Pennsylvania reports largest single-day increase of new COVID-19 cases; Centre County adds 1
Centre County gained one new case Wednesday of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, increasing the total number of cases in the county to 27, according to the state Department of Health.
There are now 5,805 total cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania as of noon Wednesday, meaning 962 cases are new. That is the state’s largest single-day increase as of yet; there were 756 new cases Tuesday.
It has been 12 days since the novel coronavirus first appeared in the county.
“The continued rise in cases combined with our increasing deaths from COVID-19 reflects the seriousness of this situation,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said Wednesday in a written statement. “We need everyone to listen to the orders in place and to stay calm, stay home and stay safe. We know that these prolonged mitigation effects have been difficult for everyone, but it is essential that everyone follows these orders and does not go out unless they absolutely must.”
Clinton County is the only surrounding county that does not yet have a confirmed case of the coronavirus, making it one of just seven counties in Pennsylvania without a confirmed case. On Wednesday, Gov. Tom Wolf extended stay-at-home orders to include all of Pennsylvania.
Totals from nearby counties are as follows:
- Blair County: 4
- Cambria County: 3
- Clearfield County: 4
- Huntingdon County: 1
- Juniata County: 2
The death toll from the virus also rose Wednesday, increasing by 11 to now 74 total. However, no COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Centre County.
According to the state Department of Health, about 40% of positive cases in the state involve someone aged 25-49, followed by those aged 50-64 (29%) and 65 and older (19%). When it comes to hospitalizations, 620 have been admitted so far — an increase of 106 from Tuesday — and 51% of those hospitalized are someone 65 and older.
According to a Mount Nittany spokesperson, no patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 are currently — or have been — hospitalized at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
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 last 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 April 1, 2020 at 12:14 PM.
