The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported 8,053 new coronavirus cases and 41 additional deaths on Saturday.
Across Pennsylvania, 351,667 people have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic early this year.
Statewide, 10,275 deaths have been tied to the virus.
The number of hospitalizations has risen dramatically in recent weeks. According to the health department, 4,253 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized. That’s up 1,000 people from a week ago – and it’s 10 times the number of patients in late September.
Of those hospitalized, 864 COVID-19 patients are in intensive care units, according to the health department.
An increase in testing is contributing to the streak. The number of tests administered in the last seven days, through Nov. 27, is 415,677, and 49,103 (11.8%) of those were positive.
Of those who’ve tested positive across the state: about 1% are ages 0-4; 3% are ages 5-12; 6% are ages 13-18; 13% are ages 19-24; 37% are ages 25-49; 22% are ages 50-64; and 20% are ages 65 or older.
Most of the patients hospitalized, and most of those who’ve died, are ages 65 or older, the state said. Nursing homes have struggled with the spread of the virus.
Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said some projections show if the spike continues, the state’s ICU beds could be filled in December. Nearly all of Pennsylvania’s counties – 63 of 67 – are showing substantial spread of the virus, according to the health department.
Levine has directed school districts to notify the state about the steps they are taking to operate safely, either with remote education or how they are managing in-person learning.
Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration issued an advisory for residents to stay home whenever possible. It’s not a stay-at-home order but does stress mask-wearing.
Can’t see the chart? Click here.
The health department reports 61% of those who have contracted the coronavirus have recovered. The state considers patients to have recovered when they are 30 days past the point of infection or the onset of symptoms. About 2.8 million people have had negative tests.
More:
These Pa. ZIP codes have the biggest increase in COVID-19 cases this week
With the coronavirus raging, Pa. charities face make-or-break situation
Supreme Court blocks N.Y. coronavirus limits on houses of worship