Published March 28. 2020 12:15PM
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)
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 533 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 2,751 in 56 counties. The department also reported 12 new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 34.
Lehigh County has the most cases in the region with 109 with three deaths.
Monroe County has 106 cases and 2 deaths. Northampton has 94 cases and four deaths.
Schuylkill County has 16 confirmed cases.
Carbon has one additional case, bringing the total to 3.
All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.
“Our notable increase in cases over the past week 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.”
There are 25,254 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:
•Less than 1% are aged 0-4;
•Less than 1% are aged 5-12;
•1% are aged 13-18;
•Nearly 11% are aged 19-24;
•39% are aged 25-49;
•Nearly 28% are aged 50-64; and
•19% are aged 65 or older.
Most of the patients hospitalized are aged 25-49, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date.