Pa. COVID-19 Case Growth Slows

While cases and hospitalizations continued to increase this week, it is at a slower rate than in recent weeks. The statewide COVID-19 total case count now stands at 1,068,974 with 30,225 new cases reported this week, a 4% increase over last week and an increase for the fifth week in a row. Across the state, 42 counties saw their weekly cases increase (compared to 55 last week), while 25 counties saw decreases (compared to nine last week), and none had no change (compared to two last week). Nationwide, weekly case counts are increasing, and the highest growth in cases per 100,000 continues to be Michigan, New Jersey, New York City, and New York State, with Pennsylvania now at number six.  

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Pennsylvania has increased for the fourth week in a row from 2,202 to 2,460, an 11.7% increase. 516 of these patients are in an ICU, up from 432 the prior week. The number of COVID-19 patients on a ventilator statewide increased for the fourth week in a row, from 221 to 254.  

After one week of decreased total deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania compared to the prior weeks, 214 deaths were reported this week, 6% more than in the previous week. Total deaths in Pennsylvania have reached 25,402.  

Pennsylvania’s statewide percent-positivity rate has increased slightly for the fourth week in a row, from 9.4% to 9.5%. Seven counties now have rates less than 5% (down from 10 last week), 32 counties have rates of 5% to less than 10% (up from 30 last week), 26 counties have rates of 10% to less than 20% (same as last week), and the remaining two counties have rates of 20% but less than 30% (up from one last week). Click here for more county-specific information.