Pennsylvania reports 1 million negative virus test results, 13 new deaths

A week after reaching the milestone of 1 million tests administered, the state of Pennsylvania has reported 1 million negative tests for the coronavirus.

Saturday’s report shows a total of 1,016,705 tests have come back with negative results for the new virus in the Keystone State.

The commonwealth also reported 1,054 new cases and 13 new deaths.

The new data brings the total cases to 106,625 cases with a death toll of 7,114. Officials said 640 are considered probable cases.

This is the first time since May 9-10 that the state has had back-to-back days of over 1,000 new cases.

Out of the new cases, 146 — or nearly 14% — are from Allegheny County.

Health officials said that there are “significant increases” in covid-19 cases in the 19- to 24-year-old age group, particularly in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The group accounted for 5% of cases in April; in July they have accounted for 20% — representing the highest percentage of cases for that group in the state.

As of Saturday, 75% 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. More 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 19,066 cases in residents, 3,785 cases in employees and 4,850 deaths. These deaths account for 68% of the state’s total. About 826 nursing facilities have been affected by the virus.

Of the total, 7,902 coronavirus cases stem from health care workers.

Officials continue to urge people to use caution — mainly by maintaining social distance and wearing masks.

“As the state has put in place new mitigation efforts to offset the recent case increases, we must renew our commitment to protecting against covid-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings and telework,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.