Pa. announces continued efforts as cases of coronavirus rise

This weekend, Pennsylvania’s number of positive cases of COVID-19 rose to 63 as the Department of Health found the first positive cases in the midstate. By Monday afternoon, that number has now risen to 76.

Positive cases of the coronavirus continue to rise in Pennsylvania, which prompted Governor Tom Wolf to close all Pennsylvania k-12 schools, urge non-essential businesses in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties to close and order all restaurants in Allegheny and the four previously mentioned counties to close their dine-in facilities.

“Non-essential” businesses include community and recreation centers, spas, casinos, concert venues, shopping malls and more. The state has not yet announced if it will be expanding this guidance to other counties in the commonwealth.

As of Monday afternoon, the state has 76 confirmed cases of COVID-19. While a majority of cases are based in the regions around Philadelphia, with 30 counts in Montgomery alone, the virus’ effects have now been felt in central Pennsylvania, where five positive cases were found over the weekend.

The state Department of Health also noted on Sunday that it documented its first case in Lehigh County.

In total, there have been 670 patients who have been tested or are in the process of being tested.

“While we anticipate that there will be more Pennsylvanians with COVID-19 in the coming days and weeks, it is important for residents to know the commonwealth is prepared and to be prepared themselves,” Dr. Levine said.

The state will be announcing more cases this week during its scheduled daily meetings at the capital.

This story was updated to have the most recent information from the state Department of Health as of Monday afternoon.