PA Reports Highest Single-Day COVID Total In 6 Weeks

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania on Thursday reported its highest number of new coronavirus cases in six weeks.

State health officials said there were 832 additional positive cases of COVID-19 reported Thursday. That's the highest new case total since May 20, when 845 new cases were reported.

Pennsylvania now has a total of 88,074 cases, with 78 percent of patients recovered. In total, there have been 6,712 virus-related deaths statewide.

Infections are skyrocketing in Allegheny County, where 233 new cases were reported Thursday. That's the largest single-day number in that county since the outbreak began. In the newest Allegheny County cases, the median age of those infected is 29.

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“Our latest data shows that the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing across the state,” Secretary of Health Rachel Levine said in a news release. “The virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently."

Officials noted that with the holiday weekend approaching, "it is essential that all Pennsylvanians take steps to protect themselves and those around them."

The rise in cases on Wednesday prompted Gov. Tom Wolf to expand his mask wearing mandate. All residents must wear a face covering whenever leaving their homes.

The number of daily coronavirus cases across the United States has soared, hitting record highs this past week and escalating to a staggering 50,700 cases reported in a single day.

Surging cases in new hot spots are prompting leaders in states including Florida, Arizona, Texas and California to close businesses yet again as the country heads into the Fourth of July weekend. Pennsylvania officials said this week they are not considering new statewide closures.

Nationwide, there have been nearly 2.7 million coronavirus cases and more than 128,000 deaths. Globally, there have been more than 10.7 million coronavirus cases and more than 517,000 dead, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Finding Our Way Forward: See more stories about Pennsylvania's coronavirus recovery