An image from the PA Department of Health’s lab in Exton
Positive COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania continue to accelerate, as the state Department of Health today reported 962 new positive cases.
The latest data breaks yesterday’s single-day tally, bringing total cases in the commonwealth to 5,805 since the outbreak began in early March.
Yesterday, the department reported 756 new positive cases and 4,843 cases overall.
The health department also reported 11 additional deaths from the virus, bringing that total to 74 fatalities statewide. Locally, three people have died in Lancaster County and one person has died in both Dauphin and Cumberland counties, the state reported.
“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 60 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
Locally, Dauphin County now has 59 confirmed cases, Cumberland County has 38 cases, Lancaster County has 157 cases, York County has 79 cases, Lebanon County has 36 cases, Adams County has 12 cases and Perry County has one case.
Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 1,478 cases, followed by Montgomery County with 649 cases.
Statewide, 48,232 coronavirus tests have been performed, with 42,427 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the state reported that 42,488 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
- Nearly 9 percent are aged 19-24
- 40 percent are aged 25-49
- Nearly 29 percent are aged 50-64
- 19 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.
In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police yesterday issued 16 warnings over the weekend 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 123 warnings, but have not yet issued any citations.
“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.”
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.
