813 new covid-19 cases reported in Pennsylvania
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The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Saturday confirmed 813 additional positive cases of covid-19, bringing the statewide total to 94,689.
There were 17 new deaths reported bringing the total number of covid-19 deaths in Pennsylvania to 6,897.
All 67 counties in the state have cases of covid-19.
“As the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against covid-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away, and we are seeing cases rise, especially in Southwest Pennsylvania.”
The Health Department says it is seeing significant increases in the number of covid-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19-to-24-year-olds.
In Southwestern Pennsylvania, 19-to-24-year-olds accounted for about 5% of cases in April but more than 28% of cases so far in July. That’s by far the largest increase in cases among young people than in any other region in the state.
There are now more new cases of covid-19 being reported in people under age 50 than there are 50 and older.
However, the most severe cases are seen in patients over the age of 65 and more than half of the overall cases in Pennsylvania are seen in patients 50 or older.
Nursing homes and personal care homes have had a high concentration of cases. There have been 18,216 residents who have contracted covid-19 and 3,453 employees. That’s 21,669 cases in all. There have been 4,703 nursing home or personal care home patients who have died.
Health care workers in all settings account for 7,097 positive results.
There are 817,634 people in the state who have tested negative to date.
In response to the surge in cases, Gov. Wolf issued a mask order for Pennsylvanians in public spaces and where social distancing is not possible.