The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDOH) today confirmed 643 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 3,394. The department also reported
four new deaths.
PDOH said over half of the coronavirus cases have been among young and middle-aged Pennsylvanians, giving the following age breakdown of those who have tested positive:
- Less than 1% are aged 0-4;
- Less than 1% are aged 5-12;
- 1% are aged 13-18;
- 10% are aged 19-24;
- 41% are aged 25-49;
- 27% are aged 50-64; and
- 19% are aged 65 or older.
Although younger people are getting the virus, most of the patients who need to be hospitalized are aged 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older, said PDOH. There have been no pediatric deaths to date.
The number of confirmed cases in Adams County has remained steady at eight since Friday.
All people with COVID-19 in the state and the county are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.
“Our notable increase in cases over the past week indicates we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. “Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe. We have seen case counts continue to increase and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home.”
All non-life-sustaining businesses and schools in the state remain closed. Currently 22 counties are under stay-at-home orders.
PDOH also reminded residents of the important role they play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies.