Centre County gains 4 new cases of coronavirus while Pennsylvania now tops 2,700 total cases
Centre County gained four new cases Saturday of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, boosting the total number of cases in the county to 15, according to the state Department of Health.
There are now 2,751 total cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania as of noon Saturday, meaning 533 cases are new. That is the state’s second-largest single-day increase as of yet; there were 531 new cases Friday.
Nearby Huntingdon County saw its first coronavirus case Saturday, but no bordering county currently has more than two cases. Overall, in Pennsylvania, 22 counties — including Centre — are under stay-at-home orders.
“Our notable increase in cases over the past week indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a news release Saturday. “Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe. We have seen case counts continue to increase and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home.”
It has been eight days since the novel coronavirus first appeared in Centre County.
According to the state Department of Health, about 39% of positive cases in the state involve someone aged 25-49, followed by those aged 50-64 (28%) and 65 and older (19%). When it comes to hospitalizations, 316 have been admitted so far — an increase of 75 from Friday — and 49% of those hospitalized are someone 65 and older.
Twelve more people have also died of the coronavirus, bringing the state total to 34. No county residents have died from the global pandemic.
Anyone who believes they came into contact with someone who might have the coronavirus is advised to monitor their health and call their primary care provider if they develop symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. Symptoms can appear in as few as two or as long as 14 days after 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.
“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.”
The state updates its county-by-county coronavirus numbers at noon every day.
This story was originally published March 28, 2020 at 12:22 PM.
