Centre County adds one coronavirus case as Pennsylvania approaches 13,000 total cases
One new case of the coronavirus was reported Monday in Centre County by the state Department of Health, raising the total number of cases in the county to 44.
There are 12,980 cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania as of noon Monday, an increase of 1,470 since noon Sunday. The mark is the state’s third-largest single-day increase and is the fifth consecutive day the number of new cases has increased by more than 1,000.
Two patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are hospitalized at Mount Nittany Medical Center, spokeswoman Anissa Ilie said Monday.
She declined to provide information about the patients, including their conditions.
The coronavirus first appeared in the state March 6 and was first reported in the county March 20.
“Now more than ever, as we continue to see COVID-19 cases and deaths rise in Pennsylvania, we need Pennsylvanians to take action,” state Health Secretary Rachel Levine said in a statement. “Those actions should be to stay calm, stay home and stay safe. If you must go out, please limit it to as few trips as possible and wear a mask to protect not only yourself, but other people as well. We need all Pennsylvanians to heed these efforts to protect our vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and also our health care workers and front line responders.”
All but two of the state’s 67 counties have a case of COVID-19.
The death toll also rose Monday, increasing by 12 to 162. No COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Centre County.
About 42% of positive cases statewide involve someone aged 25-49, followed by those aged 50-64 (29%) and 65 and older (20%), the DOH reported.
There have been 1,145 people hospitalized due to the coronavirus since March 6. About 51% of inpatients are 65 and older, the DOH reported.
Those who may have come in contact with someone who might have COVID-19 is advised to monitor their health and contact their health care provider immediately if they have symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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. “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 6, 2020 at 12:14 PM.