Pennsylvania reports 850 new coronavirus cases, 20 new deaths

Pennsylvania on Saturday reported 850 new coronavirus cases, as the case count inches slowly upward from the weekly average of 813.

The state Department of Health reported 20 new deaths attributed to coronavirus after posting 36 on Friday — which was the highest total of the week.

Of the newly reported deaths, one occurred in April, one in June, one in July and 17 in August.

The total number of covid-19 deaths in Pennsylvania is 7,465.

The new data brings the total cases to 123,800. Officials said 644 are considered probable cases.

Out of the new cases, 77 — or just over 9% — are from Allegheny County.

More than 1.44 million people in the state have been tested for the virus.

The positivity rate is nearly 8.6%.

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

According to the Health Department, 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 20,343 cases in residents, 4,219 cases in employees and 5,056 deaths — a number that hasn’t changed since yesterday. These deaths account for just under 68% of the state’s total. About 826 nursing facilities have been affected by the virus.

Of the total, 8,881 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.