Pennsylvania reports highest new covid-19 case count in over 2 months

The Pennsylvania Department of Health posted its highest number of new cases of covid-19 in two and a half months on Friday.

The day’s report of 1,213 new cases was the highest new daily total since May 10, when 1,295 new cases were counted. The state has amassed a total of 105,571 cases overall.

The state has seen its seven-day average of new cases go from a low of 395 cases per day on June 19 to now 870 cases per day.

Officials said 151,858 tests were administered within the past 7 days — July 17-23 — with 5,912 positive cases.

Allegheny County had the second highest new case count, with 198, in the state. Philadelphia County topped all with 227 new cases. Other counties posting high numbers include Delaware (91), Montgomery (74) and Bucks (72). There were 14 counties that posted no new cases, including Clarion and Forest counties.

Lancaster County reported the most new deaths from covid-19 with five. Delaware County was next with three, and Allegheny County was third with two new deaths reported.

In nursing and personal care homes, the state reported 18,991 resident cases of covid-19 and 3,737 cases among employees, for a total of 22,728 at 813 distinct facilities in 60 counties. Out of the total deaths, 4,844 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities.

According to the state’s covid-19 website, 75% of those who have had covid-19 in Pennsylvania are considered recovered.

The state considers an individual recovered the same way several other states do: If a case has not been reported as a death and is more than 30 days past the date of the person’s first positive test (or onset of symptoms), then that person is considered recovered. It is purely an estimate, with no hard data to back it up.

Officials remind residents that mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home, adding that consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of covid-19.