982 cases.
Statewide, 70,030 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 60,013 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 55,099 people had been tested for the virus.
In her press briefing today, Levine repeated yesterday’s recommendation that PA residents should stay at home, but, if they need to go out, should wear face masks. She said that masks prevent transmission of the virus from breath droplets.
“My mask protects you, and your mask protects me,” Levine said.
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
- Nearly 8 percent are aged 19-24
- 41 percent are aged 25-49
- Nearly 29 percent are aged 50-64
- Nearly 20 percent 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.
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.
