The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported that there were 676 new positive coronavirus case today in addition to 918 new cases reported on Sunday, Sept. 27 for a two-day total of 1,594, bringing the statewide total to 156,826.
The number of tests administered within the last seven days between Sept. 21 and Sept. 27 is 193,277 with 5,572 positive cases. There were 19,538 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., Sept. 27. These results represent the total number of tests administered.
Secretary Teresa Miller of the Department of Human Services (DHS) today sent a letter to Senator Bob Casey and Senator Pat Toomey to persuade them to grant the DHS continued flexibility to manage changing needs during the crisis, especially pertaining to Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) waivers. Without the continuation of these waivers, the DHS may need to authorize overtime or hire additional staff to keep pace with existing work due to an expected increase in need for assistance programs over the fall and winter months.
“The economic impact of this crisis has not yet been fully mitigated and for that reason, we expect SNAP enrollment to continue to grow. We urge you to support the adoption and extension of these waiver flexibilities, which will be necessary to support the provision of critical benefits to Pennsylvania households in need,” wrote Secretary Miller. “Granting Pennsylvania the flexibility of these waivers will ensure that DHS can continue to effectively manage the COVID-19 public health emergency and its ensuing economic impact.”
There are 396 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 645 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.
There were six new deaths reported Sunday, Sept. 27, and one new death reported today for a total of 8,107 deaths attributed to COVID-19. There are 1,855,491 patients who have tested negative to date.
The age breakdown of those who have tested positive for the coronavirus is as follows:
- Ages 0-4: Approximately 1 percent
- Ages 5-12: Approximately 2 percent
- Ages 13-18: Approximately 5 percent
- Ages 19-24: Approximately 13 percent
- Ages 25-49: Approximately 36 percent
- Ages 50-64: Approximately 22 percent
- Ages 65+: Approximately 22 percent