Centre County up to 43 coronavirus cases as Pennsylvania tops 11,500 total cases
Centre County added four new cases of the coronavirus Sunday, bringing the total number of cases in the county to 43, the state Department of Health reported.
There are 11,510 cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania as of noon Sunday, an increase of 1,433 since noon Saturday. The mark is the second-highest increase the state has seen, marking the fourth day in a row the number of cases has increased by at least 1,000. The total rose by 1,597 from Friday to Saturday.
Pennsylvania has added 5,645 cases since Wednesday’s report from the state Department of Health.
Centre County’s first case of COVID-19 was reported March 20.
Fourteen more people died of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 150. No Centre County residents have died of COVID-19.
People aged 25-49 represent the largest portion of Pennsylvania residents with the virus, making up 42% of the 11,510 cases, although people aged 65 or older account for 51% of the state’s hospitalizations.
All six counties surrounding Centre County have at least one confirmed case of the virus.
Totals from those counties are as follows:
- Blair County: 5
- Cambria County: 7
- Clearfield County: 7
- Clinton County: 1
- Huntingdon County: 4
- Juniata County: 7
The only counties without confirmed cases in Pennsylvania are Elk and Jefferson counties, and all 67 counties are under a stay-at-home order through at least April 30.
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.
One of the best ways to prevent illness is to avoid exposure.
“Practicing social distancing is key to slowing the spread of the virus,” Christopher Hester, MD, Mount Nittany Physician Group Internal Medicine, said in a statement last month. “We thank those of you who are already staying at home whenever possible.”
Proper hand-washing, along with avoiding social contact, is one of the two most effective ways to protect against exposure.
“Regular and consistent hand washing is also crucial to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Hester said. “Soap and water are not always available, so it’s important to prepare for times like these by keeping hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95 percent alcohol in your car, desk or purse. Taking simple steps like this can greatly reduce the risk of spreading and contracting 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.
This story was originally published April 5, 2020 at 12:05 PM.
