PA Coronavirus Cases Pass 85K, Philly Sees Resurgence

PENNSYLVANIA — The state's coronavirus cases surpassed 85,000 Sunday, after 505 additional positive cases of COVID-19 were reported. In total, there have been 85,496 COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania, and 6,606 deaths.

In nursing and personal care homes, there have been 17,677 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,212 cases among employees. Out of the state's total deaths, 4,528 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities.

The developments come as most states across the country report increasing numbers of coronavirus cases. Connecticut and Rhode Island are the only two states who have experienced a decline in new cases compared to last week, CNN reported.

The situation is becoming increasingly dire in Florida, where a record-breaking 9,585 new coronavirus cases were reported Saturday.

Here are the Pennsylvania case counts from the past three days:

• June 28: 505
• June 27: 600
• June 26: 579

Compared to the low in the middle of the month:

• June 15: 336
• June 16: 323
• June 17: 362

In Philadelphia, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said daily case counts are going back up after declining in the recent weeks. With more cases, Farley said activities planned to resume July 3 in the city may not then due to target figures not being met.

"The first wave ending and a second wave is beginning," Farley said Friday. "We all need to be concerned. And to minimize our health risks in this new wave, everyone needs to take safety guidelines seriously, especially the wearing of masks."

Officials in Pennsylvania continue to remind residents of the importance of wearing a mask and following safety protocols to prevent an uptick in local cases.

"Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19," a news release issued Sunday from the state Department of Health said.

In a Friday statement, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said the importance of mask-wearing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 "cannot be overstated."

It is mandatory residents wear mask in all Pennsylvania businesses. “It’s that simple and that important to continue to safely reopen the state and keep our case counts on the decline," Wolf said.

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