Pennsylvania reaches 27,735 total COVID-19 cases, as Centre County adds another confirmed case
One new case of the coronavirus was reported Thursday in Centre County by the state Department of Health, raising the total number of cases in the county to 73.
There are 27,735 cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania as of noon Thursday, an increase of 1,245 since noon Wednesday. Thursday marks the seventh consecutive day that single-day increases have been at or below 10%.
The coronavirus first appeared in the state March 6; Centre County reported its first case March 20; and all 67 of the state’s counties reported a case by April 7.
“COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Pennsylvania, and even though the daily increases are not exponential, now is not the time to become complacent,” state Health Secretary Rachel Levine said in a statement. “We must continue to stay home to protect ourselves, our families, our community.”
The department also reported 60 more deaths among COVID-19 positive patients, bringing the statewide total to 707. No COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Centre County.
It is unknown how many Pennsylvanians have recovered from the coronavirus. The state Department of Health is not notified when patients are discharged. To date, there are 113,735 patients who have tested negative statewide.
According to the state’s hospital preparedness dashboard, 2,502 Pennsylvanians are hospitalized and receiving treatment for COVID-19. One ventilator in Centre County is being used to treat a patient diagnosed with COVID-19.
People aged 25-49 represent the largest portion of Pennsylvanians with COVID-19, accounting for about 41% of all cases. People aged 65 or older account for about 51% of hospitalizations, the DOH reported.
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 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
Those who believe they might 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. And those who do venture outside are urged to wear masks.
“It’s crucial to remember that community members’ efforts to adhere to stay at home orders, frequent hand washing and social distancing guidelines is critical,” Mount Nittany Medical Center Emergency Department Director Brian Newcomb said in a statement. “The extent to which the community follows these guidelines will have a direct effect on the impact of the virus on our area. We will get through this, but we need everyone’s help.”
This story was originally published April 16, 2020 at 12:08 PM.