Pennsylvania moving closer to 90,000 coronavirus cases; adds 3 deaths

There were three new covid-19 deaths and 634 new cases reported in the state Saturday by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The statewide total is now 89,375 cases and 6,749 deaths, with 634 patients considered probable cases.

Out of the new cases, 150 — or nearly 24% — are from Allegheny County.

More than 725,000 people have tested negative for the virus, state numbers show.

As of Saturday, 78% of people who tested positive have recovered from the virus.

According to the Department of Health, the most severe cases are seen in patients over the age of 65. Mmore than half of the cases in Pennsylvania are seen in patients age 50 or older.

In nursing and personal care homes alone, there have been 17,908 cases in residents, 3,339 cases in employees and 4,592 deaths. These deaths account for 68% of the state’s total. About 709 nursing facilities have been affected by the virus.

Of the total, 6,780 coronavirus cases stem from health care workers.

Officials continue to urge people to use caution — especially during the Fourth of July Weekend.

“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 this holiday weekend,” state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “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.

All 67 Pennsylvania counties are now in the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan.

On Thursday, Wolf enacted a 14-day quarantine period for those recently returning from pandemic hot spots in response to the rise in positive cases.

The states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.