Pennsylvania posts near-1,000 covid-19 case increase, largest thus far in August

Pennsylvania reported 991 new covid-19 cases Thursday, according to the state Department of Health.

The new coronavirus cases mark the largest increase thus far in August and bring the case total to 122,121 in the state.

In addition, 24 deaths were reported, bringing Pennsylvania’s death toll to 7,409. Of the newly reported deaths, one was from April, two are from July and 21 are from August, according to state data.

The majority of deaths have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, with 5,037 deaths connected to those environments.

Between residents (20,244) and employees (4,192) at nursing and personal care homes, there are 24,436 covid-19 cases at 888 facilities in 61 counties. About 8,790 state coronavirus cases are among health care workers.

Currently, there are 606 covid-19 patients hospitalized, 96 of them on ventilators, according to the state’s dashboard.

The state estimates 78% of coronavirus cases have recovered.

Over 1.28 million tests have came back negative, according to state numbers. That figure represents negative PCR tests and does not include negative antibody tests.

Philadelphia County had the largest increase in cases and deaths among Pennsylvania counties Thursday, with 192 covid-19 cases and nine deaths. Allegheny County reported 114 new cases and five new deaths, while the state reported only one new death for the county.