Pennsylvania reports 18 more covid-19 deaths, case count hits close to 72K

Pennsylvania health officials on Sunday reported 18 more covid-19 deaths Sunday, and 511 additional positive cases.

That brings the state’s total number of deaths to 5,555 and case count to 71,926.

Sixty-seven percent of the total cases have recovered.

About 5,455 of the total cases are in health care workers.

Nursing and personal care homes account for 18,145 of the total cases and 3,540 of the total deaths.

According to the state, there are 15,486 resident cases of covid-19, and 2,659 cases among employees. Those numbers reflect 609 facilities in 44 counties. The 3,540 deaths occurred in residents from such facilities.

Currently, 57 of the state’s 67 counties are in the yellow phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s red/yellow/green reopening plan.

The first 18 counties have already transitioned to the green phase. All remaining red counties are expected to move to yellow by June 5, which is when Allegheny and Westmoreland counties will move to the green phase.

“As Pennsylvania continues to move forward in the process to reopen, we need to remember that the threat from covid-19 has not gone away,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a Sunday statement. “As counties move into the yellow and green phases, we must take personal responsibility to protect others. Wearing a mask, continuing to maintain social distancing, and washing your hands frequently are all steps we can take to help protect others, including our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Age breakdown of total positive cases:

​0-4: ​< 1%

​5-12: ​< 1%

​13-18: ​2%

​19-24: 6%

​25-49: ​37%

​50-64: ​25%

​65+: ​28%

Age breakdown of hospitalization rates by age group:

​0-4: ​< 1%

​5-12: ​< 1%

​13-18: < 1%

​19-24: 1%

​25-49: ​16%

​50-64: ​26%

​65+: ​56%