Centre County adds 1 more confirmed COVID-19 case as Pennsylvania cases increase by 1,397
Centre County met at least one key reopening metric a day before Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to announce which counties may see eased restrictions aimed at mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.
The county reported one new COVID-19 case Thursday, bringing its two-week tally to 23, according to the state Health Department.
The county has about 14 new confirmed cases per 100,000 in the past 14 days. A target goal outlined by Wolf and the DOH for reopening the Keystone State is fewer than 50 new confirmed cases per 100,000 in the past 14 days.
Additional reopening criteria includes enough testing for individuals with symptoms and target populations, robust case investigation and contact tracing, and assurance that high-risk facilities have adequate safeguards in place.
There are 96 reported cases of COVID-19 in Centre County and 45,763 reported cases in Pennsylvania as of noon Thursday — a statewide increase of 1,397 since noon Wednesday, according to the DOH.
“As we see the number of new COVID-19 cases continuously change across the state, that does not mean we can stop practicing social distancing,” Health Secretary Rachel Levine said in a statement. “We must continue to stay home to protect ourselves, our families and our community.”
The statewide death toll increased by 97 Thursday, bringing the total to 2,292. The number of COVID-19 deaths reported in Centre County remains at one.
The DOH reported an additional confirmed case of COVID-19 among Centre County personal care home residents on Thursday, bringing the total to three residents across two facilities.
While the DOH does not list any confirmed cases among Centre County nursing home employees, The Oaks at Pleasant Gap confirmed Tuesday that at least one staff member tested positive.
It is unknown how many Pennsylvanians have recovered from the coronavirus. The DOH is not notified when patients are discharged.
Nearly 1,000 Centre County residents have been tested as of Thursday. About 10% have tested positive, according to the DOH.
The new coronavirus first appeared in the state March 6, and every one of the state’s 67 counties had at least one confirmed case by April 7. Centre County saw its first case March 20, and reported its first death April 17.
In Centre County, here’s the breakdown by ZIP code (those without cases are not listed):
- 16823 (Bellefonte, Milesburg and Pleasant Gap): 27
16801 (State College): 26
16827 (Boalsburg): 9
- 16803 (State College): 8
- 16870 (Port Matilda): 7
16866, 16686, 16844, 16828, 16852, 16822: 1-4 cases each (Specific numbers are not available)
According to the state’s hospital preparedness dashboard, which was last updated noon Wednesday, 2,706 Pennsylvanians are hospitalized and receiving treatment for COVID-19. No COVID-19 patients in Centre County are on ventilator care.
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.
This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 1:40 PM.