Key Metrics Show Drop In New Coronavirus Cases In PA

PENNSYLVANIA — New data shows a decline in coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania.

New cases dropped last week compared to those reported the week prior. Plus, the statewide percent-positivity rate — a key metric used to show the prevalence of COVID-19 cases — also went down from 4.6 percent to 4.1 percent.

The data demonstrating lessening new case counts shows that additional measures put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus are working, the governor said.

“The decreased case counts across the state, and in many counties this week, indicate that the tough decisions we have had to make are protecting Pennsylvanians,” Gov. Wolf said in a news release about the latest data. “Our percent positivity decreased for the second week in a row, which continues to reflect the willingness of Pennsylvanians to take steps to protect themselves and their neighbors. We must continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid large gathering to keep our numbers low, which will stop the spread and allow more freedom.”

As of Aug. 6, the state has seen a seven-day case increase of 5,016 cases. The previous seven-day increase was 6,228, showing that new cases statewide decreased in the last seven days by 1,252.

While the statewide percent-positivity rate declined last week, there are still 17 counties with elevated numbers.

The World Health Organization has said positivity rates should be under 5 percent.

"If a positivity rate is too high, that may indicate that the state is only testing the sickest patients who seek medical attention, and is not casting a wide enough net to know how much of the virus is spreading within its communities," according to the WHO.

Those 17 counties are: Union (11.8%), Indiana (7.9%), Fayette (7.7%), Fulton (7.4%), Huntingdon (6.7%), Erie (6.2%), Mercer (6.2%), Lawrence (6.0%), Northumberland (6.0%), York (5.8%), Clearfield (5.7%), Luzerne (5.4%), Juniata (5.3%), Lancaster (5.3%), Beaver (5.2%), Delaware (5.2%), and Mifflin (5.0%).

"Each of these counties bear watching as the state continues to monitor all available data," state officials said.

Pennsylvania's coronavirus case total reached 118,092 Saturday, after 813 additional positive cases were reported. The state's death toll from the virus now stands at 7,313.

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