The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed Friday that there are 891 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 137,662. Philadelphia is reporting an increase of 126 cases.

There are 7,742 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 10 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 21,307 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,564 cases among employees, for a total of 25,871 at 942 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,235 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 9,813 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Two more cases were reported in Carbon County, bringing the total to 427, with 28 deaths.

Lehigh County has 5,249 cases, an increase of five. One more death was reported for a total of 345.

Luzerne County has 3,831 cases, an increase of 13 cases. There are 188 deaths.

Monroe County is reporting one new case for a total of 1,731. There are 129 deaths.

Northampton has 4,141 cases, an increase of seven. There are 301 deaths.

Schuylkill County has two new cases for a total of 997 cases and 51 deaths.

Labor Day etiquette

The Wolf Administration is reminding Pennsylvanians to avoid large gatherings and to wear masks around other people to help prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Mass gatherings, as defined in the Secretary of Health’s Order, are gatherings of 25 or more people indoors and 250 or more for outdoors.

“COVID-19 knows no bounds – it doesn’t respect county or state lines and it certainly doesn’t take a holiday, so it is important that we remind our neighbors to stay safe over the long weekend as COVID-19 remains a threat in our communities,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvanians should refrain from attending large gatherings, and if you do go out and interact with others, social distance, wash your hands frequently and wear a mask. Remember: My mask protects you, and your mask protects me and by wearing a mask it shows that you care about others, and that you are committed to protecting the lives of those around you.”

An increasing number of COVID-19 cases reported attending a gathering when completing their initial case investigation to determine where they went and who they came in contact with while they were infectious. Of the 4,536 confirmed cases reported between Aug. 16 and Aug. 22, 47 percent or 2,114 individuals answered the question as to whether they attended a mass gathering or other large event. Of the 47 percent, nearly 13 percent or 272 individuals answered yes to whether they attended a mass gathering or other large event 14 days before onset of symptoms.

If you do gather with a small group of close friends or family, it is important to take precautions to keep everyone safe from COVID-19.

If you plan to host a small gathering or barbecue, please follow the following recommendations to protect you and your guests:

• Greet guests by a smile and/or wave, do not hug or shake hands.

• Encourage guests to bring their masks, or have masks to provide for those who forgot.

• Clean and disinfect touched surfaces frequently.

• Keep tables and chairs spread out in order to allow for proper social distancing.

• Wash hands before eating or handling food.

• Assign individuals to prepare or serve food to avoid further spread of germs.