Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., August 8, that there are 760 additional positive cases of COVID-19 reported to the department, bringing the statewide total to 118,852. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.
The number of tests administered between August 1 and August 7 is 150,527 with 5,231 positive cases. There were 23,317 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., August 7. These results represent the total number of tests administered.
There are 7,314 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 1 new death reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
“As the state has put in place targeted mitigation efforts to offset recent case increases, we must renew our commitment to protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings and telework,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, we know the virus has not gone away as we see cases rise, so we must work together to stop another surge.”
Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The department is seeing significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics, as there are more cases in younger age groups than in those 50-64 and 65+. The following regions saw significant increases among 19 to 24-year-olds in each month from April to the end of July:
- SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 19 percent of cases in July;
- SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 18 percent of cases in July;
- NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 17 percent of cases in July;
- SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 14 percent of cases in July;
- NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 14 percent of cases in July; and
- NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 13 percent of cases in July.
In nursing and personal care homes, there are 19,968 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,153 cases among employees, for a total of 24,087 at 877 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,974 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.
Approximately 8,644 of our total cases are amongst health care workers.
For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.
Currently, all 67 counties are in the green phase of reopening.
Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, August 8:
· Announced low-interest loans for Philadelphia and neighboring counties.
The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
- If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics
All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nate Wardle, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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