The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported Wednesday that there were 8,984 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 631,333.

There are 6,022 people hospitalized with COVID-19, double the peak in the spring. Of that number, 1,174 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.

The trend in the 14-day moving average of number of hospitalized patients per day has increased by nearly 5,600 since the end of September.

Statewide percent positivity for the week of Dec. 18 - Dec. 24 stood at 15.1%.

As of 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, there were 319 new deaths reported for a total of 15,672 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 52,642 resident cases of COVID-19, and 9,587 cases among employees, for a total of 62,229 at 1,468 distinct facilities in all 67 counties. Out of our total deaths, 8,849 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. Approximately 19,044 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Carbon County has 67 new cases, bringing the total to 2,719. Deaths remain at 90.

Lehigh County has 20,031 cases to date, an increase of 330. Nine new deaths were reported for a total of 498.

In Luzerne County, there are 20,031 cases, reflecting an increase of 384. Eleven new deaths were reported, bringing the total to 498.

Monroe County added 93 new cases, for a total of 5,993. Deaths are at 198 after three more were reported.

In Northampton County, 296 new cases were reported, bringing the running total to 16,380. Eleven more deaths were reported for a total of 427 to date.

Schuylkill County has 7,717 cases, an increase of 145 cases. There are 243 deaths, an increase of three.