New COVID cases up in PA, latest state data show. These 20 counties are at medium level

Pennsylvania health officials reported a rising number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last week, even as the number of counties at an elevated community level fell.

For the latest reporting week, which ran Feb. 1 to 7, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 10,936 new cases. That’s up from 10,049 new cases for the prior week.

It’s important to note those numbers are undercounts and do not include positive test results from at-home kits or those not reported to health officials.

Hospitalizations across the commonwealth have improved. The state reports 1,180 people are receiving treatment for COVID-19 at a medical facility, 34 less than the week prior.

The number in adult intensive care units fell by 10 to 147, while the number on ventilators dropped from 75 to 52.

An additional 130 deaths were reported Feb. 8 as the state nears 50,000 COVID-19 casualties since the onset of the pandemic. The latest update shows 49,921 coronavirus deaths have been recorded in Pennsylvania.

COVID-19 community levels in Pennsylvania

For the second straight week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports no Pennsylvania counties are at a high COVID-19 community level.

The metric is updated weekly and based on new cases and hospitalizations per 100,000 people (seven-day totals) and the percent of occupied, staffed COVID hospital beds (a seven-day average).

The number of counties at medium fell this week to 20, while 47 Pennsylvania counties are at low.

In U.S. counties at high, the CDC recommends masking in public along with other prevention measures. That recommendation extends to medium-level areas for individuals at higher risk for severe illness.

Vaccination is recommended for all individuals, regardless of community level.

COVID-19 in Centre County

Centre County remains at a low community level this week, though Snyder and Union counties are at medium as of Thursday’s CDC update.

The federal agency reports 131 new cases in Centre County in its latest reporting period and a case rate of 80.67 per 100,000 people. The positivity rate — the number of positive tests over the total given during the period — fell slightly to 11.64%.

Mount Nittany Health reports 10 COVID patients as of Thursday. Over the past week, that census peaked at 15 Feb. 7.

Current COVID patients range in age from 65 to 90, and none are in the ICU.

To find a free COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you, visit vaccines.gov.