Coronavirus cases increase to 32 in Centre County; statewide total surpasses 8,000
Centre County gained four new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the county to 32, according to the state Department of Health.
With 8,420 total cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania as of noon Friday, the state has seen a 1,404 increase in the number of confirmed cases since Thursday.
Twelve more people have died of the coronavirus, bringing the state total to 102. No Centre County residents have died from the pandemic.
Centre County’s first case of COVID-19 was reported March 20, and Clinton County landed on the map on Friday with one confirmed case.
Cases totals from nearby counties are as follows:
- Blair County: 4
- Clinton County: 1
- Huntingdon County: 3
- Clearfield County: 5
- Cambria County: 4
- Juniata County: 5
All 67 counties are under a stay-at-home order through at least April 30.
“The continued rise in cases combined with our increasing deaths from COVID-19 reflects the seriousness of this situation,” Pa. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a 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.”
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.
Statewide, 53,695 patients tested negative for COVID-19.
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.
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19, according to the CDC. Most have mild illness, are able to recover at home and there is no treatment specifically approved for the virus.
Guidelines typically rely on a combination of symptoms, like cough, shortness of breath, fever or loss of smell or taste, and whether someone has traveled in a country with widespread, ongoing transmission.
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.
“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.”
