The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed Thursday that there were 8,992 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 640,325.

There are 5,962 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, near double the peak in the spring. Of that number, 1,178 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 5,500 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. Wednesday, there were 306 new deaths reported for a total of 15,978 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 53,220 resident cases of COVID-19, and 9,730 cases among employees, for a total of 62,950 at 1,470 distinct facilities in all 67 counties. Out of our total deaths, 8,872 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities.

Locally, Carbon County has 61 new cases, bringing the total to 2,780. Deaths remain at 90.

Lehigh County has 20,348 cases to date, an increase of 317. Five new deaths were reported for a total of 503.

In Luzerne County, there are 20,031 cases, reflecting an increase of 319. Eight new deaths were reported, bringing the total to 503.

Monroe County added 110 new cases, for a total of 6,103. Deaths are at 200, after two more were reported.

In Northampton County, 268 new cases were reported, bringing the running total to 16,648. Four more deaths were reported for a total of 431 to date.

Schuylkill County has 7,817 cases, an increase of 100 cases. There are 245 deaths, an increase of two.