Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., March 17, that there were 3,004 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 973,721.
There are 1,489 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 280 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.
The trend in the 14-day moving average number of hospitalized patients per day is about 4,500 lower than it was at the peak on December 25, 2020. However, the current 14-day average is now also below what it was at the height of the spring peak on May 3, 2020.
Statewide percent positivity for the week of March 5 – March 11 stood at 5.7%.
The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.
As of 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, March 16, there were 37 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 24,689 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Pennsylvania hospitals began receiving shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 14 and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine the week of Dec. 21. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine was first allocated to Pennsylvania the week of March 1, and the commonwealth is using it for a special initiative involving educators. Vaccination numbers for Pennsylvania do not include Philadelphia, which is its own jurisdiction, or federal facilities, which are working directly with the federal government.
Vaccine highlights
· More than 3.8 million doses of vaccine administered across the state -- more vaccine administered than 44 other states.
· More than 1.3 million people fully vaccinated – with a seven-day moving average of 80,000 people per day receiving vaccinations.
· This week, a total of 4,699,560 doses will have been allocated through March 20:
o 278,670 first/single doses will have been allocated this week.
o 242,270 second doses will have been allocated this week.
· To date, of the 4,699,560 doses allocated through March 20, we have administered 3,840,896 doses total through March 16:
o First/single doses, 95 percent (2,559,813 administered of 2,705,155 allocated)
o Second doses, 64 percent (1,281,068 administered of 1,994,405 allocated)
Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
There are 118,580 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 640 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.
There are 4,018,759 individuals who have tested negative to date.
In licensed nursing and personal care homes, there are 68,659 resident cases of COVID-19, and 13,933 cases among employees, for a total of 82,592 at 1,561 distinct facilities in all 67 counties. Out of total deaths reported to PA-NEDSS, 12,762 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here. Note that the number of deaths reported to NEDSS is not exactly the same as the COVID-19 related deaths reported by the death registry. The number of deaths among nursing and personal care home residents and employees is taken from the PA-NEDSS death data, as this information is not available in the death registry data.
Approximately 25,844 of our total cases are among health care workers.
Statewide - The Wolf Administration has since noon, Mar. 16:
· Provided latest CMU metrics report.
· Provided updated data on the Early Warning Monitoring Dashboard.
· Provided latest enforcement data from the Department of State.
While vaccine supply from the federal government remains limited, the Department of Health is working to ensure the vaccine is provided in a way that is ethical, equitable and efficient. To keep Pennsylvanians informed about vaccination efforts:
· The Your Turn tool provides a way to register to be alerted when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.
· A commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination guide explains the current process for getting one. Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
· Vaccine provider map to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.
· All of the locations that received vaccine and how much they have received can be found on the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution webpage.
· Vaccine dashboard data can also be found on the website to find more information on the doses administered and showcase demographic information.
· Pennsylvanians can provide feedback on the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan by clicking on the Plan Feedback Form square under Popular Vaccine Topics here.
· Frequently asked questions can be found here.
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.
· Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.
Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics
· Daily COVID-19 Report
· Press releases regarding coronavirus
· Latest information on the coronavirus
· Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
· Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
· Community preparedness and procedures materials
MEDIA CONTACT: Barry Ciccocioppo - ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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