Coronavirus Pennsylvania: Philadelphia COVID-19 Cases Top 3,700 As Statewide Number Nears 13,000; Death Toll Rises To 162
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The number of coronavirus cases in Philadelphia has topped 3,700 as the statewide number is approaching 13,000. Pennsylvania health officials reported 1,470 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 12,980.
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Twelve more people have also died from the virus as the death toll now stands at 162.
"Now more than ever, as we continue to see COVID-19 cases and deaths rise in Pennsylvania, we need Pennsylvanians to take action," Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. "Those actions should be to stay calm, stay home and stay safe. If you must go out, please limit it to as few trips as possible and wear a mask to protect not only yourself, but other people as well. We need all Pennsylvanians to heed these efforts to protect our vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and also our healthcare workers and frontline responders."
Gov. Tom Wolf says a surge is coming for the commonwealth.
"We need to continue social distancing," Wolf said.
Wolf is also urging manufacturers in the state that currently are producing or can pivot to producing coronavirus-related supplies to submit their information to the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Call to Action Portal.
"We're asking everyone to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including ensuring that our health care system is prepared to care for patients and that there is access to critical personal protective equipment and products as more individuals and businesses take preventive measures," Wolf said. "Throughout our commonwealth's history, our manufacturing sector has answered the call to move us forward and contributed tremendously in times of turbulence. I call upon our private sector to be a part of the solution to this crisis."
In Philadelphia, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley reported 539 new cases in the city, bringing the total to 3,738. He also said two more people have died from the virus, as the city's death toll rose to 45.
Farley revealed that the testing site at Citizens Bank Park is closing Friday, April 10 and that testing materials will go to other sites in Philly. The Montgomery County site at Temple University's Ambler campus will also be closing Friday.
Mayor Jim Kenney says the first Philadelphia police officer has died from the virus. Lt. Jimmy Walker, a three-decade veteran, passed away Sunday from the virus. He was 59.
Walker was part of the traffic division.
Over 70,000 patients have tested negative.
Last week, Wolf asked all Pennsylvanians to wear masks while in public.
The Pennsylvania Health Department explains how to make a mask on its website. Click here for directions.
