The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 991 new cases Thursday, raising the statewide total to 122,121.
This marks the highest number of new cases in August and the biggest number since July 28, when the state had 1,120 new cases. The number of new cases has generally dropped in August, after climbing steadily in late June and throughout July. The state has averaged 800 new cases each day over the past week.
At the peak in the spring, the health department regularly reported 1,000 or more new cases a day, and Pennsylvania hit that level several times in July.
There were 25,714 test results reported to the health department through 10 p.m. Wednesday. Between August 6 and August 12, the state has administered 162,548 COVID-19 tests. Gov. Tom Wolf has hailed the state’s improved testing capacity, though he said there remains room for improvement, particularly in getting results in a shorter time.
Across Pennsylvania, 7,409 deaths have been tied to COVID-19, including 24 newly reported fatalities Thursday. More than 5,000 of those deaths - about two-thirds - have occurred in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.
The health department remains concerned about the growing number of young adults contracting the coronavirus. More cases are being reported among those between the ages of 19 and 24, particularly in eastern Pennsylvania.
The governor and Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine continue to tout the importance of social distancing and wearing masks to curb the spread of the virus. Wolf has said it’s important to keep the virus under control in order for schools to open their doors later this month.
Here’s a look at the trend in new cases over the past six weeks.
July 3-9: 4,793 new cases, an average of 684 per day
July 10-16: 5,579 new cases, an average of 797 per day
July 17-23: 5,912 new cases, an average of 844 per day
July 24-30: 6,720 new cases, an average of 960 per day
July 31-Aug. 6: 5,443 new cases, an average of 777 per day
Aug. 7-13: 5,600 new cases, an average of 800 per day
The health department estimates 78 percent of those who have been infected with the coronavirus have recovered. The department considers patients to have recovered when they are 30 days past the onset of symptoms or the point of infection.
Most who are infected suffer only mild symptoms, but the virus poses greater risks for seniors and those with health issues.
Statewide, 5,037 coronavirus deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and personal care homes, according to the health department.
The department said 20,244 residents in long-term care facilities have contracted COVID-19, along with 4,192 employees. A total of 24,436 people have been infected in those facilities.
Cases have been found at 888 long-term care facilities in 61 counties.
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