Centre County gains 2 coronavirus cases as Pennsylvania cases top 2,000
Centre County added two new cases of the coronavirus Friday, pushing the total number of cases in the county to 11, the state Health Department reported.
There are 2,218 cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania as of noon Friday, an increase of 531 since noon Thursday. It was the state’s second largest single-day increase yet.
About 40% of positive cases involve someone aged 25-49, followed by those aged 50-64 (28%) and 65 and older (18%), according to the department’s data.
There have been 241 people hospitalized since March 6. About 48% of hospitalizations involved someone 65 and older, according to the department.
Fifty of the state’s 67 counties have a confirmed case of the coronavirus. Two counties reported their first case Friday, including neighboring Union County.
Six more people died of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 22. No Centre County residents have died of COVID-19.
Statewide, 21,016 patients tested negative for COVID-19.
Centre County reported its first case March 20. Penn State confirmed Tuesday its first case on the University Park campus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those who may have come in contact with someone who might have COVID-19 to monitor their health and contact their health care provider immediately if they have symptoms, like fever, cough or shortness of breath.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure. Avoiding close contact and proper hand-washing are two of the most effective ways to protect against exposure.
Those who believe they may be sick are encouraged to stay at home except to get medical care. Residents are also urged to call their health care provider before visiting.
Mount Nittany Health on Thursday announced it started a drive-thru testing site at 1700 Old Gatesburg Road in State College.
Those who would like to get tested must first have an appointment and be referred by a primary care physician from either Mount Nittany Health or Penn State Health.
“Practicing social distancing can significantly help to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Mount Nittany Medical Center Emergency Department Director Brian Newcomb said in a statement this week. “Physicians, nurses and our entire medical community are urging all people to stay at home. We are honored to serve and protect our community, but we need your help.”
This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 12:07 PM.