New Coronavirus Cases Dip Slightly In Allegheny, No New Deaths

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA — New coronavirus cases dipped slightly in Allegheny County Thursday, where 158 new cases were reported.

There were 12 new hospitalizations and no new deaths reported, according to county health officials.

The newest cases ranged from 5 months to 90 years old, with the median age being 29.

Statewide on Thursday, 719 new cases were reported.

Health officials across the state have this week noted that more and more people in their 20s are contracting the virus through travel, parties, and at bars.

State officials say they're seeing "significant increases" in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly those 19 to 24.

The Southwest region of the state has seen the most dramatic increases in coronavirus cases among young people 19 to 24 years old. Residents in that age bracket made up about 5 percent of local cases in April. They now make up 28 percent of cases so far this month.

State health officials recently issued an alert to health care providers regarding the situation of the virus's spread in young people.

"While serious outcomes are most commonly seen in patients with comorbidities (e.g., obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, cancer), patients without underlying medical conditions are also at risk for severe outcomes," the alert said. "Studies from China suggest that patients with COVID-19 with no reported underlying medical conditions had an overall case fatality of 0.9 percent."

County officials are asking residents to "please limit travel and errands to only those that are necessary and take the appropriate steps to protect those around you."