Published March 19. 2020 12:58PM
FILE - This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health authorities are preparing for a possible pandemic as they work to contain a respiratory illness in China that’s caused by a new virus. Governments are working to contain the virus by limiting travel, isolating sick people and keeping travelers returning from the affected region under quarantine to watch for symptoms. (CDC via AP, File)
There are now 185 cases of the COVID-19 virus in Pennsylvania, according to health officials.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 52 new cases of the virus on Wednesday.
The state also had its first death related to the virus, a 55-year-old man from Northampton County.
There are still no reported cases of the virus in Carbon or Schuylkill counties.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12 a.m., March 19, that there are 52 additional positive cases of COVID-19 reported, bringing the statewide total to 185. The state also reported one death, an adult from Northampton County. County-specific information and a statewide map are available online at health.pa.gov. All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.
As of Thursday the counties with the most cases were Montgomery (47), Philadelphia (33), Monroe (15), Delaware (14) and Bucks (12).
“Our notable increase in cases over the last few days and our first death in Pennsylvania indicate we need everyone to take COVID-19 seriously,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvanians have a very important job right now: stay calm, stay home and stay safe. We have seen case counts continue to increase and the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home.”
Statewide, there are 185 cases of COVID-19 reported from commercial, hospital and state labs. There are 1,608 patients who have tested negative, and one death. With commercial labs being the primary testing option for most Pennsylvanians, data is not available on the total number of tests pending.