Younger Age Groups Seeing 'Significant Increase' In PA Cases

PENNSYLVANIA — Younger age groups have seen the most significant increases in coronavirus cases across Pennsylvania, officials said Friday. Specifically, the 19 to 24-year-old age bracket comprises up to 19 percent of all cases in some regions now, despite making up only a small number of the total infected at the start of the pandemic.

In southeastern Pennsylvania, 19 to 24-year-olds made up five percent of cases in April. They comprise 18 percent now in August, the state said. Similar numbers were reported in other regions around the state:

• Northeast: 6 percent in April, 19 percent in August
• North-central: 7 percent in April, 17 percent in August
• Southwest: 5 percent in April, 12 percent in August
• South-central: 7 percent in April, 13 percent in August
• Northwest: 7 percent in April, 10 percent in August

Back in July, the trend led the state to send an alert to healthcare providers about changing demographics, as younger groups comprise more cases than those aged 50 to 64 or 65 and older, officials said.

“The mitigation efforts in place now are essential as we protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, including our children as they start school and our loved ones in long-term care facilities,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a statement. “Wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings, and telework will help keep our case counts low. We know that the cases in schools and in facilities such as nursing homes are often a reflection of the spread of the virus in the local community.

The bulk of patients hospitalized are also aged 25 to 49, officials said.

The Department of Health reported 843 additional positive cases of COVID-19 Saturday, bringing the statewide total to 132,834. There were 16 new deaths reported Saturday, bringing the total to 7,671.