Centre County coronavirus cases continue to rise as Pennsylvania reports 1,211 new cases
Centre County gained one new case of the coronavirus Thursday, raising the total number of cases in the county to 28, the state Department of Health reported.
There are 7,016 cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania as of noon Thursday, an increase of 1,211 since noon Wednesday. That is the state’s largest single-day increase yet; there were 962 new cases Wednesday.
Centre County’s first case of COVID-19 was reported March 20.
There have been 730 people hospitalized statewide due to the coronavirus since March 6. About 50% of people hospitalized are 65 and older, according to the DOH.
Clinton County is the only neighboring county — and one of only five — that does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19. All 67 counties are under a stay-at-home order through at least April 30.
Sixteen more people died of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 90. No Centre County residents have died of COVID-19.
Statewide, 47,698 patients tested negative for COVID-19.
About 41% of positive cases involve someone aged 25-49, followed by those aged 50-64 (29%) and 65 and older (19%), according to the department’s data.
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.
“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. “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 April 2, 2020 at 12:10 PM.